WRU confirms life ban for pitch invader

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that the as-yet unnamed pitch invader who disrupted play at the Principality Stadium on Saturday will receive a life ban from the ground.

Wales were were drawing 15-15 with South Africa when the second-half incident happened.

A few moments later the Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx claimed a try which along with Elton Jantjies’ last-gasp penalty clinched the spoils, but Wales fans will forever wonder if the outcome may have been different.

The hosts were attacking through substitute Liam Williams when the spectator ran onto the pitch only a few metres away from him and inside South Africa’s 22.

Williams had to jump over the pitch invader as he was pinned down and then led away by stadium security staff.

#WalvSA pic.twitter.com/2ZXRPwOwC4

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 6, 2021

Principality Stadium Manager Mark Williams has today confirmed what has happened since Saturday afternoon.

“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,” he said.

“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”

“I remember when he got injured. Those things are tough."

Classy touch from Kolisi ? #AutumnNationsSeries https://t.co/Ev1W2By1ae

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 7, 2021