Wales may shut roof

The Six Nations' Championship could witness its first indoor match if the Welsh heavens open in the next three months. Tournament officials said yesterday they had decided to allow the retractable roof at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to be shut for a game if both teams agreed. However, the rain or snow would have to be very heavy before the game went indoors.

The Six Nations' Championship could witness its first indoor match if the Welsh heavens open in the next three months. Tournament officials said yesterday they had decided to allow the retractable roof at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to be shut for a game if both teams agreed. However, the rain or snow would have to be very heavy before the game went indoors.

"If there are totally adverse weather conditions the sensible decision will be to close the roof," said chairman of the Six Nations committee, Allan Hosie. "[But] both teams would have to agree with each other."

The Welsh coach, Graham Henry, said the decision was "very logical and sensible" while his England counterpart, Clive Woodward, added: "They have changed the pitch. The pitch is immaculate. It drains very quickly. If the weather conditions were really adverse I would discuss it. If it's not, then leave well alone and get on with it."