Drinking warning for rugby fans at Millennium Stadium

Police are urging fans to enjoy the rugby without drinking too much

Rugby fans have been warned to drink sensibly or risk an alcohol ban for Wales games at the Millennium Stadium.

The Welsh Rugby Union's drinking policy at Cardiff ground is under constant review and police are monitoring it.

Last month, police warned fans they could face fines if caught buying drinks for anyone who is drunk and there were reports of trouble after the England match.

Wales play their final Six Nations home match against Ireland at 14:30 GMT.

"The sale of alcohol during games is a decision that the board of the WRU regularly reviews," a WRU spokesman said.

"It is important to note that the stadium is based in a city centre location where supporters have ease of access to fully licensed premises up to and after kick off times.

"The WRU takes sensible drinking seriously and the sale of alcohol during matches has been under constant review since the stadium was built in 1999."

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael told BBC Radio Wales: "The message to fans ought to be 'be sensible otherwise you might lose the flexibility of drinking during the game'.

"I think sensible fans are going to say to their friends 'behave yourself'. If that happens then there's no need for greater regulation or a decision to stop things."

Police officers will be deployed in the city centre with cameras to record evidence and to act as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour.

Meanwhile, First Great Western is to run 11 additional trains to and from Cardiff for the game.