RUGBY fans have been urged by the WRU to turn up as soon as possible ahead of the clash between Wales and Georgia to avoid queuing.

Last week the first game of the autumn series against Australia was mired by fans having to wait for up to 45 minutes in the Cardiff rain before getting into the stadium.

With Saturday's match set to kick off at 2.30pm, the WRU are opening their gates at 11.30am - and the message is that fans should arrive as early as possible in order to get in quicker.

The game against Australia was the first rugby match held at the Principality Stadium under beefed up security measures which were brought in in April 2017.

Since then the national ground has been enforcing a strict search policy for all visitors in light of hosting several high-profile events such as the UEFA Champions League Final, World Heavyweight Title boxing and major music concerts.

"To allow for the increased security checks, we have doubled the amount of time that the stadium is open prior to kick-off from 90 minutes to three hours and broadcast this message as widely as possible," said Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams.

"Despite these efforts, only 10 per cent of ticket holders arrived at the stadium in the first hour-and-a-half of opening last weekend.

"As such, regrettably, the surge in arrivals later than we had advised slowed entry to the stadium, meaning some attendees missed the kick-off."

Williams, who has run Principality Stadium - which is owned and operated by the Welsh Rugby Union - since September 2013 is determined to ensure supporters this weekend learn quickly from the experience.

Once again there will be additional entertainment around the concourses from the time of gates opening and early bird deals on food and beverages, for those supporters who get in early.

"One of the key things for fans to understand is that if you arrive early, the likelihood is that you will get in quicker and, conversely, the later you leave it the longer you may be in a queue and the greater the risk of you missing kick-off," said the former lieutenant colonel in The Royal Welsh.

"Enhanced security has been in place at all events at Principality Stadium since April 2017. The sole intent is enhanced safety and security for fans attending the stadium, taking into account the current security climate and more specifically UK terror threat levels."

Personal searches form only part of the comprehensive measures in place at the stadium, together with safety officers and South Wales Police, all entry points are continually monitored throughout the day.

South Wales Police stress there is no specific threat to Cardiff. Principality Stadium routinely works very closely with the Police and the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit to deliver appropriate security measures for all major events.

Here are the key messages ahead of Wales v Georgia this Saturday:

  • Gates open at 11.30am
  • Roads close from 11.00am
  • The earlier you arrive the quicker you will get in/the later you arrive the longer it will take and the greater the risk of you missing kick-off
  • Principality Stadium Gates are open three hours early, instead of 90 minutes early, because of the extra security measures. Please plan your trip to the stadium accordingly
  • Check your tickets and Gate details, remember access to the stadium is 360 degrees, not all gates face the city centre and some take longer to walk to than others

Williams added: "We strongly urge fans to assist us in maintaining a safe and secure stadium by getting in early and leaving large bags and umbrellas at home to avoid unnecessary delays and disappointment."

To assist with match-day planning, Cardiff Council and local travel providers have published the necessary information for supporters to arrange travel plans to and from the venue in advance click here.

Here is a map showing local road closures.

A guide to fans has been published by Principality Stadium here.