Missing Beyoncé and K-pop Acts Thus Argentina vs South Africa Will Have to Increase RFU’s Finances
One rapid scan at Twickenham’s scheduled activities and unfortunately, still no Beyoncé. No Bills, Bills, Bills for the RFU chief at this time. In fact, the union's goal to host further live performances and in turn fund Twickenham’s £660 million redevelopment has faced a temporary hold-up.
A report, seen by a national publication, reads: “Due to the unpredictability concerning the capability of the rail industry to handle the forecast rise in passengers, there exist significant concerns about the increased load put on the local infrastructure by event goers and the question of whether this demand can be satisfactorily managed. This could cause a major disruption for Twickenham residents.”
It is far from insurmountable but you’d do well to find many regular matchgoers who think otherwise.
Simultaneously, a lengthy planning discussion earlier this week to discuss the RFU’s licensing application showed that there have been 192 representations against, 13 approvals. A ruling is expected next week but the final decision will be final in an ongoing effort that will extend into next year.
For now, the union’s predicament was perfectly illustrated following an intended summer performance was abruptly transferred to the significantly smaller but more modern O2 arena.
Clearly the stadium fails to pull in the level of performers it requires to fully utilize its 82,000-seater stadium due to existing infrastructure and constraints.
Moving to Milton Keynes Still Feels a Bit of a Stretch
But the RFU’s determination to maximise its main property leads us directly to the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa game.
It is expected to be a dramatic conclusion to the most thrilling rugby competition for some time, upwards of 70,000 are likely to attend and it is certainly a revenue-generating event.
The fixture is managed by a specialist events company and a seasoned professional, with extensive background doing similar with the Barbarians at the stadium and comments, “similar to other ventures it's often motivated by commercial reasons. One could argue each stakeholder are content with the arrangement they've made.”
Argentina's Home Game
Argentina acts as the host team – just as they were when facing Australia in 2016 – and it was their decision to contact the union.
They are set to earn significantly higher income than if the fixture was organized domestically, which represents a particularly useful revenue stream considering the absence of the annual tournament in 2026 and practically it makes sense.
Transportation after last weekend’s match in Durban is more forgiving with only one exception of their main squad this weekend compete in England or France.
The Springboks' Position
The Springboks are visiting, simply along for the ride, however, this represents the third instance over three seasons they play a match in London without England's participation.
The union, meanwhile, gets a significant venue charge including revenue sources such as the bar takings which should match comparable to as an England fixture due to the substantial turnout that is anticipated.
As Sweeney has admitted, the venue represents the organization's financial backbone.
Is it any wonder management is progressively permitting their rivals have a squeeze of the udders if they are willing to pay?
South Africa’s Willing Participation
The South African team could be eager competitors but it is no coincidence this match is considered particularly appropriate to take to Twickenham.
According to a source recently, the team bridges northern and southern rugby nowadays through their domestic teams playing in the United Rugby Championship.
The expat community in London drives robust demand while the scheduling is sympathetic to supporters back home.
They travel to London safe in the knowledge that it will do no harm to their ambitions to build their reputation internationally, especially if they wrap up the title in London convincingly.
Forward Planning and Worldwide Approach
They will also host the Kiwis for a bumper “Greatest Rivalry” series in the coming year, which is planned as a recurring bilateral arrangement, plus an additional international fixture is being considered, possibly on the continent, potentially returning to Twickenham.
South Africa might just be the away side on Saturday but it is saying something when Bongi Mbonambi will match Tom Curry's record of Twickenham wins since the summer of 2023 if South Africa prevail versus Argentina.
And the RFU, it seems, is very willing to host them - previous disputes like the negative consequences of the World Cup match and online comments from Rassie Erasmus about officiating decisions apparently forgotten.
Twickenham as Neutral Venue
Indeed, increasingly it feels the venue is being marketed as the UK's go-to neutral venue.
As Berrick points out, ‘in England and the UK we embrace global competitions. There are NFL fixtures, top football nations compete, MLB games occur, fans are passionate about athletics”.
This isn't the method to enter emerging markets – one wouldn't attempt to build cricket interest by staging a match at Lord’s – but occasional visits to Twickenham makes increasing sense.