The Six Nations has been packed away for another year and with it the interest of many fans. But Robert Rees believes now is the perfect time for ‘event-going’ rugby fans to try some other stuff lower down the menu – and for regions and clubs to ride the wave of interest rather than ignore it.

Welsh rugby crowds often vary so much throughout the regional/club calender, with success – or lack of – fixture times and international windows being the main culprits to the variation.

It’s often a hot topic on social media platforms or down the clubhouse, but where have all the fans gone?

For Wales games, 70,000 plus turn up on match days as well as thousands out in the city centre or watching at the game at home. These fans only really show interest during Wales games and often offer up opinions that regular rugby goers find bizarre, based upon a lack of rugby actually watched.

Something that needs to be capitalised upon is the advertisement of club/regional games during the Six Nations ‘shop window’. Millions watch the tournament around the world and if you can advertise your game, then perhaps a reasonable chunk of those will have a look at a local rugby fixture at some point in the future.

It may be preaching to the many uninterested fans who would rather have a less seasonal serving of rugby and a more, one-off variety every spring and autumn, but it can be an easy and cheap advertising alternative.

Scrap the ”as long as we beat the English” nonsense and let’s have a solid Welsh campaign followed up with the unearthing and developing of talent at the four regional sides.

If you just want to see the big names play rugby, then regional rugby is exactly the game for you.

You not only see these internationals play, you see the future stars as well. For a much cheaper price.

Not only do you see Wales’ elite, but when the likes of Toulon or Saracens come to town, you can see some of the rest of the world’s talent.

If professional rugby isn’t your thing and you’re more small scale, then search for your local rugby club.

Most clubs kick-off on a Saturday afternoon and some youth set-ups may well breed the next Alun Wyn Jones or George North.

To all those that don’t watch regular rugby, but enjoyed the Six Nations, get out and watch your local club/Region. Enjoyable rugby all year round 👍

— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) March 18, 2018

The excitement of club rugby can be unique. It’s totally different to professional rugby, but both are equally good in their own ways. Club rugby is often the hub of the community and you get to know the players personally, like a family, as you travel to local and traditional derbies.

There are over 300 clubs in Wales, so go out and find out when your town or village is playing.

Welsh rugby needs positivity right now and gaining fans would be one big step up that ladder.

If you have invested time and hours into watching the Six Nations, then go out and watch it more regularly at your local club, region or province (if you’re Irish).