'We'd definitely come back' - English rugby's big day out in Cardiff

Pat Lam had played for Samoa at Wales' national stadium in Cardiff before taking his Bristol team there

The Principality Stadium was rocking on Saturday as more than 50,000 fans attended a full-throttle club rugby derby in the heart of Cardiff.

But something was different; both sides came from over the border.

It was the first time an English Premiership game had been held at Wales' national stadium, and the fans turned up in their numbers.

With an attendance of 51,095, the occasion drew at least 20,000 more spectators than Welsh rugby's domestic showpiece event, Judgement Day, held a few weeks earlier.

The streets and pubs surrounding the Principality Stadium were packed with Bristol and Bath fans, soaking up the sun and matchday atmosphere.

"It was a wonderful occasion, really pleased with our operational staff and obviously our board for having the foresight to bring it here," said Bristol head coach Pat Lam.

He added: "I'm very thankful to both sets of fans for coming out in their numbers for a record crowd for us.

When asked whether he would like to make this an annual event, Lam said: "Definitely."

'It felt like a Test match'

On the pitch, the rugby was intense and frenetic, as you would expect from two of the Premiership's highest scoring sides.

Bristol eventually won an enthralling fixture 36-14, boosting their hopes of a top-four finish.

"I've had the privilege to play in this stadium and so many players would love to and never get the chance," Lam continued.

"To come with your club-mates, to put a Bristol jersey on and to come out and play in that sort of stadium, in that sort of atmosphere, is an experience they won't forget."

Bath will return to Cardiff on 23 May, hoping for a better result when they face Lyon in the European Challenge Cup final.

Head coach Johann van Graan said: "The occasion was magnificent, credit to Bristol for the off-field stuff they put on show.

"I would come here with the Springboks before. When we drove in on the bus it felt like a Test match. I thought that was incredible, like a really big game of rugby."

Bristol prop Ellis Genge was among the England internationals on show on Saturday

Judgement Day attendance decline

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.