The Top 14 and the Pro D2 are experiencing unprecedented enthusiasm in the different venues of the two championships. While Bordeaux-Bègles and Chaban-Delmas are in the lead, Stade français and Pau are making clear progress, as is Béziers in Pro D2.
Is this the fruit harvested from the World Cup seed? Probably. Is this the consequence of a championship that is tighter than ever and therefore pleasant and attractive? For sure ! One thing is certain, the Top 14 is in full swing and the figures prove it. Bordeaux-Bègles, thanks to its fiery team and its large capacity stadium, is first in attendance in the Top 14 with 27,656 supporters. Toulouse (19,823) and Toulon (17,276) complete the podium. Still in the elite, the Parisian and Pau supporters are back in force. The Stade français (+16%) and the Pau Section (+12%) have experienced the greatest progress. In total, 2,204,597 spectators filled the fourteen first division stadiums.
Rapid progress in Béziers
RC Vannes and its 10,518 supporters dominate the attendance rankings ahead of CA Brive (8,156) and Grenoble (7,194). Another notable fact, AS Béziers is the team which is experiencing the best progress in Pro D2 with an increase of 29%! The ASBH, with its unbridled play, its convincing results and its probable participation in the final phase, has won over a wider audience. Pro D2, too, experienced growing overall activity since 1,148,156 spectators attended the various championship matches, an increase of 15% compared to the last season. President Réné Bouscatel spoke about this good news for French rugby: “We welcome these excellent trends throughout France, both in the TOP 14 and in PRO D2. This fervor in the stadiums is the result of the constant work of the clubs and the LNR to attract ever more people to the stadium and make them enjoy a unique spectacle The end of the season and the suspense formats of the championships should consolidate these excellent trends.
