Crossword Genius

Spectators' place not available for rugby player (5-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stand-off

'rugby player' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'spectators' place not available' is the wordplay.
'spectators' place' becomes 'stand' (as in football stands).
'not available' becomes 'off' (I've seen this in other clues).
'stand'+'off'='STAND-OFF'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for stand-off that I've seen before include "Deadlock between equally matched opponents" , "Remain at a distance - while on feet?" , "Rugby halfback" , "Deadlock (in match)" , "Rugby player - deadlock - keep at a distance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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