Missing Beyoncé and K-pop Acts So Argentina v South Africa Needs to Enhance RFU’s Finances
One rapid scan regarding Twickenham Stadium's forthcoming fixtures and unfortunately, once more no Beyoncé. No hit concerts for Mr Sweeney just yet. Actually, the union's plan to stage additional music events and in turn pay for Twickenham’s £660 million redevelopment has faced a temporary hold-up.
A council paper, seen by a major newspaper, reads: “Given the uncertainty concerning the ability of public transport to accommodate the expected surge in travelers, there exist serious issues concerning the extra pressure placed on the transport and highway network by event goers and if this need can be properly addressed. This is likely to result in a significant nuisance for local inhabitants.”
The challenge is manageable but you’d do well to find seasoned rugby fans who dispute this.
In parallel, an extended council session on Tuesday to discuss the stadium's operational proposal showed that there have been 192 complaints, 13 approvals. An outcome is expected shortly but the final decision will be conclusive in an ongoing effort that will roll into the coming year.
For now, the union’s predicament was perfectly illustrated after a planned K-pop show was hastily relocated to a much smaller though updated O2 arena.
Obviously the RFU cannot attract the level of performers it needs to optimally employ its massive venue given its current facilities and constraints.
Upping Sticks to Milton Keynes Seems Somewhat Unlikely
But the RFU’s determination to maximise its greatest asset leads us directly to the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa game.
It promises to be a thrilling denouement to the most exciting Southern Hemisphere tournament for some time, more than 70,000 are likely to attend and it is certainly a money-making enterprise.
The game is managed by a specialist events company and Steve Berrick, with extensive background organizing comparable events with the Barbarians at Twickenham and states, “like anything in life it's often motivated by financial considerations. One could argue everyone participating are content with the arrangement they've made.”
Argentina Playing Host
Argentina takes the home role – just as they were against Australia in 2016 – and they initiated the move to approach the RFU.
They stand to make much greater returns versus staging the game was held back home, which will be an all-the-more-welcome cash boost due to the lack of Rugby Championship next year and logistically it makes sense.
Transportation after the recent game overseas is less demanding and nearly all of their first-choice players this weekend compete in European clubs.
South Africa’s Role
South Africa plays as the opponent, simply along for the ride, but this is the third time during a three-year period they compete in a game at the stadium in which England are not involved.
The RFU, for its part, obtains a substantial rental payment plus additional income from food and beverage earnings which should match in the same ballpark an England international given the bumper crowd that is projected.
As management has conceded, the venue represents the organization's financial backbone.
Is it surprising management is progressively permitting opposing nations utilize their facilities provided they can pay?
The Springboks' Agreement
The Springboks might just be happy to take part yet it's not accidental this fixture is seen as especially fitting to take to Twickenham.
According to a source lately, the Springboks operate across continents currently with their club sides competing in the URC.
The overseas population in west London ensures strong attendance and the timing is convenient for viewers in their home country.
They travel to London safe in the knowledge that it benefits their objectives to strengthen their brand on a global scale, particularly if they wrap up the title in London in style.
Forward Planning and Worldwide Approach
They are also set to welcome New Zealand for an extensive competition in 2026, which will become a regular four-year exchange, and a fourth “neutral” Test is under discussion, possibly on the continent, possibly back at Saturday’s venue.
The team could be the away side on Saturday however, it's noteworthy if Bongi Mbonambi achieves the English player's achievement of victories at the stadium over the past two years if South Africa prevail against Argentina.
Meanwhile, the union appears, is very willing to have them - previous disputes including the ugly fallout of the World Cup match and public statements by the coach concerning Wayne Barnes’ refereeing apparently forgotten.
Twickenham as Neutral Venue
Indeed, increasingly it feels Twickenham is being positioned as the northern hemisphere’s go-to neutral venue.
According to the organizer, ‘across Britain we embrace global competitions. There are NFL fixtures, top football nations compete, baseball is played, fans are passionate about athletics”.
It is no way to break into growing regions – you wouldn’t seek to build cricket interest by staging a match at Lord’s – but occasional visits to Twickenham makes increasing sense.
