Bristol and Bath revel in English rugby’s big day out in Cardiff

Having secured a bonus-point win and a club-record attendance of 51,095, it is safe to say the day will be deemed a success for Bristol.

In contrast, last month’s Judgement Day double-header between the four Welsh regions attracted a crowd of just 28,328.

This was the lowest attendance of the nine Principality Stadium occasions, although it was 8,000 more than turned up when the event was switched to Cardiff City Stadium last year.

In 2016, there was a crowd of 68,000 for Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium.

Being held on the Easter weekend, the timing of the late scheduling in the season and general apathy towards Welsh rugby have been floated as reasons to explain the loss of 40,000 supporters in nine years.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones hopes it remains, if crowds of old can be coaxed back.

“The concept is the right one, where you have a day where everyone comes together and celebrates Welsh rugby with the talent we have and way we can perform,” said Jones.

“We need to work out how we get 60,000 in there like we used to, that’s the challenge.

“The selfish side of me says open it up, make tickets £1, fill the place out and get them in love with rugby.

“But I know electricity is not free and you have to pay people to staff it and make money, so I get it.”

Bristol will return for another fixture here on 28 March, 2026, a double-header with both the men’s and women’s sides taking to the field.

What remains to be seen is whether Judgement Day will return and, if so, whether supporters will come back.