No Beyoncé or K-pop Thus Argentina vs South Africa Must Increase Rugby Football Union's Bank Balance
One quick look regarding the RFU stadium's forthcoming fixtures and, alas, again no Beyoncé. No hit concerts for the union's leadership for now. Indeed, the RFU's ambition to stage further live performances and in turn fund the stadium's £660 million redevelopment has met with a bit of a delay.
A council paper, reviewed by a major newspaper, reads: “Given the uncertainty about the capability of public transport to accommodate the forecast rise in commuters, there remain major worries concerning the increased load imposed on the local infrastructure by event goers and the question of whether this need can be effectively handled. This could cause a major disruption for Twickenham residents.”
It is far from insurmountable but it's hard to find seasoned rugby fans who disagree.
In parallel, a lengthy planning discussion recently to discuss the union's event permit request revealed that there have been 192 objections, 13 approvals. A decision is anticipated shortly but the final decision will be definitive in a process that will continue into 2026.
In the meantime, the organization's challenge was clearly demonstrated after a planned K-pop show was hastily relocated to the significantly smaller yet more contemporary O2 arena.
Evidently the stadium fails to pull in the calibre of acts it requires to best make use of its large capacity ground due to existing infrastructure and limitations.
Moving to Milton Keynes Seems Somewhat Unlikely
Yet the organization's commitment to leverage its primary resource brings us nicely on to this weekend's match at Twickenham.
It is set to be a dramatic conclusion to the most thrilling rugby competition in years, more than 70,000 are anticipated and it is certainly a profitable venture.
The fixture is managed by a specialist events company and a seasoned professional, with a long track record doing similar with the Barbarians in London and says, “similar to other ventures it’s usually based on commercial reasons. One could argue all parties involved are satisfied with the deal they've agreed.”
Argentina as the “Home” Side
Argentina takes the home role – just as they were against Australia back in 2016 – and it was their decision to contact the union.
They stand to make significantly higher income compared to hosting the match was held back home, which represents an all-the-more-welcome cash boost considering the absence of Rugby Championship in the coming season and logistically it is sensible.
Travel from last weekend’s match overseas is more forgiving and nearly all of their starting lineup this weekend play in either the UK or France.
South Africa’s Role
South Africa plays as the opponent, simply along for the ride, however, this represents the third instance in three years they compete in a game at Twickenham where England isn't playing.
The organization, accordingly, gets a significant venue charge as well as things like the bar takings which are expected to be similar to a home nations match due to the substantial turnout that is expected.
As the RFU chief has acknowledged, the venue represents the organization's financial backbone.
Is it any wonder the union is increasingly letting other teams access their revenue stream provided they can pay?
South Africa's Cooperation
The Springboks might just be happy to take part however, it's deliberate this game is viewed as particularly appropriate to take to Twickenham.
As one insider put it lately, South Africa essentially straddle hemispheres nowadays with their club sides playing in the United Rugby Championship.
The South African diaspora in west London drives robust demand while the scheduling is convenient for fans in South Africa.
They travel to London confident that it will do no harm their goals to build their reputation internationally, especially if they wrap up the title at Twickenham impressively.
Upcoming Games and International Plans
Additionally, they plan to stage the All Blacks for a bumper “Greatest Rivalry” series next summer, which is planned as a regular four-year exchange, and a fourth “neutral” Test is under discussion, possibly on the continent, possibly back at Saturday’s venue.
South Africa might just be the away side on Saturday but it's significant that Bongi Mbonambi could equal Tom Curry’s tally of successful appearances over the past two years if the Springboks are victorious in the Argentina match.
And the RFU, it seems, is very willing to host them - past controversies such as the unpleasant aftermath following the tournament game and public statements by the coach concerning Wayne Barnes’ refereeing apparently forgotten.
The Stadium's Growing Role
In fact, it seems more and more the venue is being marketed as the UK's premier neutral location.
According to the organizer, ‘across Britain we host international events. We’ve got NFL matches here, Brazil play football matches here, there’s baseball, the nation loves sport”.
It is no way to break into new territories – one wouldn't attempt to attract a new cricket audience by hosting a fixture at Lord’s – but periodic matches at the stadium makes increasing sense.
