What, do better than the best attendance for 21 years? Wow, there is nothing like setting high targets.

Chile

When looking at historical precedents, it's also probably worth considering that we're currently in the depths of a recession so deep that many working class people are making a choice between feeding themselves or their children; bear in mind also when making comparisons to the duller code, that the demographic of that brand of 'rugby' tends to be largely made up of people to whom a recession is pretty meaningless, whereas TGG is traditionally supported by those very same working class folk who are being squeezed from all sides, and not in a good way. A trip to Wembley for the majority of heartland RL supporters, cheap tickets or no, entails transport and accommodation, so it's in no way a cheap weekender.

Given all of the macro-factors, I think the attendances at this World Cup have been creditable; what I have less confidence about is the ability of the old duffers at Red Hall to carry that positive momentum forward - if they've got any sense, they'll retain the services of whomever was in charge and give him a marketing role at the RFL.

Excellent point re:social strata from which RU 'supporters 'come .
Many who attend RU internationals never attend other RU matches.
It is a form of' social climbing ' and in to say I was at 'Twickers.'
I have relatives who do not know one of a rugby ball from another, but regularly attend RU internationals.
They and their friends also look down on RL despite the fact they know nothing about it.
I have tried to engage them in intelligent conversations re. the two codes, as I actually watch both, but the ignorance is amazing /alarming.
Now I avoid them,even at funerals and weddings.











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