It's looking unlikely that everyday England supporters will be able to attend the Autumn Internationals with the RFU instead prioritising fulfilling commercial obligations.
The Guardian reports that 'the RFU will not be able to sell match tickets to supporters since debenture and box holders, sponsors, as well as the union’s other partners, will be the priority.'
With social distancing at one metre, crowds of between 35,000-40,000 would be possible, which would pocket the RFU approx £3m per match..
“Given the unprecedented situation and the extreme financial pressure the RFU is under, the RFU council agreed to temporarily suspend the ticket distribution policy to allow for a focus on fulfilling contracted ticket groups for the 20-21 season,” said an RFU spokesperson.Advertisement
“The decision was taken to preserve rugby revenues, which get invested back in the game. If it is safe for the autumn internationals to go ahead with crowds in attendance, we are hopeful that we will be able to offer tickets to a wide range of stakeholders and fans.”
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Fans haven't reacted well to the idea with one writing: "Coronavirus only affects people who don't pay corporate prices. Elitist virus."
Another added: "What, you mean the “real” fans who can’t quite drag themselves away from the champagne bar? Marvellous..."
John Neary also weighed in, saying: "So let's cram then inside the confined Air Conditioned boxes but waste the "out in the open" seating where social distancing can be better organised? Top thinking from the RFU there. Not"
Another said: "Sounds about right anyway. All just rich toffs at those games?"
LIST | England’s five WORST jerseys of all-time
Feast your gaze on these horrible England eyesores from down the years...
1. Sevens - 2013
Getting a bit more adventurous with this kaleidoscopic cornea burner from the England Sevens team. Thes multi-coloured front seems reminiscent of a dance-floor in a cheesy 70's disco club. Extraordinary.
2. 1980's - Umbro
If this is any indication of what their jerseys will be like moving forward, we could be in trouble after Umbro officially took over from Canterbury, signing a four-year deal with the RFU.
Looks like a toddler’s crayon rampage,
3. England away - 2009
Apparently the choice is a 'regal' shade of purple, fit for a country known for its royalty.
The fact England never won in this shirt means it should never be done again. Oh wait, it was, but a little bit better.
4. Rugby World Cup - 2007
Four years on from their World Cup triumph, Nike completely changed their design and as good as it looked on a model it was not exactly the most attractive on the pitch with splashes of red on the shirt and shorts looking incredibly messy.
However, England were able to reach a second successive World Cup final, but this time narrowly lost out 15-6 to the Springboks at Stade de France.
5. England away -2014
In between World Cup cycles there's a touch more room for creativity and the 2013-14 alternate strip certainly look heed to that view.
The 2013-14 change of jersey caused quite a stir when it was launched, but anyone who bought it was left disappointed as it was only actually worn in competitive matches by the women and U20s during that season.
Its design cues came from the painting of the 'The Battle of the Roses: Yorkshire versus Lancashire' that hangs on the wall of the President's Suite at Twickenham Stadium.
