Support Welsh Rugby this 6 Nations

I’m not sure about any of the All Wales Sport viewers, but I for one were warmed to the cockles of my heart reading how the WRU have kindly lowered prices for next year’s home Six Nations matches against Scotland and Italy.

It was so nice to see a sporting governing body truly in touch with its supporters. Knowing how difficult economic times are at present, it was a real shot in the arm to the Welsh supporter... - Who am I kidding!?

The Welsh rugby team had an awful Autumn series and after the first two losses, a huge batch of returned New Zealand tickets came on sale - I remember about five years ago that I practically had to sell my soul to get my hands on a pair! The alarm bells must surely have been ringing in Roger Lewis’ ears.

“The WRU wants to play its part in supporting Welsh clubs and fans in these tough economic times.” Roger Lewis

Wales are defending 6 Nations champions and only have two home matches this year, with the final match against England which will always sell out. However, during the past few weeks twitter and indeed, All Wales Sport have been inundated with clubs trying to offload unwanted Ireland tickets. The Ireland match nearly always produces in terms of entertainment and controversy (re: Mike Phillips quick throw-in and the story of tip tackles last year) but at an average price of £75 a ticket, the WRU are quite frankly taking the proverbial.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my country and my rugby and the two go hand in hand, nothing makes me happier than when Wales are playing well, especially after living through the very sparse years of the 90’s.

Much has been alluded to about how the Welsh rugby regions are struggling both on and off the field, with Ospreys competing with a premier league football team while their rivals down the M4 are looking likely that they will face similar opposition to filling seats.

However, Wales’ fifth region - its national rugby team - has pretty much been immune to these dwindling numbers and clever ad campaigns from the WRU such as ‘support the boys’ has made sure Internationals are sure fire ways to line the coffers of the governing body, while clubs lower down scratch around to barely make ends meet.

So this Saturday, if you truly want to get behind Welsh rugby, go along to your local rugby club and watch the match in a great atmosphere where it won’t cost you £5 for a pint!