The Welsh Rugby Union has begun distributing complimentary tickets to stadium stewards ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations encounter with France, as concerns mount over what could prove to be a historically poor turnout at the Principality Stadium.
Whilst the governing body has previously offered such incentives to its paid workforce, this marks the first occasion the practice has been extended to a fixture against Les Bleus.
“This is highly unusual,” one steward, speaking anonymously to Telegraph Sport, explained.
“It’s happened in the autumn internationals, but in my 20 years at the stadium, I can only remember a Six Nations giveaway like this happening for an Italian match years ago.”
Wales have struggled to fill out their stadium in recent times
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The move signals growing anxiety within Welsh rugby’s corridors of power.
Reports earlier this week indicated that more than 18,000 seats remained unsold in the 74,000-capacity venue.
Such figures have inevitably drawn comparisons with the wooden spoon decider against Italy in 2002, when just 58,349 spectators attended—the sole occasion a Six Nations match at the stadium has failed to breach the 60,000 barrier.
Fixtures against France have historically commanded far greater interest, with only one encounter since the Championship’s expansion at the turn of the century attracting fewer than 70,000 supporters.
The secondary market paints an equally troubling picture. Tickets are currently being offered on the WRU’s official resale platform at less than half their original value, with hundreds of supporters seeking to recoup their outlay.
Wales have been offering tickets to stewards for free – as well as offering cutthroat prices on their website
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Amateur clubs have found themselves particularly exposed, having ordered allocations they cannot shift.
Several factors appear to be driving supporters away from the national stadium.
Wales have now endured a dozen consecutive Six Nations defeats, with Saturday’s comprehensive 48-7 thrashing at Twickenham cementing Steve Tandy’s side as overwhelming favourites for an unprecedented third successive wooden spoon.
Domestic turmoil has compounded matters significantly. The WRU’s plans to reduce the number of professional regions from four has placed the Ospreys’ future in considerable doubt.
Reports suggest supporters in the Swansea area have launched personal boycott campaigns against the national team, refusing to attend until the governing body provides assurances regarding the country’s most decorated region’s survival beyond next season.
The atmosphere surrounding Welsh rugby has become distinctly volatile, with traditional patriotic fervour being tested in certain quarters.
Despite the prevailing gloom, former Welsh internationals have urged supporters to rally behind the team.
Wales players have urged fans to get behind the team
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“I think it is important to get behind the boys at home because the last thing the Welsh lads on the pitch need is hear the support getting drowned out by the French, who always travel in great numbers,” Jonathan Davies, the former fly-half, told Telegraph Sport.
The WRU maintains an optimistic outlook, with officials expressing confidence that the symbolic 60,000 threshold will be reached.
Chief Operating Officer Gavin Marshall noted that purchasing patterns have shifted, with daily sales exceeding 1,000 tickets this week since the tournament commenced.
“We have some of the most loyal fans in the world game in Wales,” Marshall stated, adding that half-time entertainment from Welsh singer-songwriter Molly Roberts would enhance the matchday experience.
