The timing of George Furbank's decisive move on a Fin Smith cutout pass, or any of the numerous attacking talents in English club rugby, marked the Premiership’s PR team's celebration of the domestic season's return this weekend with a slew of positive statistics. They avoided excessive exclamation marks, but a few would have fit perfectly with the overall mood. The Premiership is back! And it’s never been better!

First, to debunk some hyperbole, most of the stats regarding the increase in viewing figures and attendances across the first six rounds of this season were compared to last year's figures. Apparently, cumulative audiences on TNT Sports have risen by 30% compared to this stage last year; 21,000 more matchday tickets have been sold, a 15% increase. However, the start of last season coincided with the end of a World Cup, which typically reduces domestic game figures.

Nonetheless, there is no doubt that, at least superficially, these are golden times for the Premiership. The return of club rugby is indeed cause for celebration. The matches continue to amaze with their wild narratives and the ambitious rugby played.

Some of the provided stats undeniably indicate a deeper penetration of the Premiership into public consciousness. The two rounds over the festive period are projected to break attendance records, especially the second, with Harlequins’ festive match at the large stadium across the road selling tickets at a record pace. Meanwhile, only 30,000 tickets remain on general sale for the final in June at the same venue. Ticket sales are nearly double what they were at this time last season, which was already the fastest-selling Premiership final on record.

As often happens, the contrast in atmosphere when the Premiership comes to Twickenham versus when England does is stark. One brings a vibrant pageant of rugby enthusiasts every week, the other a dreary parade of green-jacketed fans who boo, perhaps understandably, when the on-field performance doesn’t match the high ticket prices.

With less than perfect timing, the RFU published its annual report this week, just after England’s disappointing autumn performance. No exclamation marks there. Some of the stats in this report have sparked widespread protest. Record deficits, record remuneration, record levels of discontent. If English rugby could collectively boo, even the sunny Premiership fans would join in.

This exposes a deeply uncomfortable irony in a sport that can be both thrilling and irredeemably dysfunctional. Less positive for the Premiership was the demise of three clubs last season, followed by a report claiming seven of the remaining 10 clubs are balance-sheet insolvent. All continue to lose significant money. If even the RFU’s numbers are in the red, a significant reason, not to mention the high ticket prices at the stadium whose name has been sold, is the millions of pounds they divert to these clubs in a futile attempt to keep them afloat.

Then there is the looming shadow of the fate that may await our heroes later in life as they continue to batter each other week after week, year after year. There were press releases about this too this week, along with the announcement of more international players joining the action against, among others, the RFU.

If this feels like the end of days for rugby, more than just for the world in general, one valid response is to enjoy the Premiership while you can. It genuinely is brilliant fun. A bit like going to the pub while the meteor approaches.

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