WRU BARS CLOSE EARLY IN BID TO TACKLE DISORDER

THE Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed bars at the Principality Stadium will close for the second half of Wales’ three Six Nations home games in a bid to minimise anti-social behaviour. WRU chief executive Steve Phillips admitted it was an easy decision to take after a string of horror binge-drinking stories last autumn.

Two pitch invaders made it on to the field at the Cardiff venue in the defeats against New Zealand and South Africa. In the second of those cases, invader Callum Rowe almost collided with Wales’ Liam Williams, causing a home attack to break down.

Poor behaviour in the stands, with fans regularly getting up to go to the bar during the match and excessive drinking, have long been a problem at Welsh home games.

When Wayne Pivac’s side faced Australia on November 20 — a match they won 29-28 — six-year-old Joey Delaney’s day was ruined when a drunk fan vomited all over him.

It has forced the WRU, who considered banning booze altogether, to respond. As a trial, all Principality Stadium bars and food outlets will be shut after half-time for the matches with Scotland, France and Italy. Controversially, the rule will not apply to those in hospitality. In-stadium and online messaging will also emphasise the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and beer with a lower alcohol percentage will be slowly phased in.

‘Some of the stories we heard from the autumn were embarrassing,’ said Phillips. ‘We’re not being forced to do this, but we think it’s the right thing to do.

‘It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. We’re going to drop a bit of revenue, but it’s the right thing to do.’

Sportsmail understands the WRU recorded record bar takings from their four autumn games as capacity crowds returned for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The bar closure plan will first come into effect when Wales host Scotland on February 12.

‘Some will say this is going too far, others will say it’s not far enough,’ said Phillips. ‘We’re asking people to be responsible.’ The WRU introduced an alcohol-free zone at the Principality in 2018, seating 4,200 fans. Phillips added: ‘We’ll continue to innovate as we seek to offer the best experience possible to all visitors. ‘These measures are not radical, but they do seek to address an issue that has been recently recognised.

‘It is my commitment to all Wales supporters that we will not stop until this problem is eradicated.’