The Prem’s trial of ‘away ends’ in top-flight rugby is to be given its biggest showcase yet when a dedicated area of Leicester’s Mattioli Woods Welford Road is given over to Northampton fans for the East Midlands derby on 9 May.
The fixture, one of the most keenly anticipated on both clubs’ calendars, is likely to have ramifications for play-off qualification and seeding with Saints currently leading the table and Leicester third.
Leicester’s match away to Sale the following weekend will also feature the ‘away end’ concept, with Tigers fans given the option of sitting en masse with other travelling supporters.
The idea, aimed at improving atmosphere, was trialled last season at Saracens v Gloucester and Leicester v Harlequins.
However, it is not full football-style segregation and visiting fans are still free to select seats in other parts of the ground to sit among home supporters.
“Last season’s trial gave us valuable insight into how away supporter zones can elevate the matchday experience and improve the on-screen product for broadcast audiences,” said Rob Calder, the Prem’s chief growth officer.
“We want to create bigger atmospheres, fuel the passion of rivalries and give fans an even more memorable experience when they come to Gallagher Prem matches.”
With the two clubs’ home grounds separated by less than 30 miles, the rivalry between Northampton and Leicester dates back to 1888.
Their meetings have frequently been at the top end of the table and the business end of the season, with the tension showing when Saints hooker Dylan Hartley was sent off in the 2013 Premiership final, two years after Leicester’s Manu Tuilagi famously punched Chris Ashton in a semi-final meeting at Welford Road.
Northampton’s travelling support has gathered momentum in recent seasons, with the ‘Shoe Army’ enjoying a run to Premiership glory in 2024 and the final of the Champions Cup last May.
After consulting with players and fans, the Prem rebranded at the beginning of the current campaign with an emphasis on the physicality and confrontational nature of the on-pitch action.
