Rugby set for major shake-up as away fan sections incoming

Thursday, 30 January 2025 at 07:38

byRugby Rucker

Premiership Rugby is reportedly exploring the introduction of designated away fan sections at matches, a move that could mark a significant shift in the sport’s matchday experience.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

The proposal has drawn support from former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward, who believes it could enhance the atmosphere at club fixtures.

A change to rugby’s unique fan culture

Rugby has traditionally fostered an inclusive environment where home and away supporters mix freely, both at domestic and international matches. Unlike football, which enforces strict fan segregation for security reasons, rugby has long prided itself on a culture of mutual respect and camaraderie among rival fans.

However, Premiership Rugby is now exploring ways to boost the sport’s appeal and create a more commercially viable product. Introducing specific away supporter sections is one of the proposals aimed at enhancing the matchday experience, according to the Mail Online.

Enhancing Atmosphere and Rivalries

The idea behind creating designated areas for away fans is to heighten the atmosphere at games and foster stronger rivalries among the 10 Premiership sides.

The league’s decision comes at a time when financial pressures on clubs are increasingly evident, with the recent collapses of Worcester Warriors, Wasps, and London Irish serving as stark reminders.

Woodward Backs the Change

In his column for the Mail Online, Sir Clive Woodward expressed his strong support for the move.

"For too long, the game has done the same things on repeat, and there has been an obvious need for change. The financial problems experienced by clubs and the demise of Worcester, Wasps, and London Irish have shown exactly that."

Woodward believes that away sections could significantly enhance the game-day experience for fans.

"It will certainly add to the atmosphere and that, ultimately, is what it’s all about. It helps sell the product and grow rugby’s appeal," he explained.

No Need for Segregation – A Positive Move

While fan segregation is common in football to prevent clashes between rival supporters, Woodward stresses that this isn’t the motivation behind rugby’s proposed changes.

"This is being done for positive, not negative, reasons. And that is to be applauded. The upsides far outweigh the downsides. In fact, I don’t see any downsides."

Welcoming Away Fans with Open Arms

Woodward also emphasises the importance of making away fans feel valued by providing good seating and access to facilities.

"If I was an away fan, sitting in one block with my fellow supporters would certainly appeal. It adds to the sense of comradeship and would help create a feeling of attachment."

He added, "There is no point putting the away fans in the worst part of the ground. The opposite should happen. They should be welcomed in style and given great seats with good access to food and drink facilities."

Ilona Maher is one of rugby’s richest stars with huge net worth

The rugby world isn’t just about bone-crunching tackles and highlight-reel tries—it’s also a stage where fortunes are built.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.

From iconic players to unexpected names, here’s the ultimate countdown of rugby’s wealthiest stars.

10. Owen Farrell – £1.46 million ($2 million)

Saracens’ General on and off the field
Owen Farrell isn’t just Saracens’ leader; he’s their financial giant too. His loyalty to the club pays off handsomely, with most of his £1.46 million net worth stemming from his Premiership dominance.

9. Maro Itoje – £1.46 million ($2 million)

England and Saracens’ towering presence
Maro Itoje matches Owen Farrell both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje’s salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.

8. Charles Piutau – £1.85 million ($2.5 million)

A marquee signing with a marquee salary
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn’t just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.

7. Handré Pollard – £1.94 million ($2.7 million)

A Springbok with serious earning power
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard’s earnings hit around R15 million per season.

6. Ilona Maher – £3 million

A trailblazer on and off the pitch
Ilona Maher’s influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport’s most marketable athletes.

5. Mike Tindall – £9.98 million ($13 million)

The royal connection
Rugby royalty and actual royalty collide in Mike Tindall. A World Cup winner in 2003, Tindall’s fortunes come from a mix of his rugby career, business ventures, and media appearances. Despite a few legal hurdles, his net worth is nearing £10 million.

4. Jonny Wilkinson – £20.9 million ($29 million)

England’s golden boy turned financial giant
Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup drop goal didn’t just win a trophy—it built a brand. Now the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson’s ventures in coaching, commentary, and endorsements have significantly boosted his net worth.

3. Sonny Bill Williams – £21.8 million ($30 million)

A dual-code dynamo
Sonny Bill Williams has excelled in both union and league, earning a fortune in France and through high-profile endorsements. With a net worth of £21.8 million, his career is as lucrative as it is legendary.

2. Sir Bill Gammell – £38.8 million ($50 million)

From rugby to business titan
Once a Scottish rugby player, Sir Bill Gammell transitioned into the business world, building an empire. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell’s success spans far beyond the pitch.

1. Simon McDowell – £39.3 million ($54 million)

From referee to chemical company mogul
Simon McDowell might not be the first name you associate with wealth in rugby, but his financial success is unparalleled. After officiating at two Rugby World Cups, McDowell’s fortune skyrocketed thanks to his chemical company, Kilwaughter. His £39.3 million net worth tops the list.

Name the top 10 scorers in Six Nations history

From pinpoint goal-kicking maestros to dynamic try-scoring machines, these legends have left their mark on the competition.

But how well do you know them? Can you guess who sits atop the leaderboard and who just sneaks into the top 10? Take the quiz and prove your rugby knowledge!