Beyoncé and K-pop Absent So South Africa vs Argentina Needs to Enhance Rugby Football Union's Bank Balance
An initial rapid scan over the RFU stadium's upcoming events and regrettably, once more no the pop superstar. No hit concerts for the RFU chief at this time. In fact, the RFU's ambition to organize further live performances and thereby finance the stadium's multi-million pound renovation has encountered a bit of a delay.
A report, seen by a major newspaper, states: “Due to the unpredictability concerning the capacity of the rail industry to cater for the forecast rise in commuters, there [are] significant concerns about the additional demand put on the transport and highway network by event goers and the question of whether this need can be properly addressed. This will probably lead to a serious inconvenience for the community.”
The issue is not impossible to solve but you’d do well to find many regular matchgoers who think otherwise.
Simultaneously, a three-hour committee meeting on Tuesday to consider the RFU’s licensing application revealed that officials received 192 objections, 13 in favour. A ruling is expected shortly but the planning verdict will be definitive in a procedure that will roll into next year.
In the meantime, the union’s predicament was perfectly illustrated when a scheduled summer K-pop concert was quickly moved to the significantly smaller yet more contemporary O2 venue.
Obviously the RFU cannot attract the calibre of acts it desires to best make use of its large capacity ground given its current facilities and limitations.
Upping Sticks to Milton Keynes Seems a Bit of a Stretch
Yet the organization's commitment to optimize its greatest asset leads us directly to Saturday’s Twickenham clash.
It is expected to be an exciting finale to the most captivating Southern Hemisphere tournament in years, more than 70,000 are likely to attend and it is definitely a money-making enterprise.
The fixture is organized by a specialist events company and a seasoned professional, with a long track record organizing comparable events in Barbarians matches in London and comments, “similar to other ventures it's typically driven by commercial reasons. It’s fair to say each stakeholder are satisfied with the deal they've agreed.”
Argentina Playing Host
Argentina acts as the host team – similar to previous occasions in the match with Australia back in 2016 – and it was their decision to contact the union.
They will generate significantly higher income versus staging the game was held back home, which provides a very timely financial injection given there is no the competition in the coming season and practically it is logical.
Transportation after the recent game in South Africa is easier while all but one of their main squad on Saturday are based in the UK or France.
The Springboks' Position
The Springboks are visiting, simply along for the ride, however, this represents the third instance over three seasons they compete in a game in London where England isn't playing.
The RFU, for its part, receives a hefty stadium hire fee as well as things like concession sales which should match similar to as an England fixture due to the substantial turnout that is anticipated.
As management has conceded, Twickenham is the RFU’s “cash cow”.
Is it surprising the organization is more frequently allowing opposing nations utilize their facilities when they agree to fund it?
South Africa's Cooperation
South Africa may simply be willing participants but it is no coincidence this fixture is seen as especially fitting to stage at the stadium.
According to a source recently, the team bridges northern and southern rugby currently via their professional clubs involved in cross-hemisphere tournaments.
The South African diaspora in west London ensures strong attendance and the UK time zone is convenient for fans in South Africa.
They travel to London assured that it will do no harm their objectives to enhance their profile internationally, especially if they secure victory at Twickenham convincingly.
Future Fixtures and Global Strategy
They will also host New Zealand for a major rivalry event in the coming year, which will become a recurring bilateral arrangement, with another neutral venue match is under discussion, possibly on the continent, potentially returning to Twickenham.
The Springboks may simply be the visiting team this weekend but it's significant when Bongi Mbonambi will match the English player's achievement of Twickenham wins over the past two years should South Africa win versus Argentina.
And the RFU, it seems, is only too happy to welcome them - previous disputes like the negative consequences following the tournament game and public statements by the coach concerning Wayne Barnes’ refereeing seemingly put to one side.
The Stadium's Growing Role
Certainly, there's a growing sense the stadium is being established as Europe's top choice for international fixtures.
According to the organizer, ‘across Britain we welcome overseas sports. We’ve got NFL matches here, top football nations compete, baseball is played, the nation loves sport”.
This isn't the method to enter new territories – it wouldn't make sense to develop cricket fans by organizing a game at the historic ground – but periodic matches at the stadium becomes more logical.
