THOSE taking trains to see the rugby international matches this weekend are being advised to allowed extra time for their journeys.

Wales play at home this weekend, against Japan at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium at 2.30pm on Saturday.

And England face Fiji at Twickenham Stadium at exactly the same time.

Great Western Railway says those going to the Principality Stadium should be aware that:

• A queuing system will be in place at Cardiff Station following the game

• 11 extra trains are running – but leave enough time to get to/from the ground as diversions are in place

Extra trains have been lined up to take passengers to Cardiff and home again after the game.

A total of five trains will travel east within the first hour of the final whistle.

Those travelling to either game are advised to plan ahead as Network Rail is carrying out engineering work between Swindon and Didcot Parkway which means trains between London Paddington and South Wales will be diverted, adding up to 70 minutes to the journey time.

Passengers are advised to travel early to Cardiff and soak up the atmosphere before the game starts and are reminded that security bag searches are in operation at the Principality Stadium.

Mark Youngman, GWR development manager Wales, said: “While we have provided additional capacity to meet demand, an amended post-match queueing system will be in place to help passengers board their train home safely.”

Some Cardiff Central station car parks will be closed before and during the games and Cardiff Queen Street will close just before the end of the match.

"Seat reservations will be honoured where possible; if for any reason we are unable to do so, or if you have a reservation and are not able to get to a seat please contact our customer services team for compensation," said a GWR spokesman.

Below, watch former England and Wales rugby internationals David Flatman and Tom Shanklin discuss Wales v Japan and England v Fiji in a video preview of this weekend’s games.