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26 rounds of grueling Top 14 domestic French rugby came to an end over the weekend. It’s only fair we take a look back over this season and see if there has been any growth in crowds over this season.
The quarter finals, semi finals and the final are yet to be played, but be assured, its been another record year in crowds for the French Top 14.
First lets look at the crowds by a team by team basis:
Team Average crowd
Agen 10022
Bayonne 16181
Biarritz 12498
Bourgoin 8352
Brive 10324
Castres 9590
Clermont 15635
Rochelle 12328
Montpellier 12407
Perpignan 13282
Racing 14750
Stade Fr 25087
Toulon 18622
Toulouse 22746
From these stats we can see that Stade Francias is one the best supported clubs with an average of 25,087. This season they had one crowd of over 69,000 and two crowds of 73, 999.
Second, we have Toulouse who have an average of 22,746. They seem to be playing more and more at Stade Toulouse and usually get near sell outs for matches there.
Toulon is third with an average of 18,622 match. They regularly sell out Stade Mayol and they played two matches at Stade Velodrome and had a crowd of 45k and 51k for these two matches.
Bayonne is fourth with averages of 16,181 per match. Even though they did not make the playoffs they usually get near or sellout crowds at 16,934 capacity Stade Jean Dauger.
Fifth on the list is Clermont with 15,635 per match. They play at the 16,000 capacity Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin. Perhaps an expansion of the grounds is due.
Racing Metro had 76,353 show up for their match against Toulouse in Round 22 at the Stade De France. With a new 40,000 Stadium being built for them in the Future, they are sure to be the next glamour club along with Toulon.
Another stand out for me was La Rochelle who sold out every match and are averaging 12,328 permatch in the 12,356 Stadia Marcel-Deflandre. Even though they have been relegated for next season, their crowds have been top notch.
For the future of next season we have Lyon coming into the Top 14, who by the way drew two 32,000 crowds in the ProD2 competition. Let’s hope they stay in the French top flight because they certainly have a willing support base.
Total crowds so far:
At the end of 182 pool matches – Total Attendance = 2,610,006 (14,341 per match)
For the 2009-2010 Season, total crowds at end of pool rounds = 2,414,887 (13,269 permatch)
So an increase in crowds this season of 195,119 or an 8% increase, with the finals to go!
Couple this together with the recent report from the French Rugby Union where they have reported registered player numbers growth to 345,000+, it shows that Rugby is in good health in France, and the nation is quickly becoming the centre of club rugby for the Rugby world.
Should we hope they win a world cup soon to solidify their place as a true passionate rugby nation? Welcome discussion, fellow Roarers.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.