Missing Beyoncé and K-pop Acts Thus Argentina v South Africa Must Enhance RFU’s Bank Balance

One quick look regarding the RFU stadium's upcoming events and, alas, again no the pop superstar. No Bills, Bills, Bills for Mr Sweeney just yet. Actually, the Rugby Football Union’s ambition to organize additional music events and in turn pay for the stadium's multi-million pound renovation has faced a temporary hold-up.

A council paper, reviewed by a major newspaper, reads: “Given the uncertainty concerning the capability of public transport to handle the expected surge in travelers, there [are] significant concerns regarding the increased load put on the road and rail systems by event goers and the question of whether this requirement can be properly addressed. This could cause a significant nuisance for Twickenham residents.”

The issue is not impossible to solve but few would disagree frequent stadium visitors who disagree.

In parallel, an extended council session on Tuesday to debate the RFU’s licensing application demonstrated that officials received 192 objections, 13 approvals. A ruling is due shortly but the final decision will be definitive in an ongoing effort that will continue into the coming year.

Meanwhile, the union’s predicament was perfectly illustrated after a planned K-pop show was quickly moved to the significantly smaller though updated O2 venue.

Evidently the union is unable to draw the level of performers it desires to optimally employ its large capacity ground because of present arrangements and limitations.

Relocating Elsewhere Appears Somewhat Unlikely

However, the union's resolve to maximise its primary resource takes us smoothly toward Saturday’s Twickenham clash.

It promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the most exciting Southern Hemisphere tournament recently, over 70,000 spectators are anticipated and it is certainly a profitable venture.

The fixture is managed by a specialist events company and Steve Berrick, with extensive background handling such fixtures in Barbarians matches in London and says, “as with most things it’s usually based on financial considerations. It’s fair to say everyone participating are happy with the arrangement they've made.”

Argentina Playing Host

Argentina acts as the host team – as was the case against Australia in 2016 – and the choice was theirs to approach the RFU.

They stand to make much greater returns compared to hosting the match was organized domestically, which will be an all-the-more-welcome cash boost given there is no Rugby Championship in the coming season and logistically it is logical.

Travel from the recent game in South Africa is more forgiving with only one exception of their main squad on Saturday are based in the UK or France.

South Africa’s Role

South Africa plays as the opponent, essentially participating, but this is the third time during a three-year period they play a match at the stadium in which England are not involved.

The RFU, for its part, gets a significant venue charge as well as things like concession sales which are expected to be in the same ballpark as an England fixture considering the large attendance that is projected.

As management has conceded, the venue represents the organization's financial backbone.

Should anyone be shocked the organization is more frequently allowing their rivals utilize their facilities if they are willing to pay?

South Africa’s Willing Participation

The Springboks might just be happy to take part but it is no coincidence this game is viewed as particularly appropriate to host in London.

According to a source this week, South Africa essentially straddle hemispheres currently via their professional clubs 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 confident that it won't hurt to their ambitions to strengthen their brand on a global scale, especially if they wrap up the title at Twickenham convincingly.

Forward Planning and Worldwide Approach

They will also host the Kiwis for a bumper “Greatest Rivalry” series in 2026, that will develop into a regular four-year exchange, and a fourth “neutral” Test has been mooted, most likely in Europe, maybe again at the London stadium.

The Springboks may simply be the away side on Saturday but it's significant that Bongi Mbonambi could equal Tom Curry's record of victories at the stadium since the summer of 2023 if South Africa prevail in the Argentina match.

And the RFU, it seems, is only too happy to host them - past controversies such as the unpleasant aftermath following the tournament game and public statements by the coach regarding match officials seemingly put to one side.

Twickenham as Neutral Venue

In fact, it seems more and more the venue is being marketed as the UK's premier neutral location.

According to the organizer, ‘within the United Kingdom we host international events. We’ve got NFL matches here, Brazil play football matches here, there’s baseball, fans are passionate about athletics”.

It is no way to break into emerging markets – one wouldn't attempt to build cricket interest by hosting a fixture at the historic ground – but the odd Twickenham trip makes increasing sense.

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