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When Will Evans revealed his desire to have away ends incorporated into Premiership Rugby, the Harlequins flanker was ambushed with backlash from the sport's traditional fan base.
When Will Evans revealed his desire to have away ends incorporated into Premiership Rugby, the Harlequins flanker was ambushed with backlash from the sport's traditional fan base.
That was off the back of his club's vibrant and vocal support which ignited Quins' remarkable, 'Bristanbul' comeback at Ashton Gate in 2021 to reach the Premiership final.
Quins also enjoyed heavy travelling support when they took on neighbours London Irish in Brentford a few years ago, while well-supported clubs like Bath, Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints can often rival the number of home fans in attendance when they are away.
Countless articles have been written at how the introduction of away sections would enhance atmospheres but many received the backlash the likes of Evans received with traditional supporters feeling it would ruin one of the sport's unique selling points.
Choice, not segregation
However, fans should take note that a visiting supporter doesn't have to sit in a block full of like-minded fans and can instead have the option to mingle amongst the home supporters if they wish.
It will be intriguing to see if there's a lift in atmosphere next month in the two trial games between Saracens and Gloucester at the Stone X and Leicester versus Harlequins at Welford Road.
It's thought that the noise created by a block of travelling fans will force the home supporters to match their efforts, thus creating regular noise rather than the usual long periods of quietness often found at Premiership fixtures.
Across the Premiership, stadium occupancy has risen this season to around 81%, a 7% increase since 2023 as the league continues to recover from a turbulent period and officials will be hoping that increases further once the trial is over.
Ticket prices need to be slashed for away fans
Will many Sale Sharks or Newcastle Falcons supporters travel the length of the country to places like Bath or Exeter and be faced with a £90 ticket in an away end? No. There needs to be an adjustment of prices to make the exercise worthwhile.
Former Harlequins player, Charlie Walker, said he prefers going to watch Crystal Palace Football Club rather than visiting any rugby ground as it's 'half the price and twice the atmosphere'.
As a football fan myself, the best part of going to watch my club Portsmouth is the noise created by the loud and proud Pompey fans who travel in ridiculous numbers across the country.
If rugby can create vibrant travelling support, without falling into the violence associated with football fans, then away ends will be a resounding success for Premiership Rugby.