The attendance figures for Judgement Day were at an all-time low, raising concerns about the future of the event. The Principality Stadium saw less than 30,000 fans across the two matches, with the top tier remaining completely empty. The event, billed as JDX, faced criticism for not delivering the expected excitement and engagement.
Welsh rugby coach Matt Sherratt joked about the constant sense of judgement in Welsh rugby, from financial challenges to poor performance on the field. Despite the efforts to make Judgement Day a highlight in the Welsh rugby calendar, it seems to fall short of expectations. The lacklustre crowd attendance reflected the prevailing sentiment that the event may not be resonating with fans as intended.
Scarlets captain Josh Macleod highlighted the importance of events like Judgement Day for Welsh rugby, emphasizing the need for a spectacle that brings together top teams to compete. He expressed urgency in getting more fans to attend such events to showcase Welsh rugby talent on a larger stage. The sentiment was echoed by head coach Dwayne Peel, who emphasized the significance of showcasing quality rugby to attract a larger audience.
The day faced technical difficulties, such as the roof remaining open despite wet weather, contributing to a less-than-ideal atmosphere. One of the challenges faced by Judgement Day was the lack of star power to captivate the audience, potentially impacting its appeal to casual viewers. The absence of recognizable names may have hindered the event’s ability to draw a larger crowd and media attention.
Despite the shortcomings, efforts were made to engage fans, with activities like the Mexican wave and interactions with players and pundits. However, the dwindling crowd numbers and visible empty seats indicated a disconnect with the audience. Moving forward, organisers and teams involved in Judgement Day will need to reassess their approach to ensure the event’s success and popularity among rugby fans.
Coaches and players emphasized the need to create a vibrant and engaging spectacle that celebrates Welsh rugby talent. The goal is to attract larger crowds and create a lasting impression on fans, ultimately fostering a love for the sport. Reflecting on the event, there was recognition of the challenges faced in reviving interest in Welsh rugby and the importance of showcasing the players as heroes on the field.
Amidst the mixed reactions and challenges encountered during Judgement Day, there were moments of pride and determination among the players and coaches. Despite the external criticisms and negativity surrounding the clubs, there was a collective effort to showcase the heart and ambition of the teams on the field. Moving forward, there is a shared commitment to revitalise Welsh rugby and reignite the passion of fans for the sport.
As the day concluded with the Dragons facing the Scarlets, the visible gaps in the crowd were a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Judgement Day. The contrasting scenes of enthusiastic supporters and empty seats highlighted the need to re-evaluate the event’s format and appeal to ensure its sustainability in the future. Despite the setbacks, there was a sense of resilience and hope for the future of Welsh rugby showcased during Judgement Day.