The Canberra Times reports that Brumbies officials have written to stakeholders and members to encourage them to return to Canberra Stadium.
The Brumbies are in danger of recording their worst average crowd figures in the team’s history if there isn’t a spike in interest at their last two home games of the regular season.
The average attendance dropped to 8,464 after just 5,283 fans turned up to their last home game. According to the Times, this means that the average attendance is now below the previous lowest average of 8,971 per game in 1997.
The Brumbies will donate A$15,000 (R142,000) to three charities as part of a ’15 for 15′ programme in the hope of tripling crowd numbers from 5,000 to 15,000 next week, when they host the Sunwolves.
‘We know you want rugby to thrive in this region and, in part, to achieve this, we need a successful side playing in front of big crowds,’ chief executive Michael Thomson and chairman Phil Thomson stated in the letter.
‘This is important for at least three reasons. First, we know the players perform better in front of large supporting crowds.
‘Secondly, because the fund’s attendance at games enables us to invest back into our programmes including community rugby, women’s rugby and our pathways, and without your support and those funds, the Brumbies may no longer exist.
‘And finally, a successful team encourages people of all ages and all backgrounds to become involved in rugby and enjoy all the great things the game has to offer.’
The Brumbies are hoping a more friendly 4pm timeslot will encourage fans to attend the match against the Sunwolves.
The side is currently sitting in fourth place in the Australian conference standings.
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
