Rugby supporters watching Wales versus France live at Principality Stadium are being urged to plan ahead for the RBS 6 Nations event on Friday 26 February, kick-off 8.05pm.

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In the build up to the 2016 championship, the WRU has been advising fans to allow extra time for the enhanced security measures in place at the home of Welsh sport.

Stadium visitors are urged to arrive no later than 30 minutes before kick-off and to leave large bags at home, where possible, to avoid missing the start of the games.

Ahead of the three home internationals, the WRU joined forces with Cardiff Council and city travel operators to ensure fans get the relevant information ahead of major events.

Crowd figures gathered at Wales v Scotland showed double the amount of spectators arrived at Principality Stadium up to one hour before the kick-off compared with previous events.

After the match, the WRU thanked supporters on social media for heeding advice to arrive early which allowed for the safe and secure admittance of the 74,160 spectators.

Principality Stadium Manager Mark Williams said: “We want rugby supporters to have an unrivalled matchday experience at Principality Stadium and this begins with the safe movement of 74,000 fans through the turnstiles to ensure no one misses out on the world-renowned atmosphere and rugby action inside the venue.

“While there is no specific threat to Cardiff, we do have enhanced security systems in place across the three RBS 6 Nations matches and are advising supporters to arrive early and, where possible, without large bags.

“When Wales played Scotland, we were hugely grateful for the cooperation from the fans which meant that delays on the search lines were kept to a minimum and spectators were in their seats to watch every minute of Wales’ win over Scotland.

“Friday night’s game against France presents additional challenges, with thousands of fans travelling in and out of the city in the hours before and after the match. We urge fans to consider how and when they travel as early as possible and to familiarise themselves with the services provided well before travelling.”

Speaking of enhanced security operations in the city-centre, South Wales Police Inspector Andy Smith said: “While there is no specific threat to South Wales, it is important that we all remain vigilant. In Cardiff, we have a long tradition of partnership working and we hope the public will support these extra measures which are designed to keep Cardiff safe.”