RFU Launches Official Ticket Exchange Service
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced that it is promoting a new online ticket exchange service for the first time to clamp down on unofficial and secondary ticketing sites.
The announcement follows a trial run of the initial facility over the past year. Resale websites such as Viagogo, Stub Hub, Gumtree, ebay, or Live Rugby Tickets have no association or official arrangement with the RFU, and the RFU reports that the websites often market tickets that do not exist on a speculative basis and at inflated prices.
The RFU is encouraging fans to recycle any tickets they are not able to use through the free official ticket exchange, found on the ‘Ticketing Help’ section of the official England Rugby ticket website. Tickets can then be officially resold to other England Rugby fans and refunds issued to the original purchaser once resold.
In the RFU’s constitution is the commitment to reward those that play, support and volunteer in rugby week in and week out. At least 50% of the stadium’s 82,000 tickets for every international are sold direct to the clubs, constituent bodies, referee societies, universities, colleges and schools. The money generated from the sale of tickets and memberships goes directly into upgrading facilities and rugby clubs around the country.
Stephen Brown, RFU, chief executive officer, commented: “Fans buying or selling tickets through unofficial channels are at risk of hugely inflated prices, mis-selling and fraud.
“We want people to be aware of our ticket policy and not risk their money by either unauthorised re-selling or buying tickets through unofficial means. We understand that not everyone who purchases a ticket is always able to attend on the day. Our ticket exchange ensures they can hand their ticket back and other fans can purchase at the correct price.”
