Having hit 1,119,577 page views in January 2009 and 1,015,171 in May 2008, ERE achieved an astonishing 1,262,034 in April 2009. To give some context to the April figures the next closest site was Harlequins with 972,686, followed by Northampton with 960,746. Our dear friends at Saracens, who claim to know far more about rugby than we do managed a credible 548,585 (and I say that without a patronising edge to my voice - honest!).

Of course there will be claims from north London that we just sit here clicking the back button to raise our numbers, which of course we do. However I have some thoughts on why we consistently get such high numbers on ERE, including:

* ERE has a history stretching back to 1991 and therefore (and I say this in all modesty) has become an important part of the rugby lives of many people;

* ERE attracts a lot of people who want to share their views and consequently drives lively debate without me having to add topics for discussion. Think of how many sites you visit where the moderator has to set off most discussions;

* Bath Rugby isn't just a sport to follow or a team to support, it's a passion for a lot of people and these people want to read or talk about what's going on at their club;

* Bath Rugby attracts interest from all over the country and all over the world. We've said a lot in recent years about what Bath Rugby does for Bath but I think our City does a lot for our club. It attracts visitors, students to the universities and people who just want to live in a lovely environment. Many of these people take an interest in the rugby and when they leave the city they keep in touch through our site;

* The club has done us a favour for years by being slow off the mark with their own internet forum and this enabled ERE to build up a strong "user base" and many people don't feel the need to change their virtual pub of choice;

* There are so many EREites with a wide range of rugby and non-rugby expertise that we can talk about anything we like and someone will always be able to offer advice or a crucial insight - never fails to amaze me;

* ERE has generated a lot of lasting friendships and friends want to meet up regularly.

I'm sure many of you have your own views on why ERE continues to thrive.

For a full site of our visitor stats over the past seven years click here.

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