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Tries Up, Closeness Down: Prem Rugby's Entertainment Dilemma
5 Jan
Summary
- Prem Rugby's entertainment metrics show a recent decline in close games.
- Last season saw an all-time high of eight tries per game.
- Bath secured a dramatic win with a nine-try game decided in the final minute.
Prem Rugby's annual salary cap report highlights a decline in its entertainment value compared to other competitions. Analysis of scoreline closeness and try counts indicates a dip in recent years. In the 2021-22 season, 46% of matches were decided by seven points or fewer.
Last season, however, a record eight tries were scored per game, but with fewer closely contested matches. Less than 32% of games concluded within a seven-point difference. This past weekend, three out of five matches met this closer metric.
Despite the overall trend, a recent match between Bath and Exeter delivered exceptional drama. Bath's victory, achieved through a nine-try game decided in the final minute, exemplified the thrilling potential of rugby. This particular match offered a stark contrast to the league's recent statistical performance.
