LOOK: Here are the current rugby ticket prices in SA
Expensive rugby ticket prices have caused quite a stir among South African residents.
Rugby is more than just a sport in South Africa - it is entrenched in South African culture.
This is why many believe that live rugby games should be accessible to all South Africans.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, specifically criticised the current prices of Springbok rugby matches.
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McKenzie argued that ticket prices should be made more affordable for the general South African public.
Current ticket prices have impacted the number of people able to attend national team matches, resulting in many empty seats at these games.
These costs have come under intense public scrutiny, with many challenging the ticket prices.
Ticket prices vary from stadium to stadium, but many of these prices still force fans to dig deep into their pockets to attend matches.
Here is the range of rugby ticket prices:
According to News24, ticket prices for last month's friendly warm-up between the Barbarians and the Springboks ranged from R850 to R3,000, with more affordable options priced at R250 and R350.
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Following Saturday's Test match against Georgia in Nelspruit, ticket prices are set to rise further for the upcoming three Springbok Rugby Championship matches:
- Australia at Ellis Park: R1,050 to R4,000
- Australia in Cape Town: R1,750 to R4,000
- Argentina at Kings Park: R500 to R1,925
Last month, SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer defended the pricing, stating that Springbok Test tickets are "fairly priced" when compared to similar international fixtures in Europe.
During the Budget Vote Speech in the National Assembly, Deputy Minister, Peace Mabe and McKenzie confirmed plans to meet with the SA Rugby Union (SARU) next month to address the high cost of tickets.
"Ticket prices are very unaffordable for the men on the streets. Springbok ticket prices will have to come down — they are a national asset," said McKenzie in a parliamentary press briefing on Tuesday.
"We are trying very hard, with the Deputy Minister, and sometimes give away tickets to less privileged and more deserving people."
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"We have also engaged South African Breweries (SAB) for initiatives like Boktown, so people can still enjoy the experience if they can't afford to get to the stadium. Recently, together with SARU, SuperSport, SABC, and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, we ensured last week’s game was available to watch on air for free."
"These are all measures, but that doesn't change the fact that the tickets are unaffordable. We have to find a solution.
"We're meeting with SARU in the next three weeks, and that will be the only item on the agenda."
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Image: AFP