'Whither Rugby' 05/06 - Saracens: A Corner Turned?
By BrianC
July 27 2006
Of all the clubs in the professional era Saracens have a unique record. One they would no doubt prefer not to have. They are the only club who have seen gates drop in that time.
| Season | Average Att. | Position (Out of) |
Final ZP Position | Percentage Growth |
| 97-98 | 9303 | 2nd(11) | 2nd(12) | |
| 98-99 | 9226 | 2nd(10) | 3rd(14) | -0.8% |
| 99-00 | 7251 | 3rd(11) | 4th(12) | -21.4% |
| 00-01 | 9222 | 2nd(12) | 5th(12) | 27.2% |
| 01-02 | 8388 | 4th(12) | 10th(12) | -9.0% |
| 02-03 | 7157 | 7th(12) | 8th(12) | -14.7% |
| 03-04 | 7234 | 8th(12) | 10th(12) | 1.1% |
| 04-05 | 7592 | 11th(12) | 5th(12) | 5.0% |
| 05-06 | 8134 | 10th(12) | 10th(12) | 7.1% |
The fall in Saracens gates from an average 9.3k in 97/98 to a low of 7.2k in 02/03 is well documented. Since then they have managed three seasons of steady, if unspectacular, growth. Their average gate last season was 8134 a boost of 7.1% on the previous one.
It could be argued that this growth figure is somewhat distorted. In the 04/05 season Saracens were forced to play one of their 'home' games at Northampton's Franklins Gardens. This attracted a paltry gate of 3.6k. With no such event this year the season on season growth looks healthier than it actually is. Conversely Saracens, like Wasps and London Irish, had their figures aversely hit by the relatively low London Double Header figure last season.
My fingers are crossed as I write this but it does appear that Saracens have turned the corner. This growth has been achieved against the background of indifferent performances on field and a tough economic climate. It looks sustainable as long as the money men behind the club hold their nerve. Rumors are that Nigel Wray and his associates are currently backing the club to the tune of a million pounds a year.
| Variation '97-'06 | 87% | 13th(13) |
| Crowd Growth Absolute | -1170 | 13th(13) |
| Average Growth | -0.7% |
There is one dark thing to note despite the general optimism. Quins look set to bounce back to the Premiership with gates circa 11k next season. This could well see Saracens for the first time ever being the lowest attended club in the country. To me it seems that it'll be between them and Newcastle. That is quite a fall from being the second best supported club in the land as rugby went professional.