Premiership Rugby Set to Bring Away Ends for Fans
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Away sections are set to make their debut in the Gallagher Premiership, with two trial runs scheduled at the end of April.
According to Telegraph Sport, these trials will take place during Saracens' clash with Gloucester on April 19 and Leicester Tigers' home fixture against Harlequins on April 26.
Choice for Visiting Fans
Gloucester and Harlequins supporters will be given a choice – they can either mingle with home fans as usual or opt for a designated away section. Details on the size and exact location of these sections are yet to be revealed, but Premiership Rugby is expected to provide more information in the coming weeks.
'Players Feed Off It'
Brian Moore, former England hooker, voiced concerns in his Telegraph Sport column back in October, expressing reservations about rugby moving away from its tradition of unsegregated crowds. However, the upcoming trials will allow both options to remain available.
"Away fans can and will sit amongst the main crowd, this is just giving people a choice," said a source close to the matter. "This isn't about creating hostility – it's about adding to the atmosphere. The players say they feed off it, and it brings out more energy from the home crowd as it creates that back-and-forth."
Growing Popularity of Away Sections
The idea of designated away sections in rugby has gained traction recently, especially after Harlequins' dramatic Premiership semi-final win over Bristol Bears in 2021. A large contingent of Quins fans were packed together at Ashton Gate, creating a powerful atmosphere that left a lasting impression.
Premiership Rugby is hoping these trials will capture that same energy and enhance the matchday experience for all fans.
Jonny Wilkinson didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent
England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?
The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most “hated” facing during his career.
#5.Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu’s one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
WILKINSON SAID: “One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him."
DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999
#4.Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe's finest.
WILKINSON SAID: "The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership."
DID YOU KNOW? O'Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player
#3.Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
WILKINSON SAID:"Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth" and "at times he's exactly what a team needs," according to Wilkinson.
DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached
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