England Rugby has joined forces with Drinkaware in a bid to curb recent problems with drunk fans at Twickenham.
The upcoming home Six Nations games against Ireland and Wales will feature the charity’s responsible drinking messages displayed around the stadium.
We'll be kicking off our partnership with @Drinkaware at #Twickenham on Saturday. More here: https://t.co/h5UmJZJuzJ pic.twitter.com/UEWgQYdnMe
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 22, 2016
The move comes after several problems with alcohol-related behaviour after rugby matches at the national stadium, especially when a woman was assaulted on a train by a group of rugby fans after a sell-out army vs navy game on May 9 2015.
Councillor Tony Arbour, Richmond Council cabinet member for community safety, said: “I am glad that England Rugby has listened to the feedback from residents after the Sevens and Army v Navy.”
Drinkaware has also provided bar staff and free bottled water will be handed out after the matches.
Mr Arbour continued: “They have put in place a number of actions that will hopefully ensure that the huge disruption to Twickenham households due to thousands of intoxicated fans doesn’t happen again.
“It isn’t about stopping people drinking, it is about helping people make informed decisions so that they can continue having a good time, without having a negative impact on others.”
Twickenham hosted 10 Rugby World Cup matches across September and October last year, and there were also issues around the London Sevens tournament earlier in 2015.
https://twitter.com/4eyesjill/status/658062187840348160
https://twitter.com/lauraharmes/status/650425434375589888
It is hoped that LED advertising, posters and promotion of responsible drinking on England Rugby’s social media channels will help the focus remain on the rugby.
The partnership be evident at the game against Ireland on Sunday and Wales on March 12, but will also be present at future army v navy games and the Sevens tournament.
Image courtesy of O2 via YouTube, with thanks
