‘Doesn’t happen in football’ – Maro Itoje opens up on two potentially radical changes to rugby in England

Yesterday at 10:50 AM

England captain Maro Itoje believes rugby’s unique atmosphere should be protected amid trials to separate opposing fans.

Rugby has long been the flagship sport when it comes to conduct, tolerance and fair-play in the stands.

While football often comes in for criticism for its off-field issues, rugby is lauded due to its successful integration of opposition supporters at all forms of the sport.

But that could change in the near future, starting with next month’s Premiership clash between Saracens and Gloucester followed by Leicester’s fixture with Harlequins.

Ordinarily, there is no separation between home and away supporters however the league has revealed that the trial areas will not be rolled out across each of the stands in the stadiums affected meaning opposing fans can still mingle if they prefer to.

The plan to separate fans is part of a drive to increase attendance with a target of 82 percent over the course of the season but numbers currently at an average of 91 percent.

England and Harlequins star Itoje believes the current system is one of rugby's best characteristics although he remains open to change.

“I imagine they’re doing that to try and garner a bit more of a hostile environment,” Itoje told talkSPORT.

“But what I would say, one of the great things about rugby is the culture and the spirit of the fans. In rugby you can have… this weekend there will be a Harlequins fan sitting right next to a Saracens fan and there will be no issue.

“They would fiercely root for their teams, then when it’s all said and done, they will shake their hands and go their separate ways, which is something that doesn’t happen in football and something that doesn’t happen in some other sports.

“I think that’s something to be protected and something to be, you know, looked after, but you know, I’m always open, let’s see how it goes.”

Itoje also discussed the idea of England potentially moving away from its spiritual home, Twickenham.

The England captain was reacting to the news that England's Twickenham future is under threat due to licensing restrictions.

Earlier this week, Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney, threatened to take England away from Twickenham with a move to Milton Keynes or Birmingham in the pipeline.

It comes after the RFU missed out on hosting six lucrative Beyoncé concerts at the iconic stadium.

Sweeney claims that if Richmond council continues to deny the RFU permission to stage high-profile non-rugby events at Twickenham, then a move away from London would be considered.

The RFU is permitted to stage three non-rugby events a year with just two on consecutive nights at a capacity of 55,000 despite the stadium being able to hold 82,000 spectators.

Twickenham is largely unused throughout the year meaning the conditions of their usage sees the RFU miss out on a number of large-scale events.

Sweeney is pushing for change in the hope that Richmond council allow for 15 events a year at a capacity of 75,000 otherwise Milton Keynes and Birmingham would become potential options.

Asked about a potential move away from the home of English Rugby, Itoje admits that if it was to happen, there is one city that should be the focal point of the national team.

"I did hear reports about that, I don't know the details about it," Itoje said. "I do love London, I'm a little bit biased.

"However, previously we've had games in Newcastle and Manchester so I'm all for playing games in different parts of the country.

"But hopefully London can remain our home."

If England were to leave Twickenham, then a move across London should not be ruled out.

The RFU previously examined the idea of buying half of Wembley before agreeing to plans to revamp Twickenham which is set to begin in 2027.

According to the Guardian, the RFU is perplexed at how the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can host 30 non-football events a year while Wembley is able to host 32.

"Part of the renovation from 2027 means we are in discussions with Richmond borough council to stage more non-rugby events. For us, it is three events and we are only allowed one on a Friday," Sweeney told the Business of Sport podcast. 

"We have had the Rolling Stones. We could have had Beyoncé but she wanted three nights and we are only allowed two nights consecutively.

"We are saying: 'If we are going to invest £600m into the Allianz [Twickenham's sponsored name] – and we have a study which shows how much economic value it contributes to the borough – if we're going to do that, you are going to have to work with us in terms of an increase in the number of events we can stage in order to monetise the stadium.' There are plenty of places that would like to have us there. Birmingham, Milton Keynes would love to have us there."

When asked if the RFU would relocate if the council rejected its request, Sweeney said: "It would be a tough call for us. It would be very difficult. I don't know how we would justify the investment in the stadium if we can't get the increase in the event licences."