Zurich Premiership season ticket sales hit record high

Season ticket sales have increased by an average of 17% across the 12 Zurich Premiership clubs with 10 of the 12 clubs achieving record all time highs of season tickets sold in the professional era.

Overall figures have increased by 6455 taking the total number of season tickets sold across the Zurich Premiership to just under 45,000, with London Irish leading the pack with an impressive 208% increase on last season's figures.

London Irish have smashed all of their previous club records as season tickets sales have soared from 1,000 to 3,075. The record comes after a highly successful campaign on the field for the Irish who finished 4th in the Zurich Premiership and lifted the Powergen Cup. Boosted by their success in the Parker Pen Shield, the Sharks have also announced a 78% increase in sales of season tickets.

Last season's Zurich Premiership new boys Leeds Tykes' gutsy performances have  attracted new fans from far and wide including one die-hard fan in Japan, one of the first to order his ticket!

While Bristol Shoguns may not be able to claim rugby fans quite so far afield, they have achieved a 55% increase following strong form on the pitch towards the end of last season culminating in reaching the Zurich Championship Final.

An increase in season ticket sales at London Wasps shows that not only are their loyal fans looking forward to the new season at Adams Park, but with 50% of sales to people in the Bucks area the signs for further growth are promising.

 Zurich Premiership and Heineken Cup Winners Leicester Tigers' unrivalled success has attracted even more fans, with over 12,000 season tickets sold to date, generating a revenue of £2.3million. Further down the Zurich Premiership table, NEC Harlequins also reported a 13% increase, continuing their impressive growth for the last few seasons despite a lack of on-field success.

The average 17% increase rewards a determination across the Zurich Premiership to keep prices competitive, with many offering early-bird discounts and unique incentives to fans renewing their season tickets.

Premier Rugby's Chief Executive, Howard Thomas, said: "The increase in season ticket sales, following last year's record attendance growth of 21%, is further evidence of the ever increasing popularity of club rugby. Growing numbers of supporters are coming to the grounds knowing that the Zurich Premiership clubs offer great value, the best players in the world and a safe and enjoyable matchday experience."

Club                Season Ticket   Season Ticket   % Increase of
                        Sales for the     Sales for the   Season Ticket Sales
                     start of 2002/03   start of 2001/02
Bath                    4,320                4,450                    - 3%
Bristol Shoguns     1,847                1,192                    55%
Gloucester            4,020                 3,900                    4%
Leeds Tykes         1,076               600                       80%
Leicester Tigers   11,977                10,510                14%
London Irish          3,075                 1,000                  208%
London Wasps      2,365                 2,263                     5%
NEC Harlequins  3,654                3,260                    13%
Newcastle             2,010                1,700                    18%
Northampton         5,142                4,611                    12%
Saracens              3,719                3,971                    - 6%
Sharks                 1,600                  900                     78%

Total                    44,812                38,357                 17%