Opinion is split on segregating fans but a sport that prides itself on its friendly environment must be careful what it wishes for
As chair of Gloucester Rugby’s official fanclub, Bob Rumble has always loved away games at Bath – or, “that ghastly little stadium down the road from Bristol”, as he likes to call the Rec. Thanks to the claustrophobic Pulteney Bridge steps, rival fans are literally rubbing shoulders before they even reach the famously compact ground. Then they get to spend 80 minutes seat-by-jowl with each other, and the “mickey-taking” – Rumble’s words – is intense.
“I never learn much about rugby from them,” Rumble jokes. “But I come away knowing an awful lot about Volvo cars and Ikea and PTA meetings.”
Written by Emma John
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/mar/20/rugby-does-not-need-away-ends-theres-enough-division-in-the-world-already under the title “Rugby does not need away ends – there’s enough division in the world already | Emma John”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
