Best-supported Pro D2 outfit beats crowd average of four PREM clubs

France’s second division, Pro D2, is celebrating another groundbreaking year with average attendances for the regular season up for the third year in a row.

Over 1.5 million spectators went through the turnstiles, with a match average attendance of 6,396. This represents a 7% year-on-year increase and a 13% increase since 2023/24.

Table-topping Vannes, who are based well away from French rugby’s traditional heartlands in Britanny, led the way with an average of 12,948 spectators, ahead of CA Brive (11,034) and Provence Rugby (8,359). It is the first time that two Pro D2 clubs have reached five figures, according to the league’s organisers.

Vannes’ average crowd places it ahead of four PREM clubs – Harlequins, Saracens, Newcastle and Sale, when applied to matches at their regular home grounds, and only just behind the likes of Gloucester, whose average Gallagher PREM crowd at Kingsholm, with the visit of Newcastle to come on 6 June, stands at just over 13,000.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Pro D2 final in Toulouse on 6 June sold out in just 15 days.

“PRO D2 continues its rise with a very strong identity: that of a demanding, popular championship deeply rooted in its local communities. This unprecedented enthusiasm is no accident: it is the result of the clubs’ daily commitment and the unique bond they have forged with their fans,” said Yann Roubert, President of the National Rugby League.”

Fixture

Pro D2

Provence Rugby

09:30

23 May 26

Brive

All Stats and Data

UK and Ireland-based fans have been treated to live coverage of Pro D2 matches this season, via an exclusive agreement with FR-UK Rugby.

With so many ex-stars of the PREM and the URC in action across the channel, it has proved to be a popular addition to the streaming landscape.

“This year has been brilliant, said FR-UK host, Tim Cocker. “Pro D2 is mad – it feels old-school on one hand, with the scrum and the maul being a big part of the game, but the skills on show are absolutely bonkers, too.”

Thursday’s barrage match between Oyonnax and Valence Romans will be followed on Saturday with a mouthwatering clash between Courtney Lawes’ Brive and Provence, for whom Wales prop Tomas Francis might be playing his last game before joining Sale on a two-year deal this summer.