I can't be bothered searching for the quote about Premiership attendances last week but here's my piece.
The World Cup has definitely had an impact on attendances. I'm not sure I agree with why, but there's not really any doubting it has. Somebody said they don't know how games played on the opposite side of the world, at different times would effect them. It's nothing to do with people actually being at the games. It's more - people don't want to pay top dollar to watch their reserves getting thumped or grinding out a win for the same price as a normal game would be. That's the bottom line in their reasoning with that. Clubs haven't put discount prices on during this period, yet the competition on offer is very much that.
There are plenty of other reasons too. The main reason in all this is pricing full stop. A lot of people are being priced out of the game. I think next season will see the first time in years where Super League probably beats The Premiership on average attendances. I made a list of prices the other week and I'll post it here for those interested. The prices are the range between the cheapest and most expensive adult ticket at each club.
Exeter Chiefs
£21-£41
Gloucester Rugby
£15-£47
Harlequins
£20-£42
Leicester Tigers
Category A - £21-£47
Category B - £17-£47
London Irish
N/A
London Wasps
£21.50-£56.50
Newcastle Falcons
£15-£40
Northampton Saints
£28-£40
Sale Sharks
£10-£40
Saracens
£20-£65
Worcester Warriors
£16-38
Some of those prices are just ridiculous. Northampton seem to have completely priced out average Joe from walking in on a match day and paying on the gate. The terrace at Franklins Gardens is crammed and unless you're well over 6 foot your view is going to be restricted by some tall blokes. £28 is just a joke.
Exeter made it clear last season that they needed to charge what they do to make a profit. Even still, despite what people try and tell me on forums about what a great away day it is - I'm not buying it. It has one nice stand and the rest of the ground is a temporary structure or at least resembles one.
The biggest movers are Wasps and the champions Saracens have added a few quid too. Their cheapest ticket last year was £13.50 and now it's £20. I've never been but Vicarage Road is meant to be a dump in most people's eyes, and I don't know how they can charge £20 at one end and £30 at the other. They both look the same to me.
Worcester is fairly reasonable, £16 to stand and £18 to sit in their best stand. Sale, Newcastle and Gloucester all offer good value for money.
People simply can't afford it. Whether some of you think all Union fans are loaded or not - the attendances are showing otherwise. I went over to the Bath forum the other day where they were outraged at the price hike. I always thought Bath was a rich area, it may well be, but even they know when they're being ripped off.
So there are a number of factors as to why attendances are low. They will pick up after The World Cup, but unless England win it with some attractive Rugby I don't see it happening.
I completely agree with most of the negativity on here about England by the way, along with The World Cup in general. I haven't heard or seen anybody outside of Union forums talking about it. I've only watched one game live so far and the rest as highlights.
