The Guinness Premiership has announced its latest figures for attendances at the top level of rugby union, showing an increase of just over 5 per cent on last year’s figures.

A total of 741,675 fans have watched games so far this season – the average attendance across the league has broken through the 10,000 mark – up to 10,301 from 9,802 last season.

The match between London Irish and Wasps at the Madejski Stadium on New Year’s Eve was attended by 18,122 fans – the biggest attendance for a Premiership game for two years.

Premier Rugby chief executive, Mark McCafferty said: “It is encouraging to see growth across the board, but particularly to see clubs in traditional football areas getting involved in their communities and building a loyal and growing fan base.”