Prem Rugby: Attendances down but Newcastle Red Bulls see ticket surge

Prem Rugby clubs with recent investments have experienced varied ticketing outcomes following a league-wide drop in attendance for the 2026-27 season. Across the 15 games of the first block, ticket sales have decreased by 8.5 percent compared to the same period last year. Among the three clubs receiving fresh investment, Newcastle Red Bulls stood out with a sell-out for their opening match against Leicester Tigers in round two, marking a 60 percent increase in attendance compared to last season. This represents a notable improvement for the club after years of declining crowds.

However, Bath Rugby, newly funded by the vacuum tycoon Sir James Dyson, saw no change in attendance for their sole home match against Exeter Chiefs, both this season and the previous one being sell-outs. The situation is worse for the Chiefs, whose acquisition by Bournemouth's owners saw a significant drop in their opening match against Gloucester Rugby, drawing only 8,600 spectators compared to last season's sell-out.

To combat the issue, the club decided to close one of their terraces during their subsequent game against Newcastle Red Bulls, which saw only 7,000 attendees.

Other top-flight rugby union clubs, such as Gloucester, Northampton Saints, and Leicester Tigers, are also under consideration for potential investment as the sport continues to attract financial capital. Gloucester's attendance for their one fixture increased slightly against Harlequins, while Northampton Saints experienced an increase for their match against Bath and another sell-out against Newcastle.

Leicester Tigers, who defeated Gloucester on Friday night, witnessed a 5,600 drop in attendance compared to last season, though the game still attracted the presence of Prince Harry.