THE person who invaded the pitch during Saturday’s (Nov 6) game between Wales and South Africa at the Principality Stadium has been given a lifetime ban.
Stadium Manager Mark Williams condemned the actions of the man and added that they were ‘deeply disappointed’ to learn that the individual was a registered player of a rugby club.
The Welsh Rugby Union is now investigating the matter as a code of conduct breach.
The incident, in the 63rd minute of the game, prevented Liam Williams from scoring what could have been a crucial try.
As he was escorted from the field by stewards he was pelted by bottles and drinks of beer.
The individual plays for Senghenydd Rugby Club who said on their Twitter page: “Senghenydd RFC are aware of the incident at the stadium on Saturday but are unable to comment at this time.”
Mark Williams Principality Stadium Manager said: “Working collaboratively with South Wales Police we were able to identify the pitch invader who entered the field of play during Wales v South Africa at Principality Stadium on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
“The WRU, Principality Stadium and South Wales Police condemns 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; 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 them 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”
