Challenging problems ahead for RU

By 15UP
July 7 2002

Following the recently published data re RU v RL attendances, stating that Union over the last season averaged a greater attendance level than in Rugby League, it would appear that all is rosy in the RU world.

It was foreseeable that this situation would occur, but it was not actually expected to happen for another year or two, RU success has come early.

Growth in the RU supporter base is quite dramatic from the one man and his dog of only a few years ago, this is clear across the board from the Tigers with 15,384 down to the Tykes with an average ZP gate of 4,143. Two seasons ago the Tykes would have been near the middle of the ZP table with that sort of attendance level, not at the bottom has it is today.

On the face of it all looks to be well in the world of Union, however if we look at little closer there is still work to be done.

Ground Capacity

Lets look at some of the facts, six clubs in the ZP are averaging in excess of 75% of spectator capacity of their grounds, that is half the clubs in the division. Three clubs the Tigers, Sharks and Bath are exceeding 95% of ground capacity with Bath at 98% of capacity.

It’s also worth noting that Quins and Bath with 75% and 98% of spectator capacity were playing poorly at the foot of last season’s table. The relegation battle was a key factor in drawing the crowds. Last season although in the end relegation didn’t happen, the threat was real, well for the fans it was.

If any product is to grow, it is imperative that demand can be supplied. Supporters must be able to get into the grounds, clearly we have limited capacity in half the clubs in the division.

Possible Further Growth

In 2003 we have a world cup in which England is hoping to do well. The RFU would expect that demand for club rugby to grow following a good campaign by England. Therefore ground capacity is an important issue to be addressed by the RFU and English Rugby Ltd.

Welford Road possibly could be developed more, but Heywood Road and the Rec cannot. It is important that the Tigers, as the premier club in England cater for more fans and that the other clubs in the same position do also.

It is not acceptable in two years time for the RFU to be moaning that growth isn’t happening because the ground capacities will not allow it. The time to be taking action is now.