A Twickenham woman has given a glimpse into the life of working the annual Army-Navy rugby match.
Victoria Seaman has lived in Twickenham for the past five years since moving from Greenwich, and told the Richmond and Twickenham Times that working as a steward for the first time was a very eye-opening experience.
"I'd been reluctant to work the shift as I've lived here for a few years and seen some of the carnage," she said.
"And people had warned me that working as a steward for Twickenham rugby was not an experience to cherish.
"But I went with an open mind."
She started her shift at 10am on Saturday, by which time she said the streets by Twickenham station were already very busy.
"I was surprised at how rambunctious people were so early on a Saturday morning," Mrs Seaman said.
"I'm usually crawling back from the Parkrun at that time.
"It was swathes of clusters of men and woman some in fancy dress some not, pulling out alcohol from their bags even though they were stood outside the pub."
She added that the crowd were in a good mood however, and there were no real issues.
That was until the match finished and people made their way back onto the streets.
"It more took a downward turn after the game when people returned from the stadium and tried to go home or drink in the local pub," she said.
"There was just a lot of frustrated people as the trains weren't working.
"A lot of drunk people and also a shortage of toilets."
Mrs Seaman wasn't the only person shocked by the scenes.
Leader of Richmond Council Gareth Roberts spoke out following reports of drunken behaviour, urination in gardens, fans passed out in the streets and attempted theft.
As for Mrs Seaman, she won't be clamouring for a job the next time the match comes to town.
"For the moment I'm trying to avoid Twickenham," she joked.
"Army-Navy was my first Twickenham steward experience and some have said it isn't a true reflection of the rugby experience."
"For now I'll stick to Sandown Racecourse. Much more civilised with the exception of the derby."
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