Controversial PREM Rugby fan trial extended for a second year

PREM Rugby have confirmed they are rolling out their away supporter zone trial for a second season, with two matches in May chosen to showcase the initiative.

The East Midlands derby between Leicester and Northampton at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, on Saturday, 9 May, and Sale Sharks’ home game against Leicester the following Sunday (17 May), have been selected.

Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at PREM Rugby, said: “Last season’s trial gave us valuable insight into how away supporter zones can elevate the matchday experience and improve the on-screen product for broadcast audiences.

“We want to create bigger atmospheres, fuel the passion of rivalries and give fans an even more memorable experience when they come to Gallagher PREM matches.

“The enthusiasm from all clubs involved is fantastic and we’re excited to see the energy that their supporters bring to these key fixtures as the play-off race heats up.”

Lambasted by some as a pointless gimmick and heralded by others as a great idea, dedicated away supporter zones divided opinion when they were first trialled last season in an attempt to create a more vibrant atmosphere.

Even the best-supported clubs in the PREM struggle to travel in numbers to away games, and it is hoped that away supporter zones will lead to an improvement in the matchday experience, ultimately leading to a growth in crowds.

Supporters of Gloucester and Harlequins, who chose to be seated together, were placed in designated away zones towards the end of last season for their respective games against Saracens and Leicester.

All eyes were on the StoneX, the first of the games to be trialed, as a group of away supporters clad in a mix of cherry and white and denim, mainly at the younger end of the spectrum, were grouped together and created a rowdy atmosphere.

Ten minutes in, a security guard pulled one of the more vociferous Gloucester fans aside and threatened to kick him out of the ground, according to a report in the Daily Mail, after he’d instigated chants of ‘You’re just a s*** Owen Farrell’ aimed at Saracens fly-half Fergus Burke.

The incident added fuel to the argument that the experiment will lead to football-like behaviour and create a divide between rival rugby supporters who’d ordinarily enjoy watching games together side-by-side.

Saracens silenced the mocking chants, which included the usual ‘same old Saracens, always cheating’ jibe with a convincing 36-14 victory.

In the second game at Welford Road, the away zone did not make a discernible difference to the atmosphere, although PREM Rugby’s press release says Tigers fans regarded it as the best atmosphere of the season. Either way, Harlequins gave their travelling support very little to cheer about, losing 40-7.