Missing Beyoncé and K-pop Acts So Argentina v South Africa Will Have to Increase RFU’s Bank Balance
One quick look at Twickenham’s upcoming events and regrettably, still no the pop superstar. No Bills, Bills, Bills for Mr Sweeney just yet. In fact, the Rugby Football Union’s plan to organize more concerts and thus fund the stadium's multi-million pound renovation has encountered a bit of a delay.
A report, seen by a major newspaper, notes: “Given the uncertainty about the capacity of the rail industry to handle the predicted increase in travelers, there [are] major worries concerning the increased load put on the road and rail systems by attendees and the question of whether this demand can be properly addressed. This will probably lead to a major disruption for the community.”
The issue is not impossible to solve but you’d do well to find frequent stadium visitors who disagree.
In parallel, a lengthy planning discussion earlier this week to discuss the union's event permit request revealed that there have been 192 complaints, 13 supportive comments. A ruling is expected next week but the final decision will be final in a process that will roll into next year.
Meanwhile, the organization's challenge was neatly summed up after a planned K-pop show was hastily relocated to a much smaller though updated O2 arena.
Clearly the RFU cannot attract the quality of artists it desires to best make use of its large capacity ground due to existing infrastructure and restrictions.
Relocating Elsewhere Still Feels Quite a Reach
However, the union's resolve to leverage its primary resource takes us smoothly toward the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa game.
It is set to be an exciting finale to the most captivating rugby competition in years, over 70,000 spectators are anticipated and it is definitely a money-making enterprise.
The match is organized by an experienced promoter and a seasoned professional, with extensive background doing similar in Barbarians matches at the stadium and says, “like anything in life it's often motivated by financial considerations. One could argue all parties involved are content with what they’ve entered into.”
Argentina as the “Home” Side
Argentina acts as the host team – just as they were against Australia several years ago – and the choice was theirs to approach the RFU.
They are set to earn considerably more revenue compared to hosting the match was organized domestically, which will be a particularly useful revenue stream given there is no the annual tournament next year and practically it is sensible.
Travel from last weekend’s match in Durban is easier with only one exception of their main squad this weekend compete in the UK or France.
South Africa's Involvement
The Springboks are visiting, simply along for the ride, but this is the third time in three years they feature in a fixture in London without England's participation.
The organization, accordingly, receives a hefty stadium hire fee including revenue sources such as concession sales which should match comparable to as an England fixture given the bumper crowd that is anticipated.
As management has conceded, Twickenham is the RFU’s “cash cow”.
Is it surprising the union is increasingly letting other teams have a squeeze of the udders provided they can pay?
South Africa's Cooperation
The Springboks might just be happy to take part but it is no coincidence this fixture is seen as especially fitting to host in London.
As an expert explained this week, South Africa essentially straddle hemispheres currently with their club sides competing in the URC.
The expat community in west London ensures strong attendance and the timing is sympathetic to fans in South Africa.
They come to Twickenham assured that it won't hurt their objectives to build their reputation internationally, all the more so if they secure victory on England’s turf convincingly.
Future Fixtures and Global Strategy
Additionally, they plan to stage the Kiwis for an extensive competition in 2026, which will become a quadrennial, reciprocal tour, with another neutral venue match is being considered, most likely in Europe, potentially returning to Twickenham.
The Springboks may simply be the away side on Saturday but it is saying something that Bongi Mbonambi could equal Tom Curry’s tally of Twickenham wins since the summer of 2023 if South Africa prevail versus Argentina.
Furthermore, the organization, is very willing to host them - recent rows including the ugly fallout of the World Cup match and public statements by the coach regarding match officials apparently forgotten.
The Stadium's Growing Role
Certainly, there's a growing sense Twickenham is being positioned as Europe's top choice for international fixtures.
According to the organizer, ‘in England and the UK we host international events. American football games are staged, Brazil play football matches here, there’s baseball, fans are passionate about athletics”.
It is no way to break into emerging markets – you wouldn’t seek to build cricket interest by organizing a game at the historic ground – but periodic matches at the stadium makes increasing sense.
