Crowds and TV audiences on the rise

Aviva Premiership Rugby moves into the final stages of the season in great health with impressive rises in both live TV audiences and match day crowds confirmed today.

Following on from a 40% rise in live TV audiences on BT Sport last season the figures have leapt again this time by an impressive 10%. And with just two rounds of the regular season remaining, season-on-season attendances have risen by a significant 4%.

"On the back of the signing of our new six-year deal with BT Sport these figures are great news,” said Premiership Rugby's Commercial Director Dominic Hayes.

"The top flight of English club rugby will be live on BT Sport until at least the end of the 2020-21 campaign and this clearly shows what a fantastic partner BT Sport is for English club rugby.  The Aviva Premiership remains the most competitive domestic league in the world, BT Sport provide a fantastic platform for it and viewers continue to respond.

"Attendance growth is also impressive and that is a huge credit to our 12 clubs who work hard every single day of the season to make Aviva Premiership Rugby more and more attractive every year."

•    Live Aviva Premiership Rugby TV audiences up 10%

•    Match Day Attendances up 4%

These figures are matched on the field with Aviva Premiership Rugby matches now averaging more than five tries a game, more than any other professional competition in the world:

•    Average tries per match - 5.07

•    Number of close matches - 42%

"Going over the five-tries per game threshold is very significant for English club rugby as we enter a golden period for the game in this country," said Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby, Phil Winstanley.

"The matches this season have been compelling and alongside the try tally we still have more than 40% of games ending within seven points or less.

"The reality is that the majority of matches in this competitive League are undecided until the final 10 minutes."