One rapid scan regarding the RFU stadium's scheduled activities and, alas, again no Beyoncé. No hit concerts for the RFU chief at this time. Actually, the union's goal to organize more concerts and thereby fund Twickenham’s multi-million pound renovation has encountered a slight setback.
An official document, reviewed by a major newspaper, reads: “Given the uncertainty regarding the ability of train services to handle the forecast rise in commuters, there [are] major worries concerning the additional demand put on the road and rail systems by spectators and if this demand can be properly addressed. This could cause a serious inconvenience for Twickenham residents.”
The issue is not impossible to solve but it's hard to find many regular matchgoers who disagree.
At the same time, a lengthy planning discussion recently to debate the stadium's operational proposal demonstrated that officials received 192 objections, 13 in favour. A decision is due next week but the official result will be conclusive in a process that will continue into next year.
In the meantime, the RFU's situation was neatly summed up following an intended summer performance was abruptly transferred to a much smaller yet more contemporary O2 venue.
Clearly the union is unable to draw the level of performers it desires to best make use of its massive venue because of present arrangements and restrictions.
Relocating Elsewhere Still Feels Quite a Reach
But the RFU’s determination to maximise its primary resource leads us directly to the upcoming Argentina vs South Africa game.
It is set to be an exciting finale to the most thrilling rugby competition in years, more than 70,000 are expected and it is unquestionably a money-making enterprise.
The match is managed by a specialist events company and Steve Berrick, with a long track record organizing comparable events for the Barbarians side at the stadium and comments, “as with most things it’s usually based on financial considerations. It's reasonable to state everyone participating are content with what they’ve entered into.”
Argentina Playing Host
Argentina are the “home” side – just as they were in the match with Australia back in 2016 – and it was their decision to approach the RFU.
They will generate considerably more revenue versus staging the game took place in Argentina, which will be a particularly useful revenue stream considering the absence of Rugby Championship in the coming season and practically it makes sense.
Transportation after the recent game in South Africa is more forgiving with only one exception of their starting lineup in the upcoming match compete in England or France.
The Springboks' Position
The Springboks are visiting, essentially participating, yet this marks the third occasion during a three-year period they compete in a game in London in which England are not involved.
The RFU, for its part, obtains a substantial rental payment including revenue sources such as the bar takings which should match similar to as an England fixture given the bumper crowd that is projected.
As the RFU chief has acknowledged, the venue represents the organization's financial backbone.
Is it surprising the organization is more frequently allowing opposing nations access their revenue stream if they are willing to pay?
South Africa’s Willing Participation
South Africa may simply be happy to take part but it is no coincidence this match is considered particularly appropriate to take to Twickenham.
As one insider put it recently, the Springboks operate across continents nowadays via their professional clubs playing in the United Rugby Championship.
The expat community in London drives robust demand and the timing works well for supporters back home.
They visit the stadium safe in the knowledge that it won't hurt to their ambitions to strengthen their brand worldwide, particularly should they win the championship at Twickenham convincingly.
Upcoming Games and International Plans
They are also set to welcome the All Blacks for an extensive competition in 2026, which is planned as a recurring bilateral arrangement, with another neutral venue match is under discussion, possibly on the continent, maybe again at the London stadium.
South Africa might just be the away side on Saturday however, it's noteworthy that Bongi Mbonambi could equal the English player's achievement of Twickenham wins since the summer of 2023 if South Africa prevail in the Argentina match.
And the RFU, it seems, is very willing to host them - previous disputes like the negative consequences from the 2023 World Cup semi-final and Rassie Erasmus’s social-media posts regarding match officials apparently forgotten.
Twickenham as Neutral Venue
Indeed, increasingly it feels the stadium is being established as Europe's premier neutral location.
According to the organizer, ‘across Britain we host international events. We’ve got NFL matches here, Brazil play football matches here, there’s baseball, it’s just a sports-mad country”.
It doesn't help develop new territories – you wouldn’t seek to attract a new cricket audience by hosting a fixture at the traditional venue – but the odd Twickenham trip becomes more logical.
