Cardiff's Millennium Stadium loses its name

London (AFP) The home of Welsh rugby in Cardiff lost its name on Thursday as the 'Millennium Stadium' sign was taken down in readiness for its January re-branding as the Principality Stadium.

The steel letters spelling out the stadium's old name in English and Welsh were removed from the eastern facade of the venue, which sits on the River Taff in the heart of the Welsh capital.

The 74,500-seater arena is to be renamed under a 10-year sponsorship deal with Welsh building society the Principality, which has worked with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) since 1969.

"We are delighted to be entering into this long-term partnership with such a well-regarded Welsh business, which shares similar values to us in wanting to develop Welsh rugby at all levels," said new WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips in a press release.