Rugby: The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has defended the pricing structure for the four matches to be played at the Aviva Stadium in November. Ireland will play South Africa, New Zealand, Samoa and Argentina in the autumn series.
“The IRFU is a not for profit organisation and is not in existence to produce a financial dividend to shareholders. Irish Rugby is the only fully professional sport in Ireland and the only dividend that the IRFU produces is one of participation in sport,” today’s IRFU statement read.
“As such, the Ireland team and international games in the Aviva Stadium need to produce a financial surplus that is then fully distributed throughout all levels of the game. This is needed to develop and nurture the future of the sport from the grassroots level upwards.
“The pricing of general entry tickets reflects the enhanced offering to patrons in the new Aviva Stadium with its modern design giving greater standards in terms of seating, views of the pitch as well as access to a greater number of concession stands, restaurants and bars.
“The premium level ticket prices for games reflect the increased offering to supporters in terms of exclusive facilities within the premium area. Reduced cost ticket packages will remain in place offering greater value to supporters as well as schoolboy/girl packages to all games in the Aviva Stadium.”
The IRFU’s response comes on the back of yesterday’s news that fans will be charged €340 to see all four international games at the new stadium.
Tickets cannot be bought individually and are only available as a package. The IRFU insists fans wishing to buy a "ticket for any one of the games must also purchase the same ticket for the other three games". As such, the minimum spend for fans – excluding schoolboys / girls - is €340.
Declan Kidney’s side will first take on world champions South Africa, who they beat at Croke Park last November, when the series kicks off on Saturday, November 6th at 5.30pm. Tickets for the game are priced at €100 compared to the €80 cost for the corresponding fixture last year.
The following week sees Samoa pitch up in Dublin 4 at 2.30pm before Ireland face the might of New Zealand in an evening kick-off on November 20th (5.30pm). The test with Argentina on Sunday 28th (2.30pm) rounds off the series.
RTÉ will have live coverage of all four matches, which may be tempting to some who don't fancy forking out €100 for each game against the two southern hemisphere giants, €90 to see the Pumas and €50 for Samoa.
The prices quoted refer to the actual face value placed on each of the tickets by the IRFU. However, tickets will only be available as part of a package.
Premium tickets are more expensive at €425 and consist to two tickets for €125, one for €115 and another for €60. A schools package will cost €135, with tickets ranging from €20 to €40.
Ireland’s autumn internationals
Saturday, November 6th
Ireland v South Africa, Aviva Stadium, 5.30pm
Saturday, November 13th
Ireland v Samoa, Aviva Stadium, 2.30pm
Saturday, November 20th
Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, 5.30pm
Sunday, November 28th
Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, 2.30pm