The South Africa Rugby Union has announced it is taking legal action against unauthorised travel agencies after supporters were left without tickets for Saturday’s blockbuster Test against New Zealand.
The Springboks face the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town in the second match of the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
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However, preparations for the eagerly anticipated clash have been overshadowed by complaints from supporters who believed they had secured tickets through travel agencies, only to be left empty-handed.
SA Rugby has now issued a strongly-worded statement just hours before kick-off, accusing companies of selling tickets they did not have.
SA Rugby statement
The governing body also rejected claims reportedly made by agencies that SA Rugby was responsible for the ticketing problems.
“SA Rugby is seeking legal redress against travel agencies who have claimed that failures on the part of SA Rugby were responsible for fans being left ticketless for today’s Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at DHL Stadium,” the statement read.
“In subsequent communication with disappointed clients, claims have been made that the issue lay at the door of SA Rugby. This is completely untrue.
“Agencies sold the promise of tickets they did not have – and could not secure – for the Test in breach of the events terms and conditions of sale, and without ever having been given access by SA Rugby or its ticketing agency.
“These companies acted illegally and recklessly in pursuit of their own commercial gain at the expense of their clients.”
SA Rugby concluded its statement by confirming the dispute has now been handed over to lawyers.
“SA Rugby has turned the matter over to its attorneys.”
The announcement comes on the day of the second Test between the Springboks and All Blacks, with Cape Town hosting the latest chapter of the historic rivalry.
