Cardiff pitch invader handed lifetime ban

The spectator who invaded the pitch in the second half of the Test between Wales and the Springboks in Cardiff will be given a lifetime ban from all rugby events at the Principality Stadium.

The pitch invader caused a stir when he ran on to the pitch in the final 20 minutes of the Test this past Saturday, as he climbed over the barriers and got in the way of Liam Williams just as the Wales player was looking to exploit a potential try-scoring opportunity out wide.

Williams had to slow down and dodge the man and the steward who tackled him, stepping inside and allowing the Bok defence to close the gap that had opened.

The Springboks went on to win the match 23-18.

In a statement released on Monday, Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams confirmed the man will not be allowed to attend any further games at the stadium.

“Working collaboratively with South Wales Police we were able to identify the pitch invader who entered the field of play during Wales vs South Africa at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 6th November 2021.

“The WRU, Principality Stadium and South Wales Police condemn any behaviour of this kind, and the individual will be issued with a lifetime ban from buying any tickets from the WRU for rugby events held at Principality Stadium in future.

“We were deeply disappointed to discover the individual is a registered player and member of a rugby club and the WRU are currently investigating this as a Code of Conduct breach.

“I’d like to thank the pitch-side stewards and on-pitch security team who acted swiftly stopping the individual and escorting him from the field of play.

“For more than 20 years this stadium has been revered across the world for its unique atmosphere and game day experience. It’s extremely disappointing to think that by recent events the traditional game-day experience is under threat and that we might be forced to look at additional measures that will impact on the fan experience in future.”

Photo: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

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