Beyoncé and K-pop Absent Thus Argentina vs South Africa Needs to Increase RFU’s Finances
A quick look at Twickenham Stadium's forthcoming fixtures and regrettably, once more no the music icon. No Bills, Bills, Bills for the RFU chief just yet. Indeed, the Rugby Football Union’s ambition to stage more concerts and in turn pay for its £660 million redevelopment has encountered a bit of a delay.
An official document, reviewed by a major newspaper, notes: “Given the uncertainty about the capacity of public transport to accommodate the forecast rise in commuters, there remain serious issues about the additional demand placed on the road and rail systems by attendees and whether this demand can be effectively handled. This could cause a major disruption for the community.”
The challenge is manageable but you’d do well to find seasoned rugby fans who dispute this.
Simultaneously, a lengthy planning discussion on Tuesday to debate the stadium's operational proposal showed that officials received 192 complaints, 13 in favour. An outcome is due next week but the planning verdict will be conclusive in an ongoing effort that will roll into next year.
In the meantime, the RFU's situation was neatly summed up when a scheduled summer K-pop concert was quickly moved to a much smaller but more modern O2 arena.
Clearly the stadium fails to pull in the quality of artists it desires to fully utilize its large capacity ground given its current facilities and limitations.
Relocating Elsewhere Appears Somewhat Unlikely
Yet the organization's commitment to leverage its greatest asset brings us nicely on to the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa game.
It is expected to be an exciting finale to the most captivating Southern Hemisphere tournament in years, upwards of 70,000 are anticipated and it is definitely a profitable venture.
The game is operated by an experienced promoter and Steve Berrick, with extensive background organizing comparable events in Barbarians matches at the stadium and comments, “as with most things it's typically driven by financial considerations. It's reasonable to state everyone participating are happy with the deal they've agreed.”
Argentina's Home Game
Argentina are the “home” side – just as they were in the match with Australia in 2016 – and they initiated the move to contact the union.
They are set to earn much greater returns than if the fixture was held back home, which will be a very timely financial injection given there is no the annual tournament next year and operationally it is sensible.
Transportation after the recent game in Durban is less demanding while all but one of their starting lineup this weekend are based in European clubs.
The Springboks' Position
South Africa are the away side, essentially participating, but this is the third time over three seasons they feature in a fixture at Twickenham where England isn't playing.
The organization, accordingly, receives a hefty stadium hire fee including revenue sources such as the bar takings which are expected to be similar to as an England fixture due to the substantial turnout that is projected.
As Sweeney has admitted, Twickenham is the RFU’s “cash cow”.
Is it any wonder the union is increasingly letting their rivals have a squeeze of the udders when they agree to fund it?
South Africa’s Willing Participation
South Africa may simply be eager competitors but it is no coincidence this match is considered most suitable to host in London.
As one insider put it recently, the Springboks operate across continents nowadays with their club sides playing in the United Rugby Championship.
The South African diaspora in London ensures strong attendance and the timing is convenient for fans in South Africa.
They travel to London assured that it won't hurt their goals to strengthen their brand on a global scale, all the more so if they secure victory at Twickenham impressively.
Upcoming Games and International Plans
Additionally, they plan to stage New Zealand for a bumper “Greatest Rivalry” series in 2026, which is planned as a recurring bilateral arrangement, and a fourth “neutral” Test is under discussion, possibly on the continent, maybe again at the London stadium.
South Africa might just be the away side on Saturday but it's significant that Bongi Mbonambi could equal the English player's achievement of victories at the stadium over the past two years if the Springboks are victorious versus Argentina.
Furthermore, the organization, is quite pleased to have them - previous disputes including the ugly fallout following the tournament game and Rassie Erasmus’s social-media posts concerning Wayne Barnes’ refereeing evidently set aside.
Twickenham as Neutral Venue
Certainly, there's a growing sense the stadium is being established as the northern hemisphere’s top choice for international fixtures.
As Berrick points out, ‘in England and the UK we welcome overseas sports. There are NFL fixtures, top football nations compete, there’s baseball, the nation loves sport”.
This isn't the method to enter new territories – it wouldn't make sense to attract a new cricket audience by organizing a game at the historic ground – but the odd Twickenham trip makes increasing sense.
