>> Nick Cain column

Boozing fans are giving real rugby lovers a hangover

IT is rare in Rugby Union that the disciplinary focus shifts from what happens on the pitch to what happens in the stands, but, unfortunately, it is occuring with increasing frequency to the detriment of the game. The recent Autumn series highlighted not just the decline in the behaviour of fans but also the decline in their interest in the game and knowledge of it. The upshot is that international rugby stadiums are losing that thrum of excitement and anticipation that traditionally has always been generated on big match days.

This shrinking atmosphere appears to be linked inextricably to grounds like Twickenham and the Principality Stadium turning the beer taps full on – and that is not just before and after matches, but during them.

It is this flow of alcohol when the match is in progress that is the tip of an iceberg that could put a large hole in the international game if it drifts on unchecked.

A big part of the problem is that the almost rapacious desire by the likes of the RFU and WRU to shake every last coin from the pockets of rugby supporters for their overpriced pints and pies has coincided with the emergence of the “Eventer” generation.

This is a relatively new phenomenon whereby cashed-up punters with a cursory interest in a sport pour through the gates with the main intention of partying with their mates while getting as much grog down their necks as is humanly possible.

Many of those in the stands at the international matches, hitherto the gold standard of the game, would not know the difference between a back and a forward, let alone a ruck and a maul. Instead, what matters to them is the “I was there” kudos of being at a big sporting event while getting off their trolleys.

As someone who has never been a member of a temperance society, or had a penchant for wearing hair-shirts, my inclination is to live and let live.

However, when someone else’s idea of enjoyment wrecks the experience of others whose main interest is watching a match – which, purportedly, is why you have paid for a ticket – then the interests of true fans have to be protected. This is especially the case when they have paid the best part of £100 for that ticket, and at least another £100 per head on travel and food/drink.

Many of them are disenchanted at the constant bar traffic during matches that sees their view of the action constantly interrupted or obscured, as well as concrete stands turned as slippery as an ice-rink by the spillage from thousands of plastic pint mugs.

Having witnessed this first hand during the 2015 World Cup, when the clear priority for the Eventer brigade in near proximity was the beer-bartoilet run rather than the match, I can vouch for how disruptive it is.

So can a number of former England internationals, one of whom has let it be known that he had to stand up 19 times at one of the Autumn internationals for ‘fans’ who were only there for the beer.

Senior police officers have also been heavily critical recently of rugby fan behaviour, with chief inspector Mark Cleland of the British Transport Police posting this comment on Twitter after the Wales v New Zealand match: “Always a disappointment to review the postincident crime and see yet again that rugby fans were worse than football fans in Cardiff this weekend with their post WalvNZL drunken violent behaviour.”

Cleland said there had been two arrests, six violent crimes, and more than 20 incidents of public disorder which required police intervention.

It is surprising given these factors that national governing bodies are reluctant to even go as far as shutting the concourse bars while matches are underway.

Stephen Brown, the RFU’s new chief executive, said this week that England’s governing body “encourage sensible drinking” and that on a recent “undercover” foray to experience a match-day in the £40 cheap seats at Twickenham his experience had been “pretty civilised”.

Brown also revealed that the RFU derives a substantial part of its bar income during the match, and signalled his reluctance to make any changes. “About 40 per cent of our bar takings come during a match, including half-time. That would be a substantial drop in revenue if we were to cut that for the six or seven games we have here.”

When pressed on how much closing the bars during the match would cost the RFU in revenue Brown said it would amount to “several hundred thousands”.

There is growing evidence that the loss of that revenue is a relatively small price to pay if the currency of international rugby is to be restored. Ramped-up commercial interests should not be allowed to overrule the greater good of the game, and at the moment the big wigs at the RFU and the WRU do not seem to see the danger.

They need to be wary that, like the Eventers being attracted in growing numbers to international rugby, they do not fall into the bean-counter trap of knowing the price of everything, and the value of nothing.

“Many would not know the difference between a back and a forward, let alone a ruck and a maul”