Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys in the first clash of the day, kicking off at 2.45pm, swiftly followed by Newport Gwent Dragons versus Scarlets at 5.15pm.
Ticket prices have once again been frozen at just £10 per head as Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies calls on rugby fans to sell-out the national ground out to its rafters and make history once again, for Judgement Day V.
Last season’s incarnation of the regional double header broke the all-time attendance record for a match involving any of the four elite Welsh sides.
A 68,262 strong crowd turned out to see the very best that regional rugby has to offer, surpassing the record Welsh domestic record of 58,000 fans who attended the Neath v Llanelli WRU Challenge Cup Final in 1989 and the 65,756 previous record attendance at any match involving a region – when the Ospreys beat Leicester Tigers at Twickenham in the EDF Energy Cup Final in 2008.
“There is no reason why this celebration of our regional game will not become an annual sell-out at Principality Stadium and we expect this to be the first year,” said Davies.
“Fans have been buying tickets early for Judgement Day since the first one and we would encourage everyone to get their tickets quickly again this year to avoid disappointment.
“To see an atmosphere in our national ground akin to a Welsh international match for the regional game for Judgement Day IV was heart-warming and shows that, if we can get the product right week in week out, the future is bright for Guinness PRO12 rugby and for our national game in general.
“The Judgement Day concept was a sound one from its inception and last season supporters bought into it in their droves, showing the passion and loyalty of the fans in Wales.
“This season’s event will be even bigger and better than those that have gone before.
“There is no other occasion when fans can see the very best of Welsh rugby together under one roof, outside of an international match, and I hope JDV really captures the imagination of fans in Wales once again.”
Both the Blues and the Dragons face home Guinness Pro12 clashes this weekend, with Glasgow Warriors travelling to the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Friday (7pm) and Munster heading for Rodney Parade on Saturday (5.15pm), and the season is beginning to take shape for both sides.
The Ospreys are currently sitting pretty at the top of the championship table, the Blues are in fourth, the Dragons eighth and the Scarlets are tenth.
Cardiff Blues head coach, Danny Wilson said: “Judgement Day has proved to be a brilliant showpiece event for the Guinness PRO12 and continues to grow. It’s a great occasion for everyone involved, has provided a stage for some top quality rugby and demonstrates the appetite for the regional game.
“We look forward to returning to the Principality Stadium and hope for an even bigger crowd in 2017.”
Newport Gwent Dragons Chief Executive, Stuart Davies, added: “It’s been great to see how Judgement Day has grown year on year. It is now established as a calendar event for rugby fans from all over the country, representing excellent value and a wonderful day out.”
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales, which represents the four professional Welsh rugby teams Ospreys, Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons said: “Last year’s Judgement Day games were played at an international level of pace and intensity, with high tempo rugby that showcased the very best of Welsh rugby talent and the quality of the Guinness Pro12 competition.
“The action on the field and the near sell-out crowd in the world’s greatest rugby amphitheatre contributed to a breath-taking occasion and a must attend event.
“It was great to see families travelling from far and wide around the UK to witness a unique Welsh Rugby event and all four squads are looking forward to performing in front of a capacity crowd this season.”
Tickets can be purchased from Friday 16th September (tomorrow) at 12 noon, with prices still frozen at £10 per person and booking fees waived for the first week of sale, from www.wru.wales/tickets or by calling 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street or from each of the four regions.
