IN these tumultuous times it’s unusual to see a decision made in Dublin that is in the interest of nation, but the IRFU made a very democratic decision this week. As an apology to all who endured the travesty that was the Autumn International series they have slashed ticket prices for next year’s 6 Nations. Be warned however, that in contrast to the Autumn Series, the 6 Nations may actually feature some competitive rugby.
As Declan Kidney was fannying about bedding in new players, Irish supporters were soaked to skin (South Africa) and frozen to the bone (Argentina).
If you were to review the series as a product it would struggle to get two stars.
The first game against South Africa in a half empty stadium disappointed players and fans alike. If Ronan O’Gara had not resuscitated the test when introduced for his 100 international, the series would have flat-lined and died there and then. Samoa was next and a changed selection also found it difficult to motivate themselves in front of, wait for it, a record attendance against Pacific Islanders. An exciting performance against the All Blacks in an almost full Aviva threatened to spark a bit of life into the series. However after a promising first half against Argentina on Saturday rigor mortis returned in the second-half. Fans ran for cover well before half-time to grab teas and coffees. Strong catch and pass rugby and a good showing from Jonathan Sexton were not enough for the IRFU to maintain premium prices in the Spring.
Declan Kidney’s line of the Autumn: “We’re learning and trying new things”, was of little comfort to those frozen to their seats 40 seats away from the next supporter. It’s unlikely that fans would pay exorbitant prices to watch the Irish side train, where they would be… learning and trying new things. The IRFU’s ferocious marketing campaign sold the International Series as an epic war between the World Cup winners and the All Blacks. In reality it was never going to be that competitive, but they needed bums in seats to pay for the exclusive accommodation at the prestigious D4 address.
At a recent promotional event which was part of this marketing campaign I asked Limerick fans how they felt. Most were disgusted with the IRFU after years of loyal support, primarily because the IRFU did not need to charge these astronomical prices in the first place. The purpose of the high prices is to get the IRFU out of debt by 2020, but the clubs. They were in a hurry to relieve the organisation’s debt and increase that of their grassroots clubs.
As a result IRFU have slashed ticket prices for next year’s 6 Nations fixtures against France and England at the Aviva. A new tiered pricing structure will be introduced for the 2011 RBS 6 Nations fixtures versus France on Sunday, February 13 and England on Saturday, March 19.
This will have five general admission ticket categories which will be as follows:
Schoolboy/Schoolgirl:
€15 X 1,800 tickets in North Stand (62.5% price reduction)
Category 4:
€50 X 2,500 in East and West Upper Stands /Touchlines (50% price reduction)
Category 3:
€65 X 5,000 in East / West / South Upper Stands and portions of North Stand (35% price reduction)
Category 2:
€80 X 4,500 in East /West/ South and portions of North Stand (20% price reduction)
Category 1:
€90 X 13,000 in East / West /South Stands (10% price reduction)
