Watching Rugby - the fans experience

Last weekend I headed to Twickenham for the last leg of the World Rugby 7s series. Dressed as a Mexican on the Saturday but in my normal attire on the Sunday.

Much had been said that the authorities for the London leg of the were determined to reduce the party atmosphere – there were claims that the bars would have reduced opening hours and that there was a ban on fancy dress.

The security on the way in was friendly but thorough. The tragedy that unfolded in Manchester on Monday night as young fans were leaving the Manchester Arena caused me to reflect on the security at the end of the day on Saturday at Twickenham. The bars in the stadium closed at 5pm and thousands of the 48000 crowd headed to the exit to continue their partying; the gates were open and thousands milled around the exits. To my amateur eye security was reduced – those crowds gathered at the gates and heading away were vulnerable. I didn’t think that at the time but after Monday’s horrific suicide bombing it made me reconsider.

Back to the Rugby 7s and how much I enjoyed myself as a Mexican watching some fabulous athletes from around the world. England’s last minute win against Samoa being my personal highlight. The atmosphere was incredible. It’s a long day watching rugby, unlike the Dubai 7s there are no outside pitches to explore, invitational and social teams to mingle with.

The Sunday was forecast to have lower numbers and be less of a party. The expectation was 35000, with a mix of “rugby fans” and families. I wasn’t there at 9am, arriving at 10.30am determined to see England’s QF.

It certainly was a lower attendance that Saturday but it was a crowd over 40,000 and how they marvelled at Scotland’s QF versus New Zealand – what a comeback

The Final was played out between England and Scotland; I was exhausted from 2 full days watching Rugby 7s; the players continuing to perform at the highest levels with Scotland taking the spoils. The final wasn’t played in front of 40,000. Fans seemed to drift away from 4pm onwards.

The rugby media seemed to think the London7s had been a success and that a formula of “Party Saturday” and “Family Sunday” was a winner but it really is two long days for a fan

This weekend there are 7s countrywide the biggest at the Bournemouth Festival. Originally a 7s event, Bournemouth is now a multi-sport and music festival. Over its 10 years it has become the go to for social and invitational teams. The weather forecast looks good, the organisers are reporting it’s a sell out so we should expect over 20,000 young people in attendance

Meanwhile it’s a full weekend at Twickenham – Saturday’s a sell out for the Premiership Final between Exeter and Wasps. Sunday will be the Barbarians versus England but the day will include the Bill Beaumont County Final featuring Lancashire and Cornwall

Rugby Fans have plenty to choose from; enjoy it and be safe