The Prem's 'away end' trial reaches its biggest stage yet when Northampton fans get a dedicated section at Leicester's Mattioli Woods Welford Road for the East Midlands derby on May 9. This fixture carries major implications for play-off qualification and seeding, with Northampton leading the table and Leicester third.

Last season's trial at Saracens v Gloucester and Leicester v Harlequins provided valuable insights, but this marks the first time such segregation will feature in a high-stakes match. Leicester's subsequent game against Sale will also include the concept, giving Tigers fans the option to sit together as travelling supporters.

Rob Calder, the Prem's chief growth officer, emphasized the initiative's goals of creating bigger atmospheres and enhancing the broadcast product. While not full football-style segregation, the trial represents a significant shift in rugby's approach to fan experience. The success of this derby could determine whether the Prem expands the concept league-wide next season.