Sarries Marketing department play the post code lottery - AGAIN - ROUND 3 ?

by gregortree Tue Sep 17, 2013 10:07 am

Gavin Henson: Saracens offer Bath fans refund deal
Saracens will give Bath fans a full refund on their tickets if centre Gavin Henson scores in Sunday's Premiership match between the two sides.

The London side top the Premiership and host third-placed Bath at Allianz Park.

Fans will need a Bath postcode as their home address to qualify for a refund.

Although I'm a Glos fan, I'm starting to admire the Sarries ticketing stuntsmanship.

by Hound of Harrow Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:01 pm

I think PRL should give them a rap on the knuckles for this. Very disrespectful, no matter what you may think of Henson.

Bath should give Henson the kicking duties until he gets one.

by Guest Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:03 pm

Agreed, as much of a muppet Henson is, this is a really disrespectful move.

by gregortree Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:11 pm

I will write to the PRL.
Sarries taunted Glos fans last week, then went on to humiliate the team on the pitch. No respect.
Now I find myself wishing for Gavin to score.
As a Glaws fan I must be feeling pretty bad then.

by beshocked Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:23 pm

Best way for Henson and Bath to answer this is winning and Henson getting the points to seal it.

Hound of Harrow I find it amusing that you say it's disrespectful. I have heard that Henson refused to play for the Saracens A side and could only remember 3 first names of the whole squad in his small time at the club. That's disrespectful.

by yappysnap Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:25 pm

What did Sarries actually do to taunt Glos last week?

by No 7&1/2 Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:25 pm

Paid for their tickets mainly.

by beshocked Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:27 pm

Offered a refund to gloucester fans - they could predict whether sarries or gloucester would win.

If they predicted Sarries won they got refund on their ticket, alternatively if they bet on Gloucester they would have got a refund if they won.

by **Notch** Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:33 pm

Jeezus christ, what a bunch of nobs Sarries are...

by yappysnap Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:41 pm

Will they do this every game this season?

by beshocked Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:45 pm

Depends on ticket sales at allianz park i suppose. Can't be selling too well for the bath game which is disappointing.

by Chjw131 Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:03 pm

It's a good stunt. Imaginative and that's what's needed when Rugby isn't the main sport.

by Cyril Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:11 pm

Great idea.

Adds a bit of interest and I'm sure there will be plenty of friendly banter about it at the game.

Plus it gets Henson in the news which will sell some papers in Wales.

by gregortree Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:13 pm

Chjw131 wrote:It's a good stunt. Imaginative and that's what's needed when Rugby isn't the main sport.

I like to imagine........... Gav (even tho' he is a tw*t) Henson ............ getting those points and costing Sarries a bunch of refunds.

by Chjw131 Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:15 pm

Agreed it's a win/win situation. Sarries get the PR going re the new ground and acres of print. Bath fans get their money back when someone passes Tango the ball and he drops a goal, or a clanger one of the two.

by Mickado Tue Sep 17, 2013 4:26 pm

It just says if he scores, not scores a try. Get one under the posts and let him kick it.

A real arseholey move by the Sarries there.

by yappysnap Tue Sep 17, 2013 5:41 pm

beshocked wrote:Depends on ticket sales at allianz park i suppose. Can't be selling too well for the bath game which is disappointing.

What sort of numbers are Sarries hoping for? About 10,000?

by Hound of Harrow Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:13 pm

beshocked wrote:Best way for Henson and Bath to answer this is winning and Henson getting the points to seal it.

Hound of Harrow I find it amusing that you say it's disrespectful. I have heard that Henson refused to play for the Saracens A side and could only remember 3 first names of the whole squad in his small time at the club. That's disrespectful.

The fact that Sarries signed him at that stage of his 'comeback' says a lot about Sarries desire to attract people to games. Despite developing a pretty good squad average attendances at Watford were about 7,000. Almost a return to the old 'star names' policy of the late 90s and early 00s.

Not surprised Henson didn't know too many players at Sarries - he had little experience of English club rugby at a time when the Sarries squad changed massively.

by beshocked Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:48 am

Yappysnap yes.

Hound of Harrow Henson was signed because we needed a 10 at the time. Glen Jackson had just retired, Hougaard was injured. Unfortunately for Henson he was overshadowed by the emergence of Farrell at 10.

When you go to a new job do you not make the effort to learn people's names? Sounds like you are saying that Henson is stupid.

I would hardly say it is a return to old star names policy. In those days the likes of Lynagh,Sella and Horan were signed when their international careers were basically over.

The academy is far more influential than it used to be.

by offload Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:49 am

I seem to remember the Saracens CEO once referring to the RFU as being run like a "prep school". Well how childish is his own team now? Surely rugby dosesn't need these pathetic gimmicks. It's disrespectful and undermines the sporting contest. Clearly Sarries marketing department lacks professional talent.

by beshocked Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:01 pm

offload Any disrespect Henson gets he deserves.

Seem to be lots of sanctomonious posters on today!

One poster on here - maestegmafia was pleased when Ashton got bottled - that's more alarming to be honest.

A refund undermines the contest? Really?

by Cyril Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:04 pm

The moral outrage on here is hilarious.

Anyway, it's got people talking so the marketing seems to be working fine Smile

by Casartelli Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:12 pm

beshocked wrote:offload Any disrespect Henson gets he deserves.

Seem to be lots of sanctomonious posters on today!

One poster on here - maestegmafia was pleased when Ashton got bottled - that's more alarming to be honest.

A refund undermines the contest? Really?

In fairness to Maes, he was off his jubblies on Sanatogen that day.

The Sarries 'marketing guys' appear to be a bunch of tools, but it's harmless nonsense.

by offload Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:16 pm

beshocked wrote:offload Any disrespect Henson gets he deserves.

Seem to be lots of sanctomonious posters on today!

One poster on here - maestegmafia was pleased when Ashton got bottled - that's more alarming to be honest.

A refund undermines the contest? Really?

Well - we just disagree then. I'm anything but sanctamonius! It's nothing to do with Henson or what you think he "deserves", it's just trivialises the game and imo reflects poorly on Saracens. Why isn't the prspect of a great game of rugby between two top teams sufficient without a gimmick? But hey ho - each to their own brand.

by beshocked Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:22 pm

offload this Saracens vs Bath needs a bit of spice. It's hardly a big rivalry.

It could backfire. If that's the case, Saracens only have themselves to blame no?

Trivialising the game? No not at all. 1st vs 3rd in the table - currently.

If this winds up Henson he's a fool. His and Bath's response should be to laugh this off and beat Saracens.

I don't think this is a big deal at all but the media have made it so. It has created buzz and interest.

Henson also might not play.

by Steffan Wed Sep 18, 2013 7:53 pm

Why is this in the 'International' part for?

by DeludedOptimistorjustDave Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:24 pm

Plastic marketing by a plastic club.
Very bad taste and pretty much everything opposite of the rugby ethos.
If i was a Bath fan and Bath won i wouldn't give them the satisfaction of asking for money.

by Hood83 Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:41 pm

Well that's one more reason to dislike Sarries. Totally classless.

by Hood83 Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:46 pm

Cyril wrote:The moral outrage on here is hilarious.

Anyway, it's got people talking so the marketing seems to be working fine

It's not a Banksy mural. Presumably they'll want people to actually buy tickets as well as say 'What a bunch of @rseholes Sarries are'

Wouldn't say it's morale outrage, just indicative of a club that's naffness personified rather than morally repugnant.

by DeludedOptimistorjustDave Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:20 pm

Cyril s a footie fan so to him this type of slating is pretty much the norm.

by Cyril Thu Sep 19, 2013 9:17 am

I like a number of sports. I find it helps not to be too narrow-minded.

by gregortree Thu Sep 19, 2013 9:47 am

Steffan wrote:Why is this in the 'International' part for?

Steffan, that was my mistake.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 19, 2013 1:59 pm

gregortree wrote:
Steffan wrote:Why is this in the 'International' part for?
Steffan, that was my mistake.

Moved to the club section for you boss

by HammerofThunor Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:12 pm

beshocked wrote:offload Any disrespect Henson gets he deserves.

Seem to be lots of sanctomonious posters on today!

One poster on here - maestegmafia was pleased when Ashton got bottled - that's more alarming to be honest.

A refund undermines the contest? Really?

No he wasn't (or at least he didn't say he was). He said that Ashton must have done something to deserve because people don't just glass people for no reason. Also since there were no details about what Ashton did to deserve it, Saracens must have been covering it up.

by gregortree Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:47 pm

thank you Scarlet

by gregortree Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:55 pm

So Wasps visit Allianz next (once Henson gets his points / refunds on Saturday).
What will be the gimmick for Wasps visit ? ... ohh nooo...
I think I can see the future......free tickets mailed to fans in Post Code 'London' Borough of High Wycombe.

by Scrumpy Thu Sep 19, 2013 3:00 pm

I'm sure they'll try and create a buzz for the Wasps game.

tomato

by jbeadlesbigrighthand Thu Sep 19, 2013 3:33 pm

The issue I have with this is that it smacks of gamesmanship - an attempt to encourage Bath and/or Henson to change their way of playing. At an individual level, that's a part of any professional sport. I'm not sure I like the idea of it happening at an organisational level though.

by Knackeredknees Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:00 pm

Got to love the sanctimonious bollox and double standards!!

When the all sainted and prefect warren gatland spouts off about Hartley being a hot head and he'll be targeted as easy to wind up and it's fine

Think about it all those bath fans buying a program few beers or coffees the odd pie or two probably costing more than the price of a ticket......sarries still make money and everyone has a great day win lose or draw....

He'll just what ever you Frak do don't praise sarries for anything!!

by ScarletSpiderman Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:28 pm

Knees, I agree coaches have picked out specific players or areas of oppositions game to slate in the press, in the hopes that their head games will work, for a while now. This is just trying to utilises that for a marketing ploy. Nothing underhanded aas such.

That said I am not a huge fan of this promo, or coaches gobbing offpre game.

by Portnoy's Complaint Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:36 am

Another Sarries marketing ploy - inflating the popularity of the club.
Sarries v Gloucester reported attendance 9,200 in a 10,000 capacity stadium.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24038031

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oekRc6eofUQ

800 spare places? What do you think - truth or spin?
I'm not talking about the main stand here, but if it's true there must be a lot of ticket holders who didn't quite make it to the game.

by Irish Londoner Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:37 am

Portnoy, I'd say the attendance was based on the numbers of tickets sold rather than people through the turnstile, which is pretty standard in any sport. So if a season ticket holder doesn't attend they are still counted or if a business has booked an executive box for 18 people and only 12 attend the club would still count them.
Re the "money back offers", it does come accross as a bit of a cheap shot, on the other hand it does get the club publicity and it is a bit of a chuckle for the fans - Henson left Saracens under a bit of a cloud - so the Sarries fans like the mickey take and i'm sure given his pre-season the Bath fans are chuckling as well, if they are offended they could always refuse the payment.
Also Saracens actually do put their money where their mouth is in terms of community involvement in the North London/Middlesex/Herts area so can't fault them for that.

by Portnoy's Complaint Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:44 am

Irish Londoner wrote:Portnoy, I'd say the attendance was based on the numbers of tickets sold rather than people through the turnstile, which is pretty standard in any sport. So if a season ticket holder doesn't attend they are still counted or if a business has booked an executive box for 18 people and only 12 attend the club would still count them.

I'm fully aware of that, IL. That's why I pointed out that many ticket holders didn't turn up which for a game against a strong opponent was mysterious. Maybe Mr Wray has a large extended family who were unexpectedly delayed in the traffic.

by maestegmafia Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:47 am

Henson had a very good 22 point tally vs Saracens last season.

by **LondonTiger** Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:49 am

I think some of the reaction is a little po-faced here.

If Exeter had done this for the visit of Worcester (Mieres) or Worcester themselves for when Andy goode visits, there would be chuckles.

My only issue with this deal is they are recycling the idea - rather than coming up with something new. Saracens are working very hard to be a fixture within the community, and build a loyal fan base. That this "deal" has garnered so much discussion will delight them.

for all their faults - and while there are a fair few, no club is whiter than white - Saracens are working very hard to make rugby in their area better. At the same time they are developing players for England and frankly deserve more praise for what they are trying to do.

by **LondonTiger** Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:51 am

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Irish Londoner wrote:Portnoy, I'd say the attendance was based on the numbers of tickets sold rather than people through the turnstile, which is pretty standard in any sport. So if a season ticket holder doesn't attend they are still counted or if a business has booked an executive box for 18 people and only 12 attend the club would still count them.
I'm fully aware of that, IL. That's why I pointed out that many ticket holders didn't turn up which for a game against a strong opponent was mysterious. Maybe Mr Wray has a large extended family who were unexpectedly delayed in the traffic.

And you will mention it every match I am sure.

Just wondering is there anything, anything at all you like about rugby in the 21st century?

by Portnoy's Complaint Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:08 am

The inevitable decline of sporting values and ideals since going openly professional makes it difficult to love the game as much, LT. Of course it would be much easier if I had adopted a view that blind acceptance would make it much more acceptable.

But I do love the game if not the way it's evolving. What should I do?

by jbeadlesbigrighthand Fri Sep 20, 2013 10:06 am

Knackeredknees wrote:Got to love the sanctimonious bollox and double standards!!

When the all sainted and prefect warren gatland spouts off about Hartley being a hot head and he'll be targeted as easy to wind up and it's fine

Think about it all those bath fans buying a program few beers or coffees the odd pie or two probably costing more than the price of a ticket......sarries still make money and everyone has a great day win lose or draw....

He'll just what ever you Frak do don't praise sarries for anything!!

Oh please, it's got nothing to do with any persecution of Sarries. For my part, I'd think it was stepping over the line no matter which club was involved. There's a difference between a coach saying "Player X is a hothead, we'll target him" and a club saying "If Player Y scores a point, we'll refund the cost of tickets".

Sarries may be very good at marketing. As it happens, having seen a Sarries vs SA game a couple of years ago where a guy won the crossbar challenge, I think they're pretty great on that front. However I think when marketing strategies involve giving out money dependent upon the outcome of the game, or individual outcomes, that starts to get a little dodgy.

by Scrumpy Fri Sep 20, 2013 3:33 pm

Sarries are set to re-home the Fulham Michael Jackson statue at Allianz Park, all away fans will be offered a refund if they can look at it without laughing.

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