Packed Stadiums Energise Players and Coaches as Record is Broken

Two-way energy, match-winning roars, special occasions, good vibes and the love of rugby were top of mind for the players and coaches in the league who reflected on a record-breaking Round 11 of the BKT URC where 123,307 fans packed into stadiums across both hemispheres.

League leaders Leinster played in front of two packed houses over the Christmas and New Year period during victories away to Munster in Limerick and at home to Connacht in Dublin. Their Ireland and British & Irish Lions back row star Jack Conan says it means a lot to the players to have such support for BKT URC games.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to see that turnout,” said the 30-year-old. “St Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day are massive times of the year here in Ireland and to get full houses at Thomond Park and the RDS is really special. It just shows you the interest, how big rugby is culturally and how many people are getting behind it.

“The atmosphere has been fantastic. You can really feel the crowd behind you. It’s a testament to the strength of the game in the country (Ireland) at the moment and hopefully it’s something that continues to grow over the next few years and we keep getting more and more sell-out crowds.

“It just feeds into the love of the game and the energy around the place and how much the lads want to play for the jersey when it’s a full house.”

The week before Round 11, the Christmas derbies set a new milestone with 117,000 fans turning up to games and the record 123,000 that showed up the following weekend pitched the average attendance in the BKT URC to 12,500.

For Leinster forwards coach Robin McBryde it was a pleasing sight after stadiums were shuttered during various pandemic restrictions of past seasons. “We went through that Covid period where I don’t think anybody enjoyed playing in empty stadiums,” said the former Wales hooker. “It’s a two-way thing. You feed from the supporters, they get energised and excited by watching the players.

“To have full houses and healthy crowds is great. It makes an occasion of a game. As a supporter, you go to a match and you want to leave with that feel-good factor. The season is starting to take shape now, there is going to be a lot more to play for and hopefully that feel-good factor will continue.”

Cardiff Rugby also featured in two sold-out fixtures over the festive period, away to Dragons RFC on Boxing Day and home to the Ospreys on New Year’s Day. They are set for another bumper attendance this Saturday when the Scarlets are the visitors to the Arms Park.

Giving his thoughts, their Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “It’s been fantastic for Welsh rugby to see full houses back on derby day. We didn’t see that last year obviously.

“You’ve got to enjoy these occasions. That’s why we come into sport. These are the days we want. This is what Welsh rugby is about. Plenty of physicality, plenty of intensity and a real bumper crowd really getting behind both teams.