GWR: Rugby World Cup train overcrowding 'embarrassing'

Passengers complained about overcrowding at stations including Bristol Parkway last weekend

Great Western Railway (GWR) has said overcrowding on its trains on a Rugby World Cup matchday last Saturday was "embarrassing".

The company, which changed its name from First Great Western earlier this week, was criticised by fans travelling to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Some described the situation at Paddington Station in London as "chaos".

Reading, Swindon and Bristol Parkway stations were also busier than normal.

GWR spokesman Dan Panes said: "It certainly was embarrassing.

"We had enough seats - plenty of trains for everyone that was travelling - but we weren't good enough at asking people to travel early."

On Saturday angry passengers caught up in the congestion criticised the rail company for not coping with the high number of customers.

Clive Sedgebeer ‏tweeted: "@FGW It must have come as a great surprise to you that there is something going on in Cardiff. Just not good enough and unforgivable."

Cycleoptic responded: "Only 4 years notice!"

Mr Payne urged fans travelling to Wednesday's Australia v Fiji game in Cardiff, which kicks off at 16:45 BST, to travel early.