Wales and New Zealand match declared a sellout

Wales’ autumn international against New Zealand in Cardiff on 30 October has been declared a sellout.

The match will be the first game in Cardiff with a 74,500 capacity crowd since the 2020 Six Nations because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wales face South Africa, Fiji and Australia in the rest of the autumn series.

The match against the All Blacks is being staged outside World Rugby’s international window.

This means Wales will not have access to their English-based players because Premiership Rugby will not release them with the likes of Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau, Louis Rees-Zammit and Callum Sheedy unavailable.

Wales played matches behind closed doors in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup and 2021 Six Nations at Parc y Scarlets and Principality Stadium.

Wayne Pivac’s side welcomed back supporters in Cardiff in the summer internationals against Canada and Argentina which had restricted crowds of 8,200.

"We are incredibly pleased with the response from Welsh supporters."

WRU Group ticketing manager, Matt Clarke

“Nobody knew what to expect after the year and a half we have all had, but we are delighted to be able to say that the appetite for Welsh rugby, and of course the All Blacks, is as strong as it has ever been.

“We are all looking forward to a month of celebration at Principality Stadium and we are ready to welcome supporters back safely and securely.

“New challenges will be presented and we will follow Welsh Government and Public Health Wales advice closely ensuring all of the appropriate safety precautions are in place.

“We will worry about these elements so supporters don’t have to and, of course, we have a full refund policy in place so fans can be safe in the knowledge that their money is safe if personal or national circumstances change due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

After New Zealand, world champions South Africa arrive the following Saturday, 6 November. Wales then host Fiji on 14 November, with Australia last up six days later.

Original article 14.09.21 on the BBC Sport website

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