Fans travel for Six Nations close

The match will bring down the curtain on the Six Nations

Thousands of rugby fans are travelling to Cardiff for the final game of the Six Nations championship as Wales face England at the Millennium Stadium.

Around 74,000 supporters will be in the stadium with many expected in the city for the 1730 GMT kick off.

Cardiff Council has advised travelling fans to plan their journey in advance and to use public transport.

Arriva Trains Wales and First Great Western are providing extra services in and out of Cardiff.

The Wales against England match will close this year's Six Nations championship with three matches taking place on the final Saturday.

Italy versus Ireland kicks off at 1330 GMT in Rome and France take on Scotland in Paris at 1530 GMT, before the curtain comes down on the season in Cardiff.

Four countries still have a mathematical chance of winning the title, meaning the Millennium Stadium match could see England lift the title, while Wales need to win to avoid the championship wooden spoon.

With thousands of England fans expected to travel to Wales, extra train services are being provided.

Peter Northcott, special events manager for Arriva said: "We will be providing extra carriages on services for the game where possible.

"However, our advice is for fans to allow plenty of time for their journey.

"Anyone not travelling to or from the match may wish to plan their journey so as to avoid the busy periods immediately before and after the game," Mr Northcott added.

CARDIFF ROADS CLOSED High Street St Mary Street Caroline Street Wood Street Central Square Westgate Street Quay Street Guildhall Place Golate Park Street Havelock Street Scott Road

The train company said a crowd control and queuing system would operate at Cardiff Central after the match.

Cardiff Queen Street Station will close at 1830 GMT and will not reopen during the evening.

Arriva said customers who want to use services on valley and Cardiff local routes will have to join the queuing system at Cardiff Central.

First Great Western (FGW) trains said it was "strengthening numerous local trains and cross country units to provide extra capacity" for the event.

"We are redeploying trains to Wales - just as we redeployed trains for Cheltenham Festival - and as per most major rugby and football events in the West and south Wales region," a spokesman added.

Cardiff Council confirmed the usual road closures around the stadium would take place between 1530 GMT and 2030 GMT.

Due to the city centre road closures the council say all buses travelling in, out and around the city will be affected.