European rugby fans have always been able to provide a decent atmosphere during matches, but it would seem that this year, the owners of the stadiums hosting Betfair Six Nations 2012 action have taken a leaf out of the rule-book of North American sports such as ice hockey and basketball by playing deafening music during the small breaks that occur throughout a typical game, rather than allowing the crowd to fill the inevitable gaps with their own noise.

Many fans have been left wondering what exactly has brought about this bizarre change, and a number of traditionalists have been left upset by the odd development, with some planning on vocalising their disappointment at the loss of a traditional rugby atmosphere.

That said, particular sections of fans will no doubt welcome the fact that the sport has started to allow a bit of noise during the game, providing something interesting for fans to listen and react to during the relatively slow elements of a typical rugby game, with injuries and other unforeseen events on the pitch otherwise leaving observing fans scrambling around rather awkwardly going to the loo or buying a quick snack. Fans of Betfair rugby union should remember this.

With rugby a sport that has done well in the past to embrace changes of all kinds, officials have nonetheless always taken great care not to rock the boat in terms of overall fan opinion. So, although the Six Nations should provide plenty of excitement and entertainment over the coming weeks, it may well also provide an insight into just how much rugby fans are willing to accept in terms of introducing a forced, slightly artificial atmosphere.