A PLANNED strike by train drivers on the day of the Wales v England Six Nations match has been called off after legal advice, it was announced today.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Arriva Trains Wales were due to walk out for 24 hours on Friday in a row over pay and conditions, threatening disruption for thousands of rugby fans going to the Cardiff game.

RMT General secretary Bob Crow said: "While our fight for pay justice for our driver members on Arriva Trains Wales remains well and truly on, we have now received further legal advice on the nature of the anti-trade union laws in respect of recent court judgments and, as a result of that advice, the action planned for this Friday has been called off and our members have been instructed to work normally.

The Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) union members will be re-balloted for industrial action, the RMT said.

An ATW spokesman said: "We welcome the RMT union's decision to call off their planned industrial action on Friday, which will mean ATW will be able to provide a full and comprehensive timetable of services for the rugby international and across the rail network in Wales.’’