The Welsh Rugby Union is to trial earlier closing times of the bars at the Principality Stadium in an effort to combat what it calls 'high-profile incidents.'
For Wales' three home games in the upcoming in the Guinness Six Nations, supporters will only be able to purchase alcohol up to the end of the half-time break. The available drink will also have a lower alcohol content.
The move comes after disruption during autumn internationals held at the ground before Christmas, where people got onto the field twice; before the game with New Zealand and during the clash with South Africa. The latter person was handed a lifetime ban by the WRU.
A statement read: "The move comes as the WRU addresses reports of anti-social behaviour and associated complaints during the Autumn Nations Series games earlier this season.
"A number of high-profile incidents, including two intrusions onto the pitch in consecutive matches, were accompanied by some reporting of poor behaviour in the 74,000 seater venue.
"It is important to note that issues reported only concern the behaviour of a small minority of supporters in attendance, but the WRU has embraced the feedback and – also informed by an extensive customer survey taken after each game – acted to ensure its world-wide reputation for offering supporters the very best matchday experience continues to be upheld."
WRU chief executive Steve Phillips added: "We want our supporters to remain passionate and enthused and to continue to bring their best voices to the Principality Stadium – throughout the recent pandemic it is our supporters who we, and the Wales team, have missed most – but we also need them to behave responsibly and to encourage those around them to do the same.
"We have taken a series of measures which are designed to change a direction of travel from some quarters which was detected at our Autumn Nations Series matches, but do so without negatively impacting the experience of a hardcore and hugely significant base of supporters who make the Principality Stadium experience what it is."
Wales are set to host Scotland, France and Italy over the next few weeks.
