Judgement Day: Cardiff top Principality billing as event future explored

This was Judgement Day’s 10th edition of the derby double-header concept involving all four regions on the same day at the same venue.

The 28,328 crowd was the lowest attendance of the nine Principality Stadium occasions, although it was 8,000 more than turned when the event was switched to Cardiff City Stadium in 2024.

In comparison, more than 40,000 tickets have already been sold for when Bath and Bristol arrive in Cardiff next month for an historic English league game at the home of Welsh rugby.

And 68,000 fans turned up to Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium in 2016.

Being held on Easter Saturday, 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.

However, the question turns to whether this format should continue in the Welsh calendar with indifference existing towards the event inside Wales and no interest from outside.

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 electric is not free and you have to pay people to staff it and make money, so I get it.”

Jones says struggling Welsh rugby needs showpiece occasions.

“At some point we have to get people back in love with Welsh rugby, get them in the stadiums and cheering on the teams,” said Jones.

“We have got to create heroes out of players. We should definitely try and keep it going and here at the Principality Stadium.

“Everybody is aligned around the fact it needs to be a big spectacle from a visual point of view also.”

Scarlets captain Josh Macleod echoed Jones’ sentiments.

“It is always a special occasion,” said Macleod.

“This was the first time in a while we have had three sides battling it out for a top eight place and play-offs.

“It is vital for Welsh rugby to have a spectacle like this with four sides going against each other in back-to-back games.

“We need to get fans through the door. This is one way we can do it.”