England fans face steep prices to watch All Blacks clash at Twickenham

England fans will have to dig deep into their pockets if they want to witness the clash against the mighty All Blacks at Twickenham this autumn. With prices starting at a minimum of £99 for back-row seats, the Rugby Football Union’s decision to hike up ticket prices has sparked controversy among fans and critics alike.

Despite England’s recent efforts to rebuild their relationship with supporters, the steep prices for the upcoming match against New Zealand have raised concerns about accessibility and inclusivity at the iconic stadium. Captain Jamie George expressed understanding for the pricing situation but emphasized the importance of reaching a wider audience.

The RFU defends the price increase by stating that all profits from ticket income are reinvested back into rugby at all levels of the game. However, the exorbitant prices for the All Blacks game raise questions about the affordability of top-tier rugby for the average fan.

While the RFU offers more affordable options for matches like the upcoming Test against Japan, the disparity in pricing between different fixtures highlights the commercial nature of modern rugby. The RFU’s justification for the price hike includes covering inflationary costs and offsetting financial losses incurred during the pandemic.

As the debate over ticket prices continues, it remains to be seen whether the high prices for marquee fixtures like the All Blacks game will deter fans or attract only a select few who can afford the steep costs. The issue of accessibility in rugby, both at the international and domestic levels, is one that will likely continue to spark debate and scrutiny in the future.