The Welsh Rugby Union will open the gates its iconic national stadium for another of the popular, free-to-enter, training sessions – as the squad officially gathers to prepare for their autumn campaign, beginning with a visit from South Africa on Saturday 9th November.
Any fans who wish to attend can still register their interest, and find out finer details about how to gain access to session, as late as 12noon tomorrow, for the session which begins soon after Gates open at 2.00pm.
A strong walk-up crowd is also expected for the half-term event, which saw 10,000 fans attend the last time Wales open the doors to the Millennium Stadium training session in 2012, just months after their Rugby World Cup exploits in New Zealand.
Fans will be able to see international heroes Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies, Toby Faletau, Richard Hibbard, Alun Wyn Jones and teammates led by captain Sam Warburton as they begin preparations in earnest on the Millennium Stadium pitch.
The afternoon session will also be the first opportunity for fans to catch sight of the new ‘in-game’ Millennium Stadium graphics featuring the newly unveiled digital mascot Scorch, who has already starred on television screens as part of a marketing campaign for the fixtures against Springboks, Argentina, Tonga and Australia.
He will be seen on Millennium Stadium big screens, introduced to fans in the form of a series of short films which will book-end significant moments in a game – such as try and point scoring, substitutions and refereeing decisions.
The reigning, double, RBS 6 Nations Champions, kick-off the Dove Men Series against the Springboks in Cardiff before hosting the Pumas (Saturday 16th), Tonga – marketed with ‘family friendly’ prices – (Friday 22nd) and the Wallabies (Saturday 30th) on following, consecutive, weekends.
Tickets are selling well for the four match series and are still available, starting at £25 (£10 concession) online at www.wru.co.uk/tickets, but those eager fans who can’t wait to see the likes of Welsh rugby heroes Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton, Richard Hibbard, Toby Faletau, Jonathan Davies and their teammates in action, now have the chance to chart their preparation for the Springboks from the outset.
Last time the coaching team allowed the general Welsh rugby watching public access to one of their infamous, high octane training sessions – during the 2012 RBS 6 Nations winning campaign – fans responded in their droves with in excess of 10,000 people taking up the opportunity to sample the unique atmosphere of watching Wales at the Millennium Stadium free of charge.
Gatland, after a successful summer down under with the British and Irish Lions, along with a total of 16 Wales players and a further six members of the WRU national squad back room staff, admits he is looking forward to getting back to home turf in Cardiff.
“As a squad we are all really excited to be back at the Millennium Stadium this autumn and are looking forward to playing in front of our own fans for the four matches we have lined up,” said Gatland.
“Watch Wales for Free is a great opportunity for supporters to whet their appetites for the Dove Men Series or, for those who can’t make it to one of the matches, to come to the Stadium and watch the squad train first hand.”
All fans need to do to gain access to the Millennium Stadium, to watch preparations begin in earnest for the Dove Men Series on Tuesday 29th October, is register their names at www.wru.co.uk/watchwales4free.
Gates open for the event at 2pm on the day with the training session expected to be completed no later than 4pm.
Fans are advised that they MUST register in order to find out the finer details of gaining access and to ensure that the Millennium Stadium staff can take the right safety and security precautions.
Tickets to see Wales in action at the Millennium Stadium in the 2013 Dove Men Series – against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia – on consecutive weekends from 9th November are available now online at www.wru.co.uk/tickets, prices from £25, £10 concession.
Wales Dove Men Series 2013 fixtures:
Wales v South Africa – Saturday, 9 November, Kick-Off 5.30pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
Wales v Argentina – Saturday, 16 November, Kick-Off 2.30pm – £40 / £30 / £10 concession (U16) /£70 Family ticket 2 adults + 2 concession
Wales v Tonga – Friday, 22 November, Kick-Off 7.30pm – £25 / £10 concession/ £60 Family ticket 2 adult + 2 concession/ Minis/Juniors/Schools offer, with every 8 concessions purchased 2 adult tickets free
Wales v Australia – Saturday, 30 November, Kick-Off 5.00pm – £70 / £60 / £40 / £25
