THE WELSH Ambulance Service is urging fans to drink responsibly this month ahead of the rugby game between Wales and

Argentina at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on November 16.

The Trust has teamed up with St John Ambulance to provide extra cover in and around the grounds after crews dealt with more than 20 alcohol-related incidents, including a number of falls and minor cuts during the match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium last Saturday.

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of accidents in the UK, and heavy drinking can lead to a rise in assaults, including those against ambulance staff.

The Trust is reminding fans to drink responsibly, and take extra care of themselves and others.

Alun Harris, regional event planner for the Trust, said: “There is a link between major sporting events and excessive drinking which, in turn, leads to an increase in alcohol-related calls to the ambulance service.

“Most of the fans we met on Saturday were impeccably behaved, and were a shining example of how people should act at a major sporting event like this one. But unfortunately there were a select few who had ignored our advice about drinking responsibly and our crews dealt with more than 20 alcohol-related incidents in and around the grounds on that evening.”

Visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk for free, confidential health advice 24/7, and www.choosewellwales.org.uk for more information on the Choose Well campaign.