New Zealand’s reputation as a nation obsessed with rugby was enhanced by figures released by the New Zealand Rugby Union which show both television and live audiences are increasing.
The figures, compiled by the survey company AC Nielsen, contradict anecdotal evidence that attendances at major matches are declining and that television audiences have been saturated by an oversupply of live games.
Survey figures released on Saturday show more than 1,5-million people in this nation of four million attended a top-level rugby match this year and the television audience for matches in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship have increased 17% since 2003.
Rugby union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the figures confirmed rugby’s place as New Zealand’s most popular game.
”There has been talk about the drop in [National Championship] attendances this year but we expected that given that the NPC is at the end of a big year of live rugby for New Zealand fans,” Tew said.
”Having said that, half a million people still went to watch their first division provincial team play which is still a fantastic result.”
The figures have heartened the NZRU as it looks toward a 2006 season in which an expanded Super 14 competition and enlarged Tri-Nations will substantially increase the amount of live rugby on New Zealand television.
Many provincial unions have reported difficulty in selling tickets to major matches this season, even to tests, which has led to speculation rugby is declining in popularity.
Several provincial matches on the British and Irish Lions tour in June and July did not sell out, and television coverage of national championship matches appeared to show half-empty stadiums.
Some analysts warn the vast increase in the amount of live rugby on television, with the advent of the Super 14 and enlarged international programmes, will eventually wear down the enthusiasm of rugby fans.
An average New Zealand fan following the Super 12, NPC and New Zealand’s international programme this season will have watched more than 60 live matches by the end of the All Blacks tour to Britain in November. – Sapa-AP