Ticket sales for the match and the other two home games in head coach Wayne Pivac’s Championship title defence, against France and Italy, stalled over Christmas as restrictions relating to the pandemic threatened to limit attendances.
And, since a Welsh Government announcement in January alleviating restrictions, the Welsh Rugby Union has been in a race against time to reach 74,000 capacity for the games – something which would normally happen naturally with tickets for the annual showpiece matches always in high demand.
The WRU even took the unprecedented step of calling tickets back from clubs, in a bid to help them pass on any that had remained unsold, but this allocation and all other tickets held by the Union have now entirely sold out.
In fact, after supporting clubs and increasing available inventory, demand quickly outstripped supply for the Scotland game with the ticket office speeding through the remaining seats.
“We are delighted to announce a sell-out for our first home fixture of the Championship, against Scotland on Saturday 12 February,” said WRU commercial and legal director Rhodri Lewis
“This is just what Welsh rugby and our devoted supporters need after two years of disruption to our events calendar and fixtures.
“We are looking forward to an incredible atmosphere at a sold-out Principality Stadium in the first capacity Guinness Six Nations fixture since the pandemic began.
“And we would like to thank all those fans who have supported Welsh rugby by snapping up tickets. We look forward to putting on a safe and secure event worthy of their passion and dedication to Wales.
“For those fans who have missed out on tickets to see Scotland we strongly advise on contacting member rugby clubs directly or visiting our ticket exchange platform where some access may be available.
“We would also like to remind supporters that tickets are still available for the fourth round clash with France in Cardiff and the final round, potentially title deciding, meeting with Italy on 19th March.
“It is vitally important to the sustainability of Welsh rugby that we sell as many tickets as possible for these matches in the time remaining. Three sold-out matches in Cardiff would give our game the very best opportunity of bouncing back from the disruption caused by pandemic. ”
Supporters still keen to attend the Scotland match are advised to contact WRU member clubs directly – always the best place to access tickets – or visit the new Official Supporter Exchange Platform at welshrugbyticketexchange.seatunique.com/
The platform, powered by Seat Unique, went live this week and allows clubs and supporters to exchange unwanted tickets in a safe and regulated way.
All tickets bought on the platform are guaranteed by the WRU and messaging reminds supporters at the point of purchase where face value tickets are available.
“Our new Supporter Exchange Platform for Welsh rugby is up and running and already providing a vital service to clubs and supporters alike,” said CEO & Founder of Seat Unique, Robin Sherry.
“The platform allows supporters who can no longer attend Welsh rugby events at Principality Stadium to sell their tickets legitimately through a safe, secure and fully verified marketplace.
“Only verified sellers and original ticket holders are allowed to list tickets on the platform. So supporters can rest assured you are buying 100% official tickets that guarantee entry.
“Rugby clubs throughout Wales are also permitted to sell up to fifteen-per-cent of their ticket allocations for home Welsh rugby internationals above face value.
“For each transaction a £1 donation will be shared equally between the WRU’s chosen charity, the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and Seat Unique’s charity partner, Royal British Legion Industries.”
Tickets for Wales’ matches against Italy and France are available now from a rugby club near you or at www.wru.co.uk/tickets
Official Hospitality Packages for all three home matches can be accessed by visiting walesrugbyhospitality.seatunique.com/ and official travel packages can be purchased from the WRU’s official travel supplier, Gullivers Sports Travel by visiting www.gulliverstravel.co.uk
Packages for to stay at the WRU’s Parkgate Hotel are also available here: www.theparkgatehotel.wales/events/six-nations-2022/
Official off-site hospitality is available from Events International https://eventsinternational.co.uk/
The Welsh Rugby Union chairman Rob Butcher last month took the unprecedented step of allowing clubs to return a percentage of any unsold stock, so it could help get the final few thousand into supporters’ hands. More here: https://www.wru.wales/2022/01/chair-supports-clubs-on-ticket-returns-to-channel-demand/
More about the Supporter Exchange Platform:
https://www.wru.wales/2021/12/new-supporter-exchange-platform-for-tickets/
https://www.wru.wales/supporter-exchange-platform/
