First ever Rugby match live

CaptainKirk · Post by **CaptainKirk** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:14 pm

Went to my first live match ever last night - Wigan v Leeds

Impressions:

Absolutely no sense of tension or impending violence;
Went to the loos and did not risk cancer or getting off my head;
Great selection (for me) of 80s music;
Took my (very nice) pint to my seat to enjoy while I watched the game;
Nearly spilt my pint when the very impressive firework display set off;
Ball seemed to be in play for the entire game which is very unusual;
Not one dive on the pitch;
No arguing with the ref;
My adopted team won (as nobody likes Leeds)

All in all, an enjoyable experience, but with no emotional investment not a patch on the Turf obviously!

sjb · Post by **sjb** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:18 pm

That's 1 more than I've ever been to.

Tribesmen · Post by **Tribesmen** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:23 pm

Yer i have never been to a rugby league either

sjb · Post by **sjb** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:30 pm

Tribesmen wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:23 pm
Yer i have never been to a rugby league either

I've never been to a game in either code.

Bow · Post by **Bow** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:30 pm

Did you wear your shiny brown shoes and bootcut jeans with a gilet?

Tribesmen · Post by **Tribesmen** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:37 pm

sjb wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:30 pm
I've never been to a game in either code.

Ok , there are times when you should be open to what you see sport wise , but the only thing i am upset with is i never went to an American basketball game ( NBA ) as did the 3 other major sports in the US

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:47 pm

To be fair it was a dead rubber of a match. Nothing to play for. Both teams resting players ready for the playoffs.

If you want a real RL match, in two weeks time it will fingers crossed be Wigan vs Leigh for a place at Old Trafford.

sjb · Post by **sjb** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:54 pm

Tribesmen wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:37 pm
Ok , there are times when you should be open to what you see sport wise , but the only thing i am upset with is i never went to an American basketball game ( NBA ) as did the 3 other major sports in the US

I'll stick to football & cricket thanks. American sports hold no interest for me whatsoever. Each to their own.

Pickles · Post by **Pickles** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:05 pm

The only negative being that you had to watch rugby.

Fretters · Post by **Fretters** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:13 pm

CaptainKirk wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:14 pm
Went to my first live match ever last night - Wigan v Leeds

Impressions:

Absolutely no sense of tension or impending violence;
Went to the loos and did not risk cancer or getting off my head;
Great selection (for me) of 80s music;
Took my (very nice) pint to my seat to enjoy while I watched the game;
Nearly spilt my pint when the very impressive firework display set off;
Ball seemed to be in play for the entire game which is very unusual;
Not one dive on the pitch;
No arguing with the ref;
My adopted team won (as nobody likes Leeds)

All in all, an enjoyable experience, but with no emotional investment not a patch on the Turf obviously!

I've been to a few Wigan games and always enjoy them. Is it still the same announcer bloke as at the Turf? He's far more suited to the razzmatazz of rugby league.

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:45 pm

I’ve been to watch it a few times.

Absolutely crap

ClaretDiver · Post by **ClaretDiver** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 4:50 pm

Inchy wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:45 pm
I’ve been to watch it a few times.

Absolutely crap

And Rugby fans will tell you the same of football and that it is full of ars@@les and idiot supporters…

Stevie2112 · Post by **Stevie2112** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:27 pm

Went to watch Wigan once in the grand final at OT. Excellent day, what impressed me most was the speed of the game live. I'd seen it on the tv a few times, but live, it was electric.

MeeActon1 · Post by **MeeActon1** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:00 pm

Bow wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:30 pm
Did you wear your shiny brown shoes and bootcut jeans with a gilet?

Doubtful, it was league, not union

Hbclaret007 · Post by **Hbclaret007** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:40 pm

Been once.
Seems like a war of attrition.
No cheating, however.

IrkthePurists · Post by **IrkthePurists** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 8:09 pm

Off to Everton for the England v Australia test in November. Top level RL is a great sport to watch.

Stalbansclaret · Post by **Stalbansclaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:00 pm

I’m also off to Everton’s ground for the test and love rugby league generally. Watch quite a few games live …this season been to St Helens, Wakefield, Oldham, Keighley and Perpignan (CatalansDragons).
As has been pointed out the game at Wigan last night was a dead rubber but the end of season play offs start next week and you’ll see games with much more intensity and crowd passion. I know Wakefield have already sold out the away end at Leigh next Friday night.
For me RL is a great second sport to follow, especially as it rubs through summer when there are no Burnley games. It’s a kind of sub-culture running along the M62 corridor and has a healthy disregard for the posher aspects of Rugby Union’s fan base.

Somethingfishy · Post by **Somethingfishy** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:18 pm

sjb wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:18 pm
That's 1 more than I've ever been to.

It's one more than I will ever go to.

I've not been to a match in either code but I do marginally prefer Union to League (enjoy watching the 6 nations) but I wouldn't call myself a fan of either.
I've tried watching a League game and it just comes across as a war of attrition. A glorified game of British Bulldogs with one line of blokes trying to get past another and when they can't they kick it and the other team gets a go. Not for me. Just dull and repetitive. At least Union sort of flows.
NFL is similar in that respect but it has a lot more tactical nuance and variance to it and I have been to an NFL game.

Dark Cloud · Post by **Dark Cloud** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:47 pm

Due to family connections I watched Salford at The Willows many times back in the late 70's and early 80's and have seen them at the new ground more recently too. I've also been to several other away grounds watching them. As was well discussed on another recent(ish) thread what's happened there this season has been appalling and catastrophic and last night fans even vented their frustration with a spontaneous pitch invasion which is very un RL like!

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:56 pm

I went to Leeds v Wigan a few years ago, an entertaining evening and a pleasant atmosphere. No interest in who won but Rugby League is easy to follow and pick up. Never watched the public schoolboy code.

Stalbansclaret · Post by **Stalbansclaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 10:28 pm

I’d say that going to watch a game of RL live can completely change someone’s view of the game. The commitment and athleticism of the players is immense. The game is very fast-paced and, as per the OP, the ball is in play pretty much continuously. There’s usually a very good relationship between players and fans in evidence .

Lip · Post by **Lip** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 11:57 pm

Stalbansclaret wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 10:28 pm
I’d say that going to watch a game of RL live can completely change someone’s view of the game. The commitment and athleticism of the players is immense. The game is very fast-paced and, as per the OP, the ball is in play pretty much continuously. There’s usually a very good relationship between players and fans in evidence .

Yes,I'd go as far too say it's much better to watch than this premier league crap St Albans. Only time I watch football nowadays is when the Clarets are playing otherwise it's superleague for me. 100% committed and no quarter given. Looking forward to the play offs. Come on you Warriors.

robinoz · Post by **robinoz** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:52 am

As I'm in Australia nowadays, I've watched a few live NRL games. Fantastic game. Pace, strength and skill way ahead of Rugby League in England.

Lip · Post by **Lip** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:46 pm

robinoz wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:52 am
As I'm in Australia nowadays, I've watched a few live NRL games. Fantastic game. Pace, strength and skill way ahead of Rugby League in England.

The Panthers were great today, they pulverised Canterbury.

AlargeClaret · Post by **AlargeClaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:57 pm

Bow wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 1:30 pm
Did you wear your shiny brown shoes and bootcut jeans with a gilet?

Wrong code I think !

Middle-agedClaret · Post by **Middle-agedClaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 5:58 pm

Following the thread title - rather than the subsequent posts - the first rugby game I paid to watch was the British and Irish Lions v. The Barbarians in 1977. ( yes - I am that old).
The Lions had just returned from a successful tour of New Zealand, and played the invitation Barbadians side as a fund raiser for the Queens Silver Jubilee.
The game was dismissed in some quarters as a meaningless exhibition match, but I was so pleased to see players of the calibre of Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett, JPR Williams,Bill Beaumont, Willie Duggan and Jean Pierre Rives.
Maybe not quite up there with CT at Live Aid, but a very special sporting event as far as I’m concerned.

UTC.

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:33 pm

Lip wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:46 pm
The Panthers were great today, they pulverised Canterbury.

Next weeks semi in Brisbane, Broncos vs Panthers should be an absolute belter. Can’t wait for it.

beddie · Post by **beddie** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 10:17 pm

I’ve been to a few over the years, by comparison to the football the whole experience is much more relaxed, you can mix with the opposition and have. a laugh with them. It’s funny when you see a six foot something player not answering back to a five foot something referee, with all the players respecting the referee. For anyone that’s thinking of going for the first time just do it, you might end up wanting to go back for more.

Caballo · Post by **Caballo** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 8:06 am

I'd echo what beddie says, Just do it.
I'd welcome anyone down to Ramsgreave drive, even though it's Blackburn there's plenty of clarets there. If the thought of travelling down the 65 to 'enemy territory' is too much for you, go to Marl Pitts, the facilities aren't the best, but the welcome will be warm and the rugby is of a good standard.

Lip · Post by **Lip** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 10:15 am

Winstonswhite wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:33 pm
Next weeks semi in Brisbane, Broncos vs Panthers should be an absolute belter. Can’t wait for it.

Yes,looking forward to it. Can the Broncos see off the Panthers? Possibly so,but I think the Panthers will just edge it.

ecc · Post by **ecc** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 10:32 am

ClaretDiver wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 4:50 pm
And Rugby fans will tell you the same of football and that it is full of ars@@les and idiot supporters…

Not too far wrong there.

Andreshotboots · Post by **Andreshotboots** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 10:45 am

Never been to a league game. But I've been to several union matches down in Bath.

The experience is exactly the same, it's a great day out, beers in the stand, no hassle and 30 incredibly honest blokes smashing lumps out of each other, with no little skill.

Even if you're not a rugby fan, it's well worth a day out, by the way if we used to think Tarky was a solid lad who could handle himself, wait until you see some of these monsters!!!

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:03 am

Not been for a while but been to a reasonable number of union games over the years. They've really convinced me that we shouldn't have drinking in the stands at football, it's a constant stream of people going to the bar and coming back again.

Not a huge fan of league normally but watching it live is much more enjoyable than on tv. And less of this than in union.

randomclaret2 · Post by **randomclaret2** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:10 am

Sounds like a few on here perhaps prefer rugby to football, which is fair enough, but an unusual sentiment to find on a football message board.

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 11:18 am

I've been to three rugby union matches with work (entertaining clients) and I found it very confusing without a TV commentator telling me what the ref is giving penalties for, not helped by being hammered by half-time thanks to a free bar.

One of the matches was at Sale and it was surreal seeing all the players come into the corporate bit after full time and queuing for the buffet along with everyone else. You wouldn't see that in the PL!

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Mon Sep 22, 2025 12:35 pm

Used to enjoy trips to see Sale Sharks at Stockport's ground but then they moved to the Salford Stadium that proved an absolute nightmare to get to or from, which killed it really as an after work Friday activity

robinoz · Post by **robinoz** » Tue Sep 23, 2025 1:40 am

Just got 2 tickets for the Broncos v Panthers game on Sunday. Wasn't hopefull when the virtual queue said there's nearly 10,000 people in front of me, then couldn't find 2 tickets together, but just kept refreshing.

Claret86 · Post by **Claret86** » Tue Sep 23, 2025 3:25 am

My dad is from St Helens so I have a passing interest in it. Work with a few people from Warrington as well.
However, when I watch it on TV, it bores me after 10 minutes.
Really need to go and watch a game live though

Darnhill Claret · Post by **Darnhill Claret** » Tue Sep 23, 2025 6:42 am

Just been the once. Wigan v St Helens, cracking game. Just realised it was almost/about 40 years ago. Shaun Edwards era.

Lip · Post by **Lip** » Sun Sep 28, 2025 10:25 am

robinoz wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 23, 2025 1:40 am
Just got 2 tickets for the Broncos v Panthers game on Sunday. Wasn't hopefull when the virtual queue said there's nearly 10,000 people in front of me, then couldn't find 2 tickets together, but just kept refreshing.

Wow,what a great game it was,well done the Broncos.

Lip · Post by **Lip** » Sun Sep 28, 2025 10:26 am

How lucky was St Helens last night in beating the Rhinos. Feckin unbelievable

CleggHall · Post by **CleggHall** » Sun Sep 28, 2025 11:39 am

Have watched a lot of rugby league starting off with Rochdale Hornets as a kid. Rugby Union up here first with Gosforth then Newcastle Falcons. Last night’s Leeds v St Helens had an exciting finish but several questionable refereeing decisions. Jake Connor a nasty piece of work!

LeadBelly · Post by **LeadBelly** » Sun Sep 28, 2025 1:28 pm

I enjoy watching both codes though Ive never played much (and only Union at that).

My first memories of the game are via watching RL, with my dad, BBC televised games in mid 60s. We enjoyed the games together & Eddie Waring commentaries though I know some purists didnt like his often flippant approach.

Watched a lot more RU since then in Wales and (local to me nowadays) Reading where I had a season ticket for a good few years watching London Irish before they moved to Brentford's new stadium (and then hit financial difficulties)
I used to watch 2 or 3 RU Internationals/ club finals at Twickenham each year but the prices have become prohibitive there lately and I dont go now.

I get to the RL cup finals at Wembley most years (including Warrington v HKR this June- an excellent day out & intense game). Got a ticket for the ashes game at Wembley at the end of October too, hoping thats a good tight game.

I really dont see why folk cant enjoy both codes, lots of good players and good games in both and usually good days out nattering to fellow spectators etc.

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Mon Sep 29, 2025 4:10 pm

robinoz wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 23, 2025 1:40 am
Just got 2 tickets for the Broncos v Panthers game on Sunday. Wasn't hopefull when the virtual queue said there's nearly 10,000 people in front of me, then couldn't find 2 tickets together, but just kept refreshing.

What a game it was. The Aussie commentators and post game interviews didn’t stop going on about the atmosphere- I’d be interested to hear how it compares to a big footy match over here?