Rugby Union: Finalists left with no tickets
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ENGLISH rugby has spent the past two years tearing itself apart, so it should not have come as any great surprise yesterday when the committee- room politicians proved unable to organise a simple Twickenham cup final without provoking a public punch-up with the competing clubs. Nevertheless, Saracens and Wasps were both flabbergasted when the Rugby Football Union refused to hand over tickets for sale at their respective box offices.
Both sides have been granted an allocation of 15,000 tickets, but their supporters will have to go via Twickenham rather than pop along to Vicarage Road or Loftus Road. "The RFU management board has decided to distribute the tickets from a sole source for administrative and logistical reasons," said a spokesman for the union. "The aim is to ensure that the financial proceeds from the final can be distributed more quickly and efficiently to the 122 clubs who took part."
It was not an explanation that satisfied either of the finalists, who were planning on using ticket sales to underpin major public relations initiatives in their Watford and west London catchment areas. "Unbelievable," said Geoff Huckstep, the Wasps chief executive. "A club needs to use the distribution of cup final tickets to heighten its profile and develop its image."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments