Premiership Rugby will trial designated away fan sections at two matches in April as part of efforts to enhance stadium atmosphere and increase attendance.
The initiative will be tested during Saracens’ clash with Gloucester at StoneX Stadium and Leicester’s match against Harlequins at Welford Road. While there will be no formal segregation as seen in football, Saracens and Leicester will offer visiting supporters the option to sit together in a dedicated block.
“Away fans can and will sit among the main crowd, this is just giving people a choice,” a Premiership Rugby source explained. “This is not meant to be adversarial. It’ll be done in the right spirit.”
The decision was influenced by feedback from players, who believe that a vocal away presence adds to the atmosphere and energizes both teams. The trial is expected to involve a few hundred supporters, with the aim of fostering more passionate fan engagement.
“It’ll be enough fans to make a noise,” the source added. “The players say they feed off it, and it gets more out of the home fans as it creates a back and forth.”
Stadium occupancy across the Premiership has risen to approximately 81% this season, marking a 7% increase from 2023 as the league continues its recovery from recent challenges.
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