February 9 may be the perfect time to exorcise some world cup demons when Scotland visit the Millennium Stadium for the first Wales home fixture of this year's Six Nations.

But fans from the valleys might have to wait longer to enjoy the perfect rugby international - one where they can travel to easily by train.

Had everything gone to plan the £30 million Ebbw Vale to Cardiff rail link would have been up and running in time for this year's Six Nations championship.

As things stand supporters heading to the Scotland game are being forced to make other plans.

Calls to both Arriva Trains Wales and Blaenau Gwent council have proved fruitless in trying to establish when the rail link will finally open.

Ian Swanson, 32, is Chairman of Ebbw Vale rugby supporters club and a Wales fan who regularly makes visits to Cardiff for home internationals: "I used to travel by train but to go from Abergavenny was a nightmare," he said.

"They were always crammed full and there were nowhere near enough carriages.

"People would be encouraged to use the rail link if it was open. I know people are making other arrangements."

Paul Walbyoff, 37, another proud Wales fan from Ebbw Vale said he cannot wait until the rail link is finally up and running.

"We like to have a drink when we're in Cardiff so no-one wants to drive.

"If we could get the train from Ebbw Vale it would definitely be full and it would make things so much easier," he said.

Due to outstanding infrastructure works the opening of the line was postponed before Christmas.