column back in October, expressing reservations about rugby moving away from its tradition of unsegregated crowds. However, the upcoming trials will allow both options to remain available.
Away sections are set to make their debut in the Gallagher Premiership, with two trial runs scheduled at the end of April.
, these trials will take place during Saracens’ clash with Gloucester on April 19 and Leicester Tigers’ home fixture against Harlequins on April 26.
Choice for Visiting Fans
Gloucester and Harlequins supporters will be given a choice – they can either mingle with home fans as usual or opt for a designated away section. Details on the size and exact location of these sections are yet to be revealed, but Premiership Rugby is expected to provide more information in the coming weeks.
‘Players Feed Off It’
Brian Moore, former England hooker, voiced concerns in his Telegraph Sport
“Away fans can and will sit amongst the main crowd, this is just giving people a choice,” said a source close to the matter. “This isn’t about creating hostility – it’s about adding to the atmosphere. The players say they feed off it, and it brings out more energy from the home crowd as it creates that back-and-forth.”
Growing Popularity of Away Sections
The idea of designated away sections in rugby has gained traction recently, especially after Harlequins’ dramatic Premiership semi-final win over Bristol Bears in 2021. A large contingent of Quins fans were packed together at Ashton Gate, creating a powerful atmosphere that left a lasting impression.
Premiership Rugby is hoping these trials will capture that same energy and enhance the matchday experience for all fans.
Jonny Wilkinson didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent
England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?
The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most "hated" facing during his career.
#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”
DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999
#4. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.
WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”
DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player
#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.
DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached
#2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.
WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."
DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015
#1. Christophe Dominici (France)
Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.
WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”
DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.
Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
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