Leeds Rugby Club has agreed to participate in some ground breaking international research into the behaviour of professional rugby league and rugby union fans supporting teams in both England and Australia.
This research is being conducted through Southern Cross University in Australia, which has one of that country's leading sport science and sport management programmes. Senior Lecturer, Rudi Meir is undertaking his PhD into tribal marketing and is particularly interested in the activities that fans participate in that help to strengthen their bond with their team and also with each other.
"We all see and talk about the 'tribal' behaviour of fans and we also know that being a 'fan' is very important to most fans, in fact, for many it plays a part in who they are. Yet, we know very little about the types of activities that are important to fans and what things help fans to enhance their involvement with their club and with other fellow fans. As a result my research is attempting to find answers to some of these issues and because of my background in both codes I wanted to look at fans specifically in professional rugby league and rugby union".
Rudi has spent time working on the coaching staff of both the Rhinos, during 1996 alongside Dean Bell, and also with the Tykes in 1997 with Phil Davies. Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie CEO, Gary Hetherington said "Rudi has conducted research for us in the past and we know first hand that the information he gathers will be very important to Leeds Rugby Club. Our teams exist because of the fans and anything we find out from this research that will help us to strengthen our bond with them while also enhancing their enjoyment as a fan is worthwhile supporting. As a result I'd encourage as many fans as possible to help out and consider participating in this project."
Many fans have already taken the time to respond to the survey but if you haven't had the opportunity at this stage to visit the link to the site (provided below) then now is your last chance. The survey takes about 20-25 minutes complete and contains a wide range of questions relating to your role as a fan of Leeds Rhinos or Leeds Carnegie. The survey will be accessible until Sunday 30th March, click here now to start the survey.