Scarlets set to have crowd for Cup encounter

SPECTATORS will return to Welsh rugby in little more than a week for the first time in 15 months.

A crowd of around 2,000 will be allowed to watch the PRO14 Rainbow Cup clash between the Scarlets and Edinburgh at Parc y Scarlets on Sunday, June 13 (1pm kick-off).

This follows the announcement from the Welsh Government that fans will be allowed back at sporting stadiums from Monday, June 7.

Large, organised outdoor events such as sports matches and organised runs can go ahead for up to 4,000 people when not seated and 10,000 when seated.

The Scarlets have not yet confirmed how many supporters will be able to attend the Edinburgh match, but WalesOnline understands the figure will be around the 2,000 mark, with season ticket holders to get priority.

It will be the first crowd at a rugby match in Wales since March 2020, when the sport went into shutdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ospreys are also at home next weekend, but they won’t be having any fans at the Brewery Field in Bridgend for their meeting with Rainbow Cup pacesetters Benetton.

A statement from the Scarlets read: “We are delighted to confirm that we will be welcoming back supporters, at a reduced capacity, to Parc y Scarlets for our final Rainbow Cup match against Edinburgh on Sunday, June 13.

“We are currently working on full details regarding ticketing and attendance protocols. Further updates will follow shortly.”

As for the Ospreys, they have said: “We welcome the announcement by Welsh Government to allow crowds back to sporting events, but due to timing, safety and logistical issues, it is unfortunately prohibitive for us to cater for supporters at the Brewery Field next weekend.

“We understand there’ll be disappointment among supporters, but we thank them for their continued support and their safety is our paramount concern.”

The WRU also issued a statement, confirming there will be fans for Wales’ Tests against Canada and Argentina at the Principality Stadium in July.

They are hoping to have crowds of 10,000 for all three matches.

Their statement read: “Following the latest announcement from Welsh Government, we look forward to welcoming fans back to the Principality Stadium this summer.

“Once we have clarity on the protocols and procedures required under these latest guidelines we will publish detailed information regarding the ticketing process and attendance protocols for our forthcoming games shortly.”

Meanwhile, the Six Nations have given an update on the chances of having crowds at the U20s Championship which will be held at Cardiff Arms Park from June 19.

They say they are liaising with the WRU and hope to have a better idea by the week beginning June 7.