Lowest Cardiff Six Nations crowd amid rugby turmoil

Wales played in front of their smallest Six Nations crowd in Cardiff as the crisis in the domestic game continues to turn off fans.

Just 57,744 turned out to watch the latest record defeat, this time a 54-12 hammering by France at the Principality Stadium.

It meant there were more than 15,000 empty seats for what is traditionally one of the biggest events in the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) calendar.

But the uncertainty within the game in Wales appears to be taking a toll on the public appetite.

Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: "We understand it's our job as a team to get the support here but the public have been amazingly supportive and understand where we are."

It was lower than the previous worst attendance of 58,349 against Italy in 2002 when Wales were in another losing streak.

The cost of a match-day experience in Cardiff has been suggested as the reason for some fans staying away.

But the political turmoil in the domestic game, with the WRU looking to cut one region while facing a potential vote of no confidence among member clubs, is leaving disgruntled fans to turn away.

Before Sunday's game, fans told BBC Sport the current crisis was "heartbreaking, sad and depressing" and many were no longer motivated to buy tickets.

Swansea council leader Rob Stewart, who has previously spoken out against the Welsh Rugby Union's plans to potentially cut Ospreys, said fans were voting with their feet.

He said on social media: "It's heart-breaking to see the Principality Stadium barely 3/4 full today. Much as we love our Wales team, fans are voting with their feet and staying away.

"Their message to the WRU is clear - we will stay away until you go away."

Fans and clubs have openly criticised the WRU hierarchy, with board member John Manders saying some of the social media comments aimed at the governing body's bosses has "crossed a line".

Wales are also on a desperately poor run of form having lost 23 or their last 25 Test matches.

Former Wales international James Hook told the Scrum V podcast: "Fans want to see a competitive game with a chance of Wales winning but at the moment we're got getting that. No-one is coming expecting Wales to win and that's a worry."

However Wales head coach Tandy believes the team still has the support of the nation.

"We love the connection with our communities and nation. Even with limited numbers, when they get behind the team at the end, it does inspire the players," he said after Sunday's game.

"I understand there is lots going on and has been in Wales for a really long time, but we want to unify everything.

"We're a small nation, we need everything to be flowing in the right direction. I genuinely believe everyone needs to play their part in how we get there. There needs to be some patience to get change. It doesn't happen overnight. "