News
Prediction
Fixtures
England seeks to revitalize fan connection and modernize the Twickenham experience
England’s rugby players are exploring innovative ways to reestablish a connection with their supporters during this year’s Six Nations championship. The team aims to modernize the matchday experience at Twickenham, with proposals including increased music during breaks and enhanced fan engagement. These initiatives are part of an effort to create a more diverse audience and alter the overall atmosphere surrounding the English team.
Despite their achievement in reaching the World Cup semi-finals, England faced occasional boos in France. The challenges during Eddie Jones’s coaching tenure, conservative gameplans, and high ticket prices have all strained the fans’ relationship with the national side. Jamie George, England’s new captain, disclosed that the squad has put forward various suggestions to the Rugby Football Union, aiming to bring about a positive transformation in the Twickenham atmosphere.
Improving their on-field performance by fostering a more positive stadium atmosphere is a priority for England, starting with the Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome. The team, led by captain Jamie George, believes that enhancing the mood at Twickenham can positively impact their game. Traditionally associated with a conservative atmosphere, Twickenham may soon experience a shift, potentially adopting a more vibrant ambiance.
Twickenham has the potential for a lively atmosphere, evident in events like Harlequins’ annual ‘Big Game.’ To harness this energy, plans include an upgraded play-list and more musical interludes, especially for the upcoming match against Wales. While not entirely convinced about introducing a Kiss-Cam, George is advocating for extending the players’ walk from the team bus to the stadium further into the West car park.
Jamie George, reflecting on his time as an England rugby player, emphasized the significance of the exhilarating moment when the team disembarks from the bus and is greeted by a wave of enthusiastic noise. He believes this experience is particularly impactful for young fans who witness the players up close. The team is actively engaged in ongoing discussions to explore ways to enhance their interaction with fans.
Additionally, commercial discussions have taken place regarding the matchday experience, focusing on the desired look and feel of the event. This marks a departure from previous experiences in the England squad. While perfection may not be achieved by the Wales game, George expresses confidence in the positive impact of the valuable ideas submitted by the players to the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
Jamie George, acknowledging the need for improvement, emphasized that both the team and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) are committed to enhancing various aspects, including marketing the game more effectively. Recognizing the challenges faced by English rugby, such as teams going bust in the Premiership and declining grassroots numbers, the team is motivated to reach a broader audience across England and alter perceptions.
However, the players acknowledge the difficulty of attracting a more diverse audience to international games, particularly without a significant reduction in Twickenham ticket prices. George expressed the team’s desire to connect with a larger portion of the English public but emphasized that pricing decisions are not within his purview, emphasizing the importance of reaching the right target audience for the team.
Jamie George acknowledges that an appealing on-field performance is a crucial factor in the equation. He recognizes that the team’s style of play may have contributed to instances of booing, emphasizing that winning games remains the primary focus. However, conversations are ongoing to explore ways to captivate fans and create excitement, with an emphasis on scoring tries.
While not suggesting that past approaches were wrong, George highlights Steve Borthwick’s commitment to continuous improvement. Borthwick is particularly focused on involving fans in the team’s journey. George clarifies that the team may not undergo drastic changes to become the Harlem Globetrotters, but there is a desire to enhance the ability to manipulate defenses.
Despite the team’s recent struggles at Twickenham, George believes in the potential of the new team. He emphasizes that while the fundamental DNA of any England team involves a strong set piece and defense, there is excitement about evolving the attack, making line breaks, and scoring tries.
