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Unprecedented Prices for England’s Autumn Internationals: A Hurdle for Rugby Union Fans?
In a move that has drawn both praise and concern from the rugby union community, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced the highest-ever prices for a standalone England Test match, as the All Blacks visit Twickenham on November 2nd, 2024.
According to the BBC Sport rugby union news, the top tickets for the highly anticipated clash will cost a staggering £229, representing a £35 increase from the most expensive standard ticket for England’s recent Six Nations home matches, and a £50 hike from the game against New Zealand two years ago.
The cheapest ticket for the All Blacks match will be £99 for an adult and £35 for a child, while tickets for the other autumn fixtures against Australia, South Africa, and Japan will range from £30 to £159.
“The more success we have, the more interest we have in the game across the country. Off the back of that, the more outreach we can have, the better,” – England captain Jamie George
This pricing strategy has sparked a debate within the rugby union community, with England captain Jamie George recently voicing his desire to make the game more accessible to a wider range of fans.
An RFU spokesperson acknowledged the price increases, citing the need to keep pace with rising costs, particularly in light of significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they also highlighted the availability of discounted tickets for children, as well as the investment of all profit from ticket sales back into the sport at all levels.
As rugby union fans eagerly await the autumn internationals, the RFU’s decision to charge record-high prices for England’s matches, including the highly anticipated clash with the All Blacks, has reignited the ongoing discussion about balancing commercial interests with the sport’s grassroots accessibility.
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