The distraction of the Rugby World Cup, sky-high ticket prices, the cost-of-living crisis, the apathy surrounding the loss of three clubs from the league last season and poor weather have all contributed to the disappointing crowds.
While ticket sales at the start of the season are notoriously sluggish, it is still telling that only two of the first 20 matches this season have attracted bigger attendances than the same fixtures last year.
Bath's fans cannot be accused of being fair-weather supporters as their crowd for the visit of Leicester was up by 690 compared to the 2022/23 season, despite the effects of Storm Babet.
The other match in the positive column was Sale Sharks' home clash with Northampton, with the gate up by 510, perhaps on the back of the Sharks' run to last year's final.
Overall, though, the picture is pretty bleak for clubs already fighting to keep their heads above water.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 12, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 12, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
