Cynon Valley

Boks heading to Cardiff for autumn series

- BEN JAMES Reporter ben.james@walesonlin­e.co.uk

WALES will again face the might of the world champions this autumn.

The fixtures have been announced for this year’s autumn internatio­nals, with two matches on Sunday and no game outside of the Test window.

For the first time since 2000, Wales’ autumn series will consist of just three matches, rather than four.

Warren Gatland’s side will face Fiji, Australia and the world champions South Africa in November. All matches will be broadcast on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The clashes with Fiji and Australia will both, intriguing­ly, take place on Sundays, leaving just the clash with the Springboks on the traditiona­l Saturday.

Wales beat both Fiji and Australia in last year’s World Cup, while they were on the end of a heavy defeat by the Springboks in a World Cup warmup match.

Gatland’s men face South Africa at Twickenham this summer before heading on tour to Australia.

WRU executive director of rugby Nigel Walker said: “This is an exciting Autumn Nations Series schedule for Wales, with fixtures against three key southern hemisphere opposition in quick succession.

”We look forward to welcoming Fiji, Australia and South Africa to the Principali­ty Stadium this November as we celebrate the stadium’s 25th anniversar­y – a particular­ly fitting milestone when we face the Springboks in our series finale having played them in the stadium’s first internatio­nal fixture back in 1999.”

Tickets for the Fiji match retail at £20, £30 and £40, with a new approach to concession­s meaning all under-18s are charged half-price for any seat.

Prices for Australia are £30, £40 and £60, with tickets for the Springboks being £50, £70 and £90 with family tickets starting at £150 for a family of four.

In another first, regional seasontick­et holders will be given a priority window to buy tickets ahead of public sale, which will take place on June 6.

Wales begin their autumn programme on Sunday, November 10 against Fiji (1.40pm) before facing Australia on November 17 (4.10pm).

The game against South Africa is on Saturday, November 23 at 5.40pm.

 ?? ?? Damian Willemse scores for South Africa in last year’s World Cup warm-up in Cardiff
Damian Willemse scores for South Africa in last year’s World Cup warm-up in Cardiff
 ?? ?? Wales edged out Fiji in last year’s World Cup
Wales edged out Fiji in last year’s World Cup

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