The United Rugby Championship (URC) has set yet another record for attendance this season, with 153,398 passionate fans filling stadiums during Round 8, surpassing the previous high of 146,046 set just months earlier. This remarkable jump not only showcases the heightened interest surrounding the league but also reflects the increasing fandom across its northern and southern hemispheres.
Leading the charge were South African franchises, particularly noticeable during the electrifying matches held this past week. The much-anticipated clash dubbed 'Sharksfest' attracted 34,827 supporters to Kings Park, where the Sharks triumphed over the Bulls. Cape Town also saw packed stands, with 22,410 spectators witnessing the DHL Stormers secure their first win after four consecutive losses, showcasing the local fervor for the sport.
Meanwhile, spectacular advancements were also enjoyed elsewhere. Across the ocean, the Glasgow Warriors hosted their rivals Edinburgh at Hampden Park, where they celebrated record crowds of 27,538—this was their highest attendance for any home game. Notably, Leinster's derby with Connacht at Dublin's Aviva Stadium drew nearly 34,000 spectators, emphasized by the sense of anticipation and excitement among rugby enthusiasts.
Benetton and Zebre Parma also shone through their match, with sell-out crowds demonstrating the league's reaching influence even outside of its core regions. Similarly, the Dragons managed to fill their stadium as well, achieving full attendance for their face-off against Cardiff.
This season's overall attendance has been equally impressive, with the URC reporting 1.69 million fans already having engaged with the league. The outstanding turnouts at rounds eight and nine indicate the upward trend, with crowd numbers rising by over 15% compared to previous seasons. The URC's broad appeal resonates not only through its match-day experiences but also through its digital engagements. For the third year running, the league has set new viewership records, capturing 47.7 million television viewers as well.
According to Martin Anayi, CEO of the URC, the league's expansion is evident. He stated, “The rise of the league continues, and we see our clubs going from strength to strength to drive the levels of interest. Since the inception of the URC, we have seen incredible growth across all fan metrics – attendance, TV viewership, and social media growth.” Anayi attributes this success to the collaborative spirit among the league's 16 teams and their partners who have been pivotal to promoting the sport.
He continued, “We are also seeing players participate more and more in the promotion of fixtures, and in this era of athlete-first interest, this continues to prove to be more valuable. Great credit also goes to the partners of clubs and the league who do so much to support these games. More than ever, it’s becoming clear whether it’s in the stadium or in front of a screen; the URC is must-see rugby.”
Overall, the attendance confirmed by this round indicates not just the popularity of the matches but also the league’s increasing significance within the rugby calendar. Fans are excited, stadiums are filling up, and the URC appears set for continued growth as it brings thrilling rugby to both devoted and new supporters alike.
Round 8 attendance figures tallied: Ulster v Munster attracted 14,313, Benetton v Zebre Parma brought 5,000, Stormers v Lions saw 22,410, Sharks v Bulls reached 34,827, Ospreys v Scarlets recorded 6,836, Leinster v Connacht drew 33,963, Glasgow v Edinburgh entertained 27,538, and Dragons v Cardiff had 8,511.
This burgeoning trend emphasizes the astounding enthusiasm fans show, with each record breaking amount paving the way for future successes. There’s no doubt the excitement of the URC is waning, and the allure of top-notch rugby continues to draw spectators from all walks of life.
