No Beyoncé or K-pop Thus South Africa vs Argentina Needs to Boost Rugby Football Union's Finances

An initial quick look at the RFU stadium's scheduled activities and, alas, still no the music icon. No major musical events for the union's leadership for now. Actually, the union's goal to host further live performances and thus fund Twickenham’s £660 million redevelopment has encountered a slight setback.

An official document, obtained by the Guardian, reads: “Due to the unpredictability about the capacity of public transport to cater for the predicted increase in passengers, there remain serious issues concerning the additional demand placed on the transport and highway network by attendees and if this requirement can be effectively handled. This could cause a major disruption for Twickenham residents.”

The issue is not impossible to solve but it's hard to find seasoned rugby fans who disagree.

In parallel, a lengthy planning discussion recently to consider the RFU’s licensing application demonstrated that officials received 192 objections, 13 in favour. A ruling is anticipated shortly but the final decision will be conclusive in a procedure that will roll into 2026.

For now, the union’s predicament was clearly demonstrated following an intended summer performance was abruptly transferred to the more compact though updated London O2.

Evidently the stadium fails to pull in the quality of artists it requires to optimally employ its massive venue because of present arrangements and constraints.

Upping Sticks to Milton Keynes Seems a Bit of a Stretch

However, the union's resolve to leverage its primary resource brings us nicely on to the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa game.

It is set to be an exciting finale to the most exciting Rugby Championship recently, more than 70,000 are anticipated and it is unquestionably a profitable venture.

The match is organized by an experienced promoter and an industry expert, who has years of experience organizing comparable events in Barbarians matches in London and states, “as with most things it's typically driven by financial considerations. One could argue all parties involved are satisfied with what they’ve entered into.”

Argentina's Home Game

Argentina acts as the host team – similar to previous occasions against Australia in 2016 – and they initiated the move to contact the union.

They stand to make considerably more revenue compared to hosting the match was held back home, which represents a particularly useful revenue stream considering the absence of the annual tournament in the coming season and operationally it is sensible.

Transportation after the previous fixture in Durban is more forgiving and nearly all of their main squad on Saturday compete in England or France.

South Africa's Involvement

South Africa plays as the opponent, basically taking part, however, this represents the third instance during a three-year period they play a match in London where England isn't playing.

The union, meanwhile, gets a significant venue charge plus additional income from the bar takings which are expected to be similar to as an England fixture given the bumper crowd that is anticipated.

As the RFU chief has acknowledged, Twickenham is the RFU’s “cash cow”.

Should anyone be shocked management is progressively permitting opposing nations access their revenue stream provided they can pay?

South Africa’s Willing Participation

The Springboks might just be willing participants however, it's deliberate this match is considered especially fitting to stage at the stadium.

As one insider put it recently, South Africa essentially straddle hemispheres currently through their domestic teams competing in the URC.

The South African diaspora in London drives robust demand and the timing is convenient for viewers in their home country.

They come to Twickenham safe in the knowledge that it won't hurt to their ambitions to build their reputation on a global scale, particularly if they wrap up the title on England’s turf in style.

Upcoming Games and International Plans

Additionally, they plan to stage New Zealand for a major rivalry event in the coming year, which is planned as a regular four-year exchange, with another neutral venue match is under discussion, possibly on the continent, possibly back at Saturday’s venue.

South Africa might just be the opponents in the upcoming match but it's significant when Bongi Mbonambi will match the English player's achievement of Twickenham wins over the past two years if the Springboks are victorious in the Argentina match.

Furthermore, the organization, is quite pleased to host them - past controversies such as the unpleasant aftermath of the World Cup match and public statements by the coach about officiating decisions seemingly put to one side.

London as International Hub

Indeed, increasingly it feels the venue is being marketed as the UK's premier neutral location.

As the expert notes, ‘across Britain we welcome overseas sports. We’ve got NFL matches here, Brazil play football matches here, MLB games occur, fans are passionate about athletics”.

It is no way to break into new territories – one wouldn't attempt to develop cricket fans by hosting a fixture at the historic ground – but the odd Twickenham trip becomes more logical.

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