Premiership defuses ‘segregation’ row

PREMIERSHIP Rugby have moved to assure supporters they are not introducing segregation for the traditional season-opening London double header at Twickenham.

The two matches involving Harlequins, Saracens, London Irish and Wasps – should they succeed in avoiding relegation – will attract a crowd in the region of 75,000. In confirming the 1 September event, Premiership Rugby stated: “For the first time, each club will be given a specific area of the ground for its supporters.”

Premiership Rugby say the intention was to ensure each club’s season ticket holders can sit together. But it was interpreted by many as the introduction of segregation and Premiership Rugby were forced to issue a statement clarifying that supporters are encouraged to sit anywhere in the ground.