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COCKS NOT WANTED
An anti-rooster message has gone out from the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which will host the Wales-France match on March 18.
The releasing of the cockerel, one of France's endearing rituals of international rugby, is under threat because of the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu). The outbreak among wild birds in Europe has prompted the Six Nations tournament to order the clampdown on the cockerel.
Since 1911, supporters of Les Bleus have made it a tradition to smuggle cocks into the stadium and release them onto the pitch, sending police and security chasing to catch the birds.
Security at the France-Italy match was told to be firm in searching clothing and bags to ensure no cocks were brought into the Stade de France.
Only one cock was permitted, a mascot called Felicien. Stadium spokesman Laurent Chmiel allowed the cock as the owner comes to every match with it in a cage. He opens it before the match so that everyone can see, holds it aloft like a trophy and then puts it away again.
It would seem that the rest of the French supporters will be cockless...