RUGBY UNION chiefs are toying with the idea of bringing in segregated away ends.
The initiative would end rugby’s long association with fans from both teams mixing in the stands.
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Premiership Rugby bosses are discussing a radical new change to the way fans watch the gameCredit: Getty
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Teams have been sounding out the possibility of introducing segregated away endsCredit: PA
A league-wide discussion on improving the fan experience at Premiership games has thrown forward the idea.
It would see designated away ends at ground across the country, in a bid to improve gameday atmospheres.
But unlike in football grounds, away supporters would still be given the chance to sit in the home ends if they wished.
Premiership Rugby’s chief growth officer Rob Calder told the BBC: “There are a number of clubs that are very keen to engage on [away ends].
“We’ve talked to them about identifying areas and getting the pricing, and communication right.”
Former England head coach Clive Woodward has come out in support of the plans.
Sir Clive told The Daily Mail: “I can only see positives by having designated sections for away rugby fans in matches.
“It will certainly add to the atmosphere and that, ultimately, is what it’s all about. It helps sell the product and grow rugby’s appeal.”
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But a section of Gloucester supporters have hit out at the “absolutely rotten” idea.
One fan fumed to the BBC: “One of the big benefits of it is getting to sit with fans of the opposing team.
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“The conversations you have, the banter you have – I think you’d lose all of that if you introduced away ends.”
While another said: “I think it’s the worst thing that can happen to rugby.
“One of the great things about the game is that you meet new people and all the fans sit together.
“It isn’t football and it’s never gonna be like football.”
Autumn Nations Series fixtures
Saturday, November 2
3.10pm: England vs New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium5.40pm: Scotland vs Fiji, Murrayfield
Friday, November 8
8.10pm: Ireland vs New Zealand, Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 9
3.10pm: England vs Australia, Twickenham5.40pm: Italy vs Argentina, Stadio Friuli8.10pm: France vs Japan, Stade de France
Sunday, November 10
1.40pm: Wales vs Fiji, Principality Stadium4.10pm: Scotland vs South Africa, Murrayfield
Friday, November 15
8.10pm: Ireland vs Argentina, Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 16
3.10pm: Scotland vs Portugal, Murrayfield5.40pm: England vs South Africa, Twickenham8.10pm: France vs New Zealand, Stade de France
Sunday, November 17
1.40pm: Italy vs Georgia, Stadio Luigi Ferraris4.10pm: Wales vs Australia, Principality Stadium
Friday, November 22
8.10pm: France vs Argentina, Stade de France
Saturday, November 23
3.10pm: Ireland vs Fiji, Aviva Stadium5.40pm: Wales vs South Africa, Principality Stadium8.10pm: Italy vs New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, Turin
Sunday, November 24
1.40pm: Scotland vs Australia, Murrayfield4.10pm: England vs Japan, Twickenham
Saturday, November 30
3.10pm: Ireland vs Australia, Aviva Stadium
No concrete plans have yet been brought forward as bosses look to raise the decibel levels at games.
George Skivington, the director of Gloucester Rugby, said: “I think there’s good and bad in both. I think you’d get a bit of a mob mentality going.
“I think people enjoy turning up somewhere and standing next to someone in a different shirt – have a beer, have a laugh, have an argument if you want – but then have another beer afterwards.”
“I think probably keeping it as it is sticks to the values of rugby.”
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