Boost for cash-strapped fans as Six Nations ticket prices cut

THE IRFU has cut ticket prices ahead of next year’s Six Nations following an internal review.

It has also abandoned the policy requiring branches to buy tickets for autumn internationals in order to retain their Six Nations ticket allocations.

Last year the IRFU was criticised for selling tickets in a package of four for the autumn international series at a total cost of €340, and attendances at those games suffered.

The union cut ticket prices for the 2011 Six Nations as a consequence, bringing in reductions ranging from 10 per cent (for category one tickets) to 60 per cent (for schoolboy/girl tickets).

The category one tickets (13,000 in all) sold for €90 each as a consequence this year, and now that price has been lowered further.

Category one tickets for the 2012 game against Wales will cost €75, for Scotland €65 and for Italy €55, while category four tickets will cost €40, €35 and €30 for the respective games.

For the first time family packages have also been introduced for the Six Nations. Family tickets start at just €45 and go to €82.50, while tickets for the designated schoolboy/girl section start at €15.

The price cut follows a review of prices and ticket distribution systems undertaken by leading sports consultants Deloitte Sport UK. In line with their recommendations the new ticket prices were unanimously approved at the September meeting of the IRFU committee.

Pat Fitzgerald, IRFU commercial and marketing committee chairman, said: “We have tickets available at different category levels that give all our supporters an opportunity to come to the Aviva Stadium and see Ireland play.

“Our ticketing strategy in August saw huge crowds coming to the Aviva Stadium and we feel that with the value on offer, there will be three full houses for the games against Wales, Scotland and Italy next year.”

The IRFU also confirmed that Branch ticket allocations have not changed for the upcoming matches against Wales, Italy and Scotland in Aviva Stadium next year.

The Six Nations games in 2012 and 2013 will be deemed to be one Six Nations “cycle” and Branches will not be required to purchase tickets for the autumn international matches in November 2012 in order to retain their Six Nations ticket allocations.

However, the lowest take up of a ticket allocation by any Branch for Wales, Italy or Scotland in 2012 will become the respective allocation for both England and France Tests in 2013. All Branch allocations will be reviewed and any unsold tickets will be made available online through the Irish Rugby Supporters Club.