Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will not be open for Wales’ Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa this weekend.
However, if Warren Gatland’s men make it to the final, the stadium will then open its doors.
Eight years ago, when Sam Warburton led Wales to the semi-final in New Zealand, around 60,000 fans streamed into the Cardiff venue to watch it all unfold on a big screen.
It was a great occasion for those who couldn’t make the trip to New Zealand and players have since spoken of how the masses turning up to watch in Cardiff drove home just how much support they were receiving.
But this time around, the Welsh Rugby Union have encouraged fans to head to their local rugby club instead, so that they can reap the financial benefits of a busy bar.
The Union are keen to see grassroots clubs benefit from the success of Gatland’s side in a move that sees them recognise the work done by local clubs to develop young talent.
In 2011, the Wales-France semi-final was on a Saturday morning, whereas this weekend's clash with South Africa is on Sunday. That may have had a bearing on the decision, given public transport issues on a Sunday morning, with the game kicking off at 9am.
However, the final will be on a Saturday (November 2) and the stadium will be opened up to fans if Wales make it through.
In a statement, the WRU said: "The Welsh Rugby Union has called on supporters to give local rugby a boost and gather in clubhouses around the country in their droves for Wales’ Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with South Africa next Sunday – and promises to open the doors to Principality Stadium for free if Warren Gatland’s side reaches the final.
" The union is asking its passionate home guard of supporters to head to rugby clubs for the semis, but promises a Principality Stadium party to surpass all others if Wales beat the Springboks to reach a potentially historic first final.
"The Union strongly recommending local rugby clubs as the best venues for the shared experience of uniting behind the national team this weekend."
