IRFU forced into tickets U-turn

THE Irish Rugby Football Union last night performed a major U-turn in its ticketing policy for this month’s autumn international series and in the process averted a concerted revolt by clubs across the country.

Anger had been mounting in clubhouses and committee rooms all over Ireland at being asked by the governing body to sell tickets at inflated prices for four back-to-back Tests, starting with this Saturday’s inaugural rugby international there against South Africa, or face penalties in the form of reduced ticket allocations for the more popular 2011 Six Nations matches.

Facing a deluge of returned tickets and much discontent at the grassroots of the game, the IRFU’s management committee admitted that mistakes had been made.

“In light of reduced demand for tickets across matches in the upcoming Guinness Series, the Irish Rugby Football Union acknowledges that it made an error in its ticketing strategy and is giving a commitment that it will review its policy at the conclusion of the Guinness Series,” an IRFU statement issued last night read.

The management committee decided that clubs will only be asked for immediate payment for tickets sold for the matches rather than for the clubs’ entire allocations and promised to work with the provincial branches and clubs to “assess the situation regarding unsold tickets with a view to reaching an equitable solution to this difficult problem.”

It was further agreed that ticket allocations to Branches and Clubs for the 2011 RBS Six Nations matches will not be affected by sales of tickets for the Guinness Series.

“There are a number of elements impacting on this situation since the sales structure was drawn up in March 2010, including a further significant deterioration in the economic climate,” IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said.

“While the situation varies from club to club we are aware that a number of clubs are still in possession of tickets for matches. In the interests of Irish Rugby, the IRFU, the Branches and the Clubs, must continue to work hard to sell these tickets right up to kick-off for each match.

“The IRFU do not want to see clubs suffer financial hardship as a result of being unable to sell ticket packages,” he added, before pledging: “In addition, the IRFU will undertake a comprehensive review of its entire ticket sales strategy, which includes price tiering, bundling and distribution channels. As part of this review, which will commence immediately on completion of the Guinness Series, it will consult widely with its stakeholders.”

Before the dramatic volte-face, the IRFU had been accused of trying to kill the goose that laid the golden egg, as clubs throughout the country threatened to revolt.

John Lenahan, President of UL Bohemian RFC, joined a growing group of personnel to express his dismay at the way the governing body has handled a ticket crisis that could plunge clubs throughout the country into financial meltdown.

Mr Lenahan confirmed his club had sent back up to 50% of their ticket allocation for Saturday’s Test (valued at 10,000) with South Africa because they were unable to sell them and calls made to several other clubs across the country, including in Dublin, suggest a similar percentage of ticket allocations for November’s four internationals still unsold.

The IRFU has said that clubs returning tickets would be penalised in the form of a reduced allocation for the 2011 Six Nations Championship games, but they can expect clubs to fight that threat.

Mr Lenahan said UL Bohs and other clubs around the country were no longer prepared to sit back and accept such punishment.

“People are in the position where some have become involved in price wars, selling tickets by including free travel and meals. We just couldn’t get rid of our tickets.

“We were in a position where we were trying to get 100 of them, we were asked to sell premium tickets, which never happened before, for €120, and even some restrictive view tickets in a stadium that is only just built. It’s not on.”

Meanwhile, Young Munster RFC president Derek Tobin, has said the Irish clubs were motivated enough to demand an EGM of the IRFU I frequired. He said: “I have no doubt that the clubs would have the required number to force an EGM; although it would be a sad day should they be forced to demand that because, ultimately, the clubs are a part of the Union. ”