As chair of Gloucester Rugby’s official fanclub, Bob Rumble has always loved away games at Bath or, as he jokingly calls it, “that ghastly little stadium down the road from Bristol.” The experience of navigating the tight Pulteney Bridge steps, brushing shoulders with rival fans, and sitting amongst them for 80 minutes creates an intense but friendly atmosphere.
“I never learn much about rugby from them,” Rumble jokes. “But I come away knowing an awful lot about Volvo cars, Ikea, and PTA meetings.”
This camaraderie is why the introduction of designated “away ends” in Premiership Rugby next month has left many baffled. The idea of separating fans seems at odds with the sport’s traditional atmosphere. Rumble is skeptical, calling it a misguided move. “They should have waited a couple of weeks and brought this out on April the first.”
The welcoming environment in rugby stadiums stands in contrast to the often hostile and divided nature of football terraces. However, some argue that rugby could benefit from a livelier crowd. One flanker believes away sections could elevate the sport, creating an electric atmosphere where the energy of visiting supporters ignites a response from home fans.
“Playing in a cauldron is what players love,” he says. “Sometimes a game can reflect the lack of atmosphere within a stadium, but where we’ve had big away support, the games have ended up being crazy.”
While the argument for more energy is understandable, the real motivation behind this move seems driven by broadcasting needs. Larger, more passionate crowds translate to better television deals. With the Premier League securing billions in media rights, rugby officials recognize the commercial appeal of heightened crowd engagement.
Some clubs already embrace this idea. Supporter groups at teams like Harlequins, Northampton, and Saracens have been block-booking tickets for years to create concentrated areas of away fans. However, this has always been voluntary, with no obligation for away supporters to sit in specific sections.
One fan leader emphasizes that the term “away end” is misleading, pointing out that fans can still purchase tickets wherever they choose. “People imagine stewards in hi-vis separating supporters who are abusing each other, but that is never, ever going to happen in rugby.”
Concerns have been raised about the unintended consequences of this shift. Some point to sociological studies on tribal behaviors in sports, warning that encouraging division could impact rugby’s traditionally respectful culture. A major concern is the potential erosion of respect for referees. Rugby’s complex rules already require frequent decisions, and creating a more charged atmosphere could lead to football-style jeering of officials.
Player abuse is another issue. While some believe rugby fans can police themselves, the increasing hostility in other sports raises concerns. Women’s football, for example, has seen a decline in the inclusive and family-friendly culture it was once celebrated for, with increased abuse at matches and online.
A prominent footballer recently warned that the women’s game must be careful not to lose its core values. “If we are so proud of the environment we’ve created, we need to be really, really careful in the next steps we’re making.”
For now, the scale of the change remains small. An upcoming trial game at Leicester will see only a few hundred fans sitting together in an away section, while many others will remain scattered throughout the stadium. “We’re not talking about segregation,” one fan says. “We’re talking about choice.”
Rumble, meanwhile, remains unconvinced. “Rugby’s been in a parlous state for a while. Is this the answer? I don’t think so, but I wish them well.” For him, the essence of the game lies in its inclusive spirit, and he remains happy to welcome any and all away fans to stand beside him in the Shed.
