Premiership Rugby launches contentious football-esque trial believed to be a ‘progressive step’
The first trial will be held this weekend when Saracens host Gloucester at the StoneX Stadium.
Premiership Rugby has confirmed plans to trial designated away zones for visiting fans who choose to be seated together inside the stadium during the season run-in.
The first trial will be held this weekend when Saracens host Gloucester at the StoneX Stadium. A passionate cluster of Cherry and White is set to create ‘The Shed on Tour’ in what looks set to be a crucial play-off shootout in North London.
The second trial will see Leicester Tigers welcome Harlequins to Mattioli Woods Welford Road, with hundreds of travelling Quins fans in the away zone sure to add to a lively atmosphere in a blockbuster contest.
‘Progressive step’
Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at Premiership Rugby, said: “The opportunity to trial these away zones during The Run-In is a progressive step for rugby and I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the clubs involved in facilitating these trials.
“Home and away fans sitting together, sharing a drink and chatting about the game, is a great tradition of our sport and there is no desire to change that. This project is about providing an additional ticketing option to travelling supporters.
He added: “We’ve also listened to our players who say that they thrive off the noise and energy that a vocal cluster of away support can bring.
England hopeful likened to British and Irish Lion after latest Test audition
“We’re excited to see how these trials impact the matchday experience and atmosphere both inside the stadium and on-screen.”
Laurie Dalrymple, CEO of Harlequins, has praised the trial and is looking forward to the club playing its part.
“We are incredibly proud of our passionate away support and are thrilled to be a part of this trial as we constantly strive to improve the matchday experience for our fans – both home and away,” he said.
‘Community feel’
“Our Champions Cup quarter-final victory in Bordeaux last season was a special day that will live long in the memory, and the incredible energy that our travelling cluster of fans produced on the day was central to a famous win on the road.
“Our passionate Supporters’ Club, Quinssa, already do great work buying groups of tickets for away matches and to now be exploring designated ‘away zones’ will only add to the community feel for the Quins travelling fans.”