Super Rugby side NSW Waratahs played in front of its "worst season-opening home crowd in five years last week," according to Georgina Robinson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Just 11,964 people "braved steady rain" to watch the club "grind out a win" against the Western Force. But the "big wet" did not mean rugby fans were not interested. The Saturday night game "won" the time slot on Foxtel with 110,000 viewers, up 40% "on the time slot average across the season last year. " Ratings were also up for the Queensland Reds' first home game of the season, "against South African team the Sharks." The Friday night match drew an average audience of 81,000, up 6% on the time slot average last year, and Foxtel's second-highest rated program that night. The TV ratings will be "noted with relief" by Super Rugby execs and the Australian Rugby Union head office, "particularly after a disappointing showing at stadiums around the country." Brisbane "bettered the Sydney crowd but not by much -- just 15,015 went through the gates at Suncorp Stadium" (SMH, 3/2).
PREMIERSHIP PASSION: RUNNING RUGBY reported Premiership rugby attendance "is up 6.8% across the league this season so far from 11,696 to 12,496 compared to last year." Average stadium occupancy is up by 2.62% from 75.10% to 77.72% (RUNNING RUGBY, 3/1).
