England star gives verdict on away ends in rugby

Supporters of Saints travelling to Welford Road will be able to sit in a designated away section, which has already sold out. Fans who prefer can still choose to sit together elsewhere in the stadium.

The following weekend, Leicester Tigers will swap roles and become the travelling side for a major Round 16 clash against Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium on Sunday, May 17, with their fans able to sit in an away end.

These away sections were introduced last season after clear feedback from both fans and players. The aim is to improve the atmosphere, group travelling supporters together, and offer more flexible and engaging ticketing options, while still giving fans the freedom to sit anywhere in the ground.

Some critics believe the move goes against rugby traditions, with concerns it could shift the atmosphere toward something closer to football. Steward, who is a football fan and supports Norwich City, has backed the idea.

"I think it's a fantastic idea and I've seen a lot of backlash on social media and a lot of fans saying it's not a good idea. As a player, I can only tell you from my perspective what I think, I think it's an awesome idea. I'm not saying I would ever want rugby to be a football atmosphere, that's a ridiculous statement.

"What it will do is create a slightly more hostile atmosphere and I don't think that's a bad thing and I think it will give us a bit more edge and make it a bit more of an affair."

He added that the concept strikes a good balance because it still allows fans to choose where they sit.

"There's still an option for fans to sit together and that's important so if we were pigeonholing everyone and telling them they had to sit there, I completely understand that may not be something to pursue but fans have still got that option.

"It's excellent, as a player, before scoring a try away from home, and being able to be near a whole portion of fans excites me. I think it's a fantastic idea and hopefully it will make a better atmosphere."

Steward has recently established himself as a key figure for both club and country, starting three matches for England in the Six Nations before being dropped, and continuing to feature for a Leicester Tigers side pushing for a home semi-final in the PREM this season, with hopes of another title.