Scotland forward Fraser Brown would love to see fans back for the Six Nations

Scotland forward Fraser Brown wants Sunday’s match against France to be the last international at BT Murrayfield played without supporters and hopes fans will be back for the Six Nations.

Scotland's Fraser Brown in action against France. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

The UK Government has announced it will allow a limited number of spectators back into venues in England in lower-risk areas when the English lockdown ends next week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined plans for a return to a regionalised tier system south of the border from December 2 to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Outdoor venues in tier one areas in England – those considered lowest risk – will be permitted to admit up to 4,000 spectators to an event or allow 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower.

Outdoor venues in tier two would be permitted to admit up to 2,000 fans or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, while the caps were 2,000 and 1,000 respectively for indoor venues in tiers one and two.

There has been no change announced to sporting events in Scotland which continue to take place at an elite level without spectators.

Brown, speaking before the UK Government’s announcement, said he would love to see supporters return.

“I think it is a great hope for everyone in world rugby, and the wider world to be honest,” said the Scotland vice-captain after the 22-15 defeat by France on Sunday. “If we start getting fans back at Murrayfield then that means there is some level of normality in society at large.

"At the minute, it has been brilliant to get some Test rugby played but, obviously, the fans are a huge part of generating the atmosphere which pushes us on to go out and perform at our best, so having them back here whether it is for the Six Nations or whenever it is would be brilliant for us, and brilliant in the wider context.”

Fans have been absent from Scottish rugby grounds since sport shut down in March, with the only exception being the Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors match at Murrayfield in August when 700 supporters attended as a test for the return of spectators.

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