IT SEEMED AT times that Declan Kidney’s preparations for the November internationals were merely the side show as the IRFU’s ticketing policy dominated the agenda.
Now, after the country’s clubs forced its hand, the unions has made a dramatic volte face.
Last night Lansdowne Rd chiefs admitted “it had made an error in its ticketing strategy” for the Guinness International Series and vowed it will review the policy for the Six Nations.
According to Gerry Thornley in the Irish Times, yesterday at least 11 Munster clubs “are believed to have returned the unsold tickets from their allocations and with post-dated cheques only for amounts sold, the union also said it would not punish clubs by reducing their allocations accordingly for the Six Nations.”
At a meeting of the IRFU management committee it was decided that clubs will only be asked for immediate payment for tickets they have sold for the Guinness Series.
The IRFU will work with the branches and the 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.
In light of reduced demand for tickets across matches in the upcoming Gunniess 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 November Test matches.
Chief executive Philip Browne admitted the demand is not there for the tickets at the present cost: “There has been slower than expected demand for this autumn’s 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. He added:
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 for this series and consequently will only seek immediate payment for tickets sold.
On completion of the Series, the IRFU will work with the branches and clubs to assess the effect of the reduced demand for tickets. 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 November internationals, it will consult widely with its stakeholders.
John Lenahan, President of UL Bohemian RFC, confirmed to the Irish Examiner that his club had sent back up to 50% of their ticket allocation for Saturday’s Test with South Africa because they were unable to sell them. And he insisted that the clubs 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.
Speaking on Morning Ireland this morning, Philip Browne said that the IRFU ‘has listened to what the clubs have said’ and promised clubs would not be penalised as well as reiterating that a review of the policy for the Six Nations games will be untertaken after November.
