SA Rugby take legal action over scam accusations after supporters left ‘ticketless’
General view of DHL Stadium and fan looking for ticket.
SA Rugby have claimed that travel agencies have been acting “illegally and recklessly” as supporters were left without a ticket for Saturday’s second Greatest Rivalry Test.
The governing body released a statement before the match in Cape Town stating that they will take legal action after claims the fault lay at their door.
That has come after making contact with the frustrated fans, who were promised entry into the game but were ultimately let down.
SARU accusation
SA Rugby have duly accused those companies of fraudulent activity ahead of the encounter between South Africa and New Zealand.
“SA Rugby is seeking legal redress against travel agencies who have claimed that failures on the part of SA Rugby were responsible for fans being left ticketless for today’s Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at DHL Stadium,” the statement read.
“In subsequent communication with disappointed clients, claims have been made that the issue lay at the door of SA Rugby. This is completely untrue.
“Agencies sold the promise of tickets they did not have – and could not secure – for the Test in breach of the events terms and conditions of sale, and without ever having been given access by SA Rugby or its ticketing agency.
“These companies acted illegally and recklessly in pursuit of their own commercial gain at the expense of their clients.
“SA Rugby has turned the matter over to its attorneys.”
Springboks v All Blacks, LIVE BLOG: Coverage of the Greatest Rivalry Test in Cape Town
Criticism of ticket prices
A week after reports stated there were still tickets available for the Ellis Park Test, which the All Blacks won 33-16, it is a sell-out in Cape Town.
There has been criticism of the ticketing strategy by SA Rugby with high prices and the late release ahead of the opening match leading to criticism from the supporters.
While that has not completely put off punters, with demand still significant for the internationals, there were a number of disappointing attendances in the tour matches.
Although the opener with the Stormers saw a packed house of 47,000 turn up, their following clashes with the Sharks, Bulls and Lions drew subpar crowds.
The highest came at Loftus Versfeld where around 30,000 turned up, but that was still significantly short of the 51,762 capacity.
READ MORE: Springboks v All Blacks: How to watch the second Greatest Rivalry Test from anywhere in the world