WRW: WHY NOT GO FURTHER AFIELD?
Harlequins's 2nd atttempt at a "Big Game" suggests more is coming
PLUGGING SOME GAPS
The news today that Harlequins are staging a second “Big Game” at Twickenham in May shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. That lies in why more clubs aren’t thinking along the same lines.
I can definitely see the appeal in a market like London, with large, casual support for the game. That’s even more so when you have a large number of season ticket holders within the 14,816 capacity at the Twickenham Stoop.
It’s also easier to do of course when you’re half a mile from the biggest rugby ground in England.
At the same time, Tigers put tickets on sale earlier today for the European Last 16 tie with Clermont. A full house - such as Friday’s East Midlands Derby - will go down very well indeed.
Of course, cancelling the home game against Bordeaux meant a quite sizeable chunk of change couldn’t be banked. Consequently, there will be one fewer pay day (generally in excess of £300,000) and making the Clermont game part of the season ticket means losses are no bigger.
Leicester are on course to make a loss of £5 million this season with an aim to break even again two seasons later. But there are opportunities few and far between to rake in say, an extra £250,000, with one decision.
Assuming the Auvergnats are sent packing, Leinster would almost certainly come to town for the quarter-final on the 2nd weekend in May. That would be a licence to print money.
Everton come to the King Power that weekend, so you’d probably be looking at a Sunday game anyway. All the old arguments would resurface, but bear in mind City’s planning bid to expand the King Power makes staging games there an even more attractive option in 2/3 years’ time.
I was told the other day that no-one had mentioned it within the club. I’d be surprised if no-one had considered it and there may be any number of different reasons why not.
But in these circumstances, I’d move a quarterfinal with Leinster in a heartbeat.
THIS WILL BE FUN TO SEE
INTRIGUING DOESNT DO IT JUSTICE
The man who once got on the wrong side of more than most Tuilagis will wear a Leicester shirt.
Chris Ashton has signed on a short-term deal. Let’s see if Steve Borthwick can get more from him than he produced at Quins and Worcester.
If Van Wyk is not going to play, Steward is away with England and Nadolo remains on the injury sideline, you will see this man sooner rather than later.
And I wonder if this is truly the last chance for him at Premiership level..because if Borthwick can’t get something out of him…
See you there on Friday night…
Tigers have played at the crisp bowl previously. From what I remember the stadium wasn't completely full but we gave the visiting team a complete drubbing.
I’m not convinced the maths works for a move with current capacity’s. I’m sure Welford Road was smaller when we’ve moved in the past. Filbert Way once it is expanded could come back in to the mix, but as it stands 6000 seats difference that would need to all be sold and at prices as high as could be reached at Welford road, a fee to LCFC for renting the ground, fewer visitors to club facilities on the day. That’s just looking at the on the day figures. Bigger picture is that Tigers need to build up week in week out support, and hosting games at Welford Road means memories are built at Welford road, routines are built, that’s what people fall in love with. So I am strongly against a move if we get through. For a “home country” semi that couldn’t be at our home ground on the other hand… perfect venue.