Party day as Celtic rivals clash

Village 13 has a big screen outside the Millennium Stadium

Welsh and Irish rugby fans have flooded Cardiff as it hosts the dramatic climax to the Six Nations championship.

A free-entry supporters' area - Village 13 - was set up outside the Millennium Stadium as the Celtic rivals clashed in the tournament's final game.

Wales must win by 13 points for back-to-back championships, while the Irish chase a first Grand Slam in 61 years.

Cardiff International Arena has a 12-hour festival, including Wales' Cerys Matthews and Ireland's Wolfe Tones.

Outside the Welsh capital, a temporary medical centre has been set up in Blackwood, Caerphilly, where revellers will be offered basic first aid as an alternative to a 15-mile trip to A&E.

A similar scheme during the Wales-England game last month saw 15 people treated by the triage service.

The Welsh Rugby Union says Village 13, which is open until 2100 GMT, is "the next best thing" for fans without a ticket to the game as both team buses will pass by.

We want all the fans to join us in Village 13 and create all the right vibes to ensure the number is lucky for Wales Gwyn Dolphin, Welsh Rugby Union

The WRU's Gwyn Dolphin said: "The name of our new village is our way of willing the Wales team on and embracing the number 13, which is said to be unlucky for some.

"We want all the fans to join us in Village 13 and create all the right vibes to ensure the number is lucky for Wales."

The Ireland team hope to be the first since 1948 to secure a Grand Slam for their country.

The last time Wales beat the Irish by a clear 13 points was at Cardiff Arms Park in 1983. Ireland have lost just once in Cardiff in 11 visits.

A Wales victory by anything less than 13 points would see them win the Triple Crown, but would give Ireland the championship title, although not a Grand Slam.

The Wales-Ireland clash in Cardiff is the third of three Six Nations matches on Saturday, and the last of the tournament.

'Extremely positive'

The triage centre in Blackwood is open until 0100 GMT on Sunday.

Gwent Police Sgt Rob Davies said: "Obviously, we hope that the numbers of people who require treatment are limited, but in the event of injuries occurring, this service does help to alleviate unnecessary burden on hospital accident and emergency departments and police.

"Individuals who have used this service previously have praised the efforts of all concerned and for the swift responses they have received."

Caerphilly councillor Lyn Ackerman said the benefits of the system included police officers, who would otherwise have to accompany patients to A&E departments, being able to remain in the town centre during busy periods.

She said: "The feedback gained from the initiative so far has been extremely positive. Long may it continue."

Prince William, who is vice-patron of the WRU, will present the trophy to the winners at the Millennium Stadium.

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