Soccer-style segregation for rugby fans? There"s no way, says WRU chairman ...

Welsh rugby bosses have dispensed fears of soccer style segregation being implemented amongst fans at the next World Cup.

Reports emanating from London claim World Cup 2015 organisers are mulling over the idea to create an even greater atmosphere at matches as they seek a festival of noise and colour throughout the competition.

The news prompted an outcry on Twitter, with former England and Lions hooker Brian Moore and supporters criticising the suggestion.

International Rugby Board chief executive Brett Gosper responded by taking to social networking himself to insist: “This has never been discussed at a Rugby World Cup meeting, so not sure where it comes from.”

WRU Chairman David Pickering, who with Gosper sits on the World Cup Board of Directors, backed that view and argued segregation could never be permitted to happen in rugby.

Warren Gatland’s Wales meet host nation England at Twickenham in their second group game, with thousands set to cross the Severn Bridge for the huge showdown.

@titansrugbynews @brianmoore666 @rugbyworldcup This has never been discussed at a Rugby World Cup meeting so not sure where it comes from!

— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) April 28, 2014

 

But Pickering maintains they will be able to mingle freely with England fans as they do in Six Nations games, instead of being housed football fashion in just one section of the ground.

“We have a sport which doesn’t need segregation. It 100 per cent will not be happening,” said Pickering.

“There is a friendship and camaraderie amongst fans in rugby which is absolutely paramount to the sport.

“Yes there are cultural values and rivalry, but it is always friendly, always amicable.

“The right spirit always prevails. That type of thing is very important in rugby union.

“I have been in stadia right around the world to watch games and the atmosphere is always special.

“We must never lose that in our sport… and we never will.

“Let’s put the record straight on this matter.”

As well as meeting England at Twickenham, Gatland’s men also clash with Australia at the home of English rugby.

They also have two group matches against lesser opposition at the MIllennium Stadium.

 

Article source: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/29/rugby-union-premiership-roundup-harlequins-saracens

Soccer-style segregation for rugby fans? There"s no way, says WRU chairman ...