NEW RFU MATCH TICKET INITIATIVES

The RFU Council has approved a series of match ticket initiatives at its meeting on July 10th, 2004, aimed at improving its match ticket allocation, distribution and systems.

Firstly, the RFU has changed its member club ticket allocation system, which has been in place since 1992. The new system ensures that all clubs will receive a fixed allocation of tickets every season. The allocation will be based on the average number of tickets received by clubs over the previous three years. The allocations under the new system will be reviewed every three years.


Secondly, the RFU has introduced its first ‘match grading system’, which comes into immediate effect. There are five grades, which will clarify the RFU’s policy on match ticket allocations for the different types of matches.

Finally, the RFU has introduced a fourth match ticket pricing tier for season 2004/05. It has been added to the existing three tier structure for ticket prices in recognition of the premium nature of the seats situated between the ‘22’s’ in the West and East Stands. The intention is that this tier will be moved to market values over a period of three years enabling the other price tiers to remain competitively priced for the benefit of member clubs.

‘Premium’ Tickets will be available priced £60, with the increases in the other three ticket tiers for season 2004/05 rising from £53 to £56, £48 to £53 and £43 to £48 respectively. Prices for matches, controlled by the RFU, outside of the Category ‘A’ games which involve the major unions, are expected to be lower.

Paul Vaughan, the RFU Commercial Director said today “Each of the initiatives means that we can allocate, grade and price our match tickets in a clearer, fairer and more defined way. This will help our clubs know exactly how many tickets they will receive and how they can distribute them amongst their members or financially benefit from selling through our Official Hospitality Operator scheme.

“While our top ticket price remains below some of the other Unions, the ‘Premium tier’ will be brought more into line with the market over the next three years.”

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