Rugby clashes to survive fire strikes

Colin Charvis' Wales will play after all

Wales' autumn rugby Tests against New Zealand and Fiji are to go ahead despite pay strikes by fire-fighters.

Lack of fire service protection at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium threatened to stop the Welsh Rugby Union from staging the games because of safety risks to fans.

The games (Fiji on 9 November and New Zealand on 23 November) coincide with the second and third of six planned strikes.

The action, which begins on Tuesday, is being staged by members of the Fire Brigades Union seeking a 40% pay rise.

Wales matches

1 Nov: Wales v Romania (The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham; 1905 GMT tbc)

9 Nov: Wales v Fiji (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 1630 GMT)

16 Nov: Wales v Canada (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 1630 GMT)

23 Nov: Wales v New Zealand (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 1430 GMT)

However, planners at an emergency panel in Cardiff on Friday ruled the matches at the 72,500-capacity stadium can proceed.

The Safety at Sports Grounds Panel comprises emergency planners and representatives from Cardiff County Council, South Wales Fire Service, Wales Ambulance Service.

More details of the decision are expected later Friday.

Critical clashes

The news came as hopes the Fire Brigades' Union strikes could be averted entirely, with FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist entering a second round of talks with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Postponement of matches would have been a blow to Wales coach Steve Hansen, who wants to test an experimental 29-man squad in preparation for Rugby World Cup '03.

The New Zealander has stressed his team, with only one win in nine matches, is desperate for morale-boosting wins.

Strike dates

29- 31 October

2-4 November

6 November -14 November

22-30 November

4-12 December

16-24 December

The WRU said a big attendance was vital for the union's finances and if rugby was to stay ahead of football in the wake of Wales' 2-1 defeat of Italy a week ago.

Football clubs across the UK are also checking whether they can stage games without adequate fire service protection.

The Premier League thinks all its 20 clubs should be able to comply with the requirements for a fresh certificate.

Swansea City FC has said its home clash with Kidderminster on that day will go ahead on Tuesday, the first day of the planned strike action.