World Cup Rugby Rip off Ireland fans

First topic message reminder :

Just heard a piece on radio about how Ireland game world cup tickets cost 12.5% more than what the French games (in the same pool as Ireland) cost.

Why are Ireland fans penalised like this? We have to take out two tv subscriptions to watch European rugby, now we have to pay more for tickets to games in the UK.

And then some claim that Ireland is favoured because World Rugby is based in Ireland.

I strongly suggest no one pays the top prices, I wouldn't. It's not especially the Irish fans of course, look at some of the stupid prices for the other games. If people didn't pay this sort of price the prices would be lowered. Problem is people will, have and will continue to do so.

wolfball wrote:"Charging Ireland fans more for the same thing than French fans"

This is not true - they are charging more for Irish MATCHES, than French MATCHES. They are not checking the passports of Irish people going in the gates and adding 12.5%, they are charging more for the matches with the larger draw. In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral. As notch says, the RWC is a rip-opp for all rugby fans, but so is the football WC etc. its the age we live in. Be bloody proud of our strong team being one of the biggest draws in the tournament and stop whining - would you prefer to be a french fan at the RWC and pay 12.5% less? I wouldn't, all respect to whocares etc.

I'd say that is irrelevant. Ireland fans turn up anyway.

Scotland v USA (Cat A) = 85.
Ireland v Canada (Cat A) = 175.
New Zealand v Georgia (Cat A) = 150.

I don't think the French or NZ World Cups ripped off fans.

Jesus wept.

Are we really reduced to this shoite?

Cyril wrote:Jesus wept.

Are we really reduced to this shoite?

A taste of your own medicine Cyril

Sin é wrote:

wolfball wrote:"Charging Ireland fans more for the same thing than French fans"

This is not true - they are charging more for Irish MATCHES, than French MATCHES. They are not checking the passports of Irish people going in the gates and adding 12.5%, they are charging more for the matches with the larger draw. In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral. As notch says, the RWC is a rip-opp for all rugby fans, but so is the football WC etc. its the age we live in. Be bloody proud of our strong team being one of the biggest draws in the tournament and stop whining - would you prefer to be a french fan at the RWC and pay 12.5% less? I wouldn't, all respect to whocares etc.

I'd say that is irrelevant.  Ireland fans turn up anyway.

Scotland v USA (Cat A) = 85.
Ireland v Canada (Cat A) = 175.
New Zealand v Georgia (Cat A) = 150.

I don't think the French or NZ World Cups ripped off fans.

Stop changing the parameters - you were talking about our group... If you want to talk about NZ playing a minnow, and why that is less, might have something to do with a 10 million hour flight to get here from NZ. Can you stop with the chip on your shoulder about this? You clearly got all riled up listening to a radio show, and once people have shown you to be mis-understanding the situation, you, as ever, dig yourself deeper/change the debate etc. Irish fans turn up anyways? THAT'S GREAT. Stop making everything so negative.

wolfball wrote:

Sin é wrote:

wolfball wrote:"Charging Ireland fans more for the same thing than French fans"

This is not true - they are charging more for Irish MATCHES, than French MATCHES. They are not checking the passports of Irish people going in the gates and adding 12.5%, they are charging more for the matches with the larger draw. In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral. As notch says, the RWC is a rip-opp for all rugby fans, but so is the football WC etc. its the age we live in. Be bloody proud of our strong team being one of the biggest draws in the tournament and stop whining - would you prefer to be a french fan at the RWC and pay 12.5% less? I wouldn't, all respect to whocares etc.

I'd say that is irrelevant.  Ireland fans turn up anyway.

Scotland v USA (Cat A) = 85.
Ireland v Canada (Cat A) = 175.
New Zealand v Georgia (Cat A) = 150.

I don't think the French or NZ World Cups ripped off fans.

Stop changing the parameters - you were talking about our group... If you want to talk about NZ playing a minnow, and why that is less, might have something to do with a 10 million hour flight to get here from NZ. Can you stop with the chip on your shoulder about this? You clearly got all riled up listening to a radio show, and once people have shown you to be mis-understanding the situation, you, as ever, dig yourself deeper/change the debate etc. Irish fans turn up anyways? THAT'S GREAT. Stop making everything so negative.

Contradicting yourself already

In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral

NZ is best team in the world. How come they are not attracting these so called neutrals I keep hearing about? By the way, there is something like 60K Kiwis in the Greater London Area alone.

It's only fair that the Irish should pay their share of the £100,000 bonus England's players will receive when they win.

Sin é wrote:

wolfball wrote:

Sin é wrote:

wolfball wrote:"Charging Ireland fans more for the same thing than French fans"

This is not true - they are charging more for Irish MATCHES, than French MATCHES. They are not checking the passports of Irish people going in the gates and adding 12.5%, they are charging more for the matches with the larger draw. In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral. As notch says, the RWC is a rip-opp for all rugby fans, but so is the football WC etc. its the age we live in. Be bloody proud of our strong team being one of the biggest draws in the tournament and stop whining - would you prefer to be a french fan at the RWC and pay 12.5% less? I wouldn't, all respect to whocares etc.

I'd say that is irrelevant.  Ireland fans turn up anyway.

Scotland v USA (Cat A) = 85.
Ireland v Canada (Cat A) = 175.
New Zealand v Georgia (Cat A) = 150.

I don't think the French or NZ World Cups ripped off fans.

Stop changing the parameters - you were talking about our group... If you want to talk about NZ playing a minnow, and why that is less, might have something to do with a 10 million hour flight to get here from NZ. Can you stop with the chip on your shoulder about this? You clearly got all riled up listening to a radio show, and once people have shown you to be mis-understanding the situation, you, as ever, dig yourself deeper/change the debate etc. Irish fans turn up anyways? THAT'S GREAT. Stop making everything so negative.

Contradicting yourself already

In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral

NZ is best team in the world. How come they are not attracting these so called neutrals I keep hearing about? By the way, there is something like 60K Kiwis in the Greater London Area alone.

£175 to watch a (probably nigh-on) full strength Ireland, £150 to watch the NZ second string. Do you see?

wolfball wrote:"Charging Ireland fans more for the same thing than French fans"

This is not true - they are charging more for Irish MATCHES, than French MATCHES. They are not checking the passports of Irish people going in the gates and adding 12.5%, they are charging more for the matches with the larger draw. In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral. As notch says, the RWC is a rip-opp for all rugby fans, but so is the football WC etc. its the age we live in. Be bloody proud of our strong team being one of the biggest draws in the tournament and stop whining - would you prefer to be a french fan at the RWC and pay 12.5% less? I wouldn't, all respect to whocares etc.

Reading this I am not sure what the discussion really is about.  This is cold blooded business.  There is no one in the RFU, RWC, or the Greek Finance Ministry saying Irish fans should be ripped off because they are Irish.  Irish fans are being ripped off because they are willing to pay more to watch their team.  This is basic supply and demand.  There is more demand for Ireland matches than France matches.  Therefore the price of the tixx are higher.  As said above, it is really the England fans who are being stuffed.  

My Rugby club here in America are going across for a week and are paying about $3500.  For two matches including only one USA match (the one in Brighton, I believe).  They are contributing nicely to the UK economy, but are being used like a cheap tramp.  For me, I won't travel with them, but instead stay with my olde man and let him spring for the tixx.  If England get far in the knockouts he will have to call in favours from his time in the Foreign Service because I won't kick out £500 per ticket..........unless it is the finals, in which case I will be happy to be ripped off.........

If basic supply and demand is now the over riding principle for selling tickets Dr Grey would you object to an Irish fan or anyone really buying up England tickets and selling them to England fans for double the price? Of course you would. Rugby fans should be entitled to buy the tickets at a fair price and I don't think that is happening at this world cup.

True Guns, prices are stupid. Supply and demand is the thing, don't buy them.

doctor_grey wrote:

wolfball wrote:"Charging Ireland fans more for the same thing than French fans"

This is not true - they are charging more for Irish MATCHES, than French MATCHES. They are not checking the passports of Irish people going in the gates and adding 12.5%, they are charging more for the matches with the larger draw. In our group we are, thankfully, the highest ranked, best team. And so the appeal of our matches is higher, including, as some above have said, for the neutral. As notch says, the RWC is a rip-opp for all rugby fans, but so is the football WC etc. its the age we live in. Be bloody proud of our strong team being one of the biggest draws in the tournament and stop whining - would you prefer to be a french fan at the RWC and pay 12.5% less? I wouldn't, all respect to whocares etc.

Reading this I am not sure what the discussion really is about.  This is cold blooded business.  There is no one in the RFU, RWC, or the Greek Finance Ministry saying Irish fans should be ripped off because they are Irish.  Irish fans are being ripped off because they are willing to pay more to watch their team.  This is basic supply and demand.  There is more demand for Ireland matches than France matches.  Therefore the price of the tixx are higher.  As said above, it is really the England fans who are being stuffed.  

My Rugby club here in America are going across for a week and are paying about $3500.  For two matches including only one USA match (the one in Brighton, I believe).  They are contributing nicely to the UK economy, but are being used like a cheap tramp.  For me, I won't travel with them, but instead stay with my olde man and let him spring for the tixx.  If England get far in the knockouts he will have to call in favours from his time in the Foreign Service because I won't kick out £500 per ticket..........unless it is the finals, in which case I will be happy to be ripped off.........

Your USA fans are not being used like a cheap tramp by the RFU.
USA v Samoa (Cat A) = £85.
Ireland v Romania (Cat A) = £175.

At least England & Welsh fans don't have the same travelling costs that Ireland fans will have. A day trip from Ireland to England for one game (without accommodation) will cost about €400 on air fares & taxes.

I think most Irish people will be calling in favours from people they know who have a free couch to sleep on rather than paying silly accommodation prices too.

GunsGerms wrote:If basic supply and demand is now the over riding principle for selling tickets Dr Grey would you object to an Irish fan or anyone really buying up England tickets and selling them to England fans for double the price? Of course you would. Rugby fans should be entitled to buy the tickets at a fair price and I don't think that is happening at this world cup.

Not saying it is good or right. Simply that I don't see bias involved.

The prices are very high indeed. I suppose that if most of the tixx are sold then the RWC organisation actually did price them right (from a market perspective). Unfortunately it does not make it easy for any of us to see our team. We know there was a lot of pressure to squeeze every pound/euro/dollar out of every match.

It's even worse for the Kiwis. NZers have to pay 715 quid to see the All Blacks play in the final

doctor_grey wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:If basic supply and demand is now the over riding principle for selling tickets Dr Grey would you object to an Irish fan or anyone really buying up England tickets and selling them to England fans for double the price? Of course you would. Rugby fans should be entitled to buy the tickets at a fair price and I don't think that is happening at this world cup.

Not saying it is good or right.  Simply that I don't see bias involved.  

The prices are very high indeed.  I suppose that if most of the tixx are sold then the RWC organisation actually did price them right (from a market perspective).  Unfortunately it does not make it easy for any of us to see our team.  We know there was a lot of pressure to squeeze every pound/euro/dollar out of every match.  

Most world cups don't make a profit for the host union but rather they host the tournament because of the obvious benefits hosting a tournament bring to your country. I have an inkling though that the RFU will profit a lot from this tournament though which wouldn't sit well really. I don't think it should be about making big profits.

Didn't the IRB/World Rugby set some revenue targets which were very high and could only be achieved in a few countries? I don't remember the details, but I think this is what drove some of the decisions, especially about use of the soccer stadiums.

Sin é wrote:

Your USA fans are not being used like a cheap tramp by the RFU.
USA v Samoa (Cat A) = £85.
Ireland v Romania (Cat A) = £175.

At least England & Welsh fans don't have the same travelling costs that Ireland fans will have. A day trip from Ireland to England for one game (without accommodation) will cost about €400 on air fares & taxes.

Outside of England, Scotland and Wales you are the next closest country yet you even manage to complain about that

PS Ireland v Italy air fares from £31 return Dublin to London, Ireland v Romania £33 return. The flights from London to Cardiff are more expensive, nothing to do with the RFU though.

Sin é wrote:At least England & Welsh fans don't have the same travelling costs that Ireland fans will have. A day trip from Ireland to England for one game (without accommodation) will cost about €400 on air fares & taxes.

What an irrelevant point. Do you want to be able to expense travel and accommodation to the RFU?

doctor_grey wrote:Didn't the IRB/World Rugby set some revenue targets which were very high and could only be achieved in a few countries?  I don't remember the details, but I think this is what drove some of the decisions, especially about use of the soccer stadiums.  

No. There is a one off fee for hosting the tournament which isn't exactly the same as a revenue target although to repay the fee you do need to set a high revenue target. However, the fee has gone up every year the RWC has been staged and World Rugby have always got their fee so not sure England was the only place the fee would be achieved.

As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

And the prices suck in general.

No 7&1/2 wrote:As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

What I don't understand is how can the UK market generate more from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising when surely it doesn't matter where you broadcast something from? Viewers from around the world aren't tuning in because the WC is in England.

Sponsors will have their logos on display regardless of location too. Perhaps you can sell merchandise for more in England to more people as there is already a huge number of visitors to the UK every year however, merchandising is also done online so I don't think the difference would be enormous. I also think that it is only really rugby fans that will buy the merchandise too and the numbers of rugby visitors wouldn't surely be massively different for an England WC.

Do you have a link for your figures? Thanks.

GunsGerms wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

What I don't understand is how can the UK market generate more from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising when surely it doesn't matter where you broadcast something from? Viewers from around the world aren't tuning in because the WC is in England.

Sponsors will have their logos on display regardless of location too. Perhaps you can sell merchandise for more in England to more people as there is already a huge number of visitors to the UK every year however, merchandising is also done online so I don't think the difference would be enormous. I also think that it is only really rugby fans that will buy the merchandise too.

Do you have a link for your figures. Thanks.

England is the home of rugby. I'd say a World Cup in England definitely increases the viewership in plenty of far-flung places, especially among those who don't generally follow rugby. England is a big, big draw in terms of interest around the world in many spheres. Plus everyone knows they'll put on a great show. Like or not, when people think of the UK or Britain they think England (and especially London).

It's going to be the biggest RWC yet (and probably for quite a few years to come).

Enjoy it

Its all economics, its the amount they can charge which will not greatly affect the sales or demand.

Haha, the home of rugby. I love your material Cyril.

London is a grand spot but the world is full of nice places. You have to love your national pride Cyril, its very quaint.

By the way you could argue that Dublin is the real home of rugby. It has the oldest international rugby pitch in the world (Landsdowne), the oldest rugby club in the world (Trinity College) and home to the reigning six nation champions.

GunsGerms wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

What I don't understand is how can the UK market generate more from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising when surely it doesn't matter where you broadcast something from? Viewers from around the world aren't tuning in because the WC is in England.

Sponsors will have their logos on display regardless of location too. Perhaps you can sell merchandise for more in England to more people as there is already a huge number of visitors to the UK every year however, merchandising is also done online so I don't think the difference would be enormous. I also think that it is only really rugby fans that will buy the merchandise too and the numbers of rugby visitors wouldn't surely be massively different for an England WC.

Do you have a link for your figures? Thanks.

Presumably because the host broadcasters here are better at generating revenue selling the feeds.

Scottrf wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

What I don't understand is how can the UK market generate more from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising when surely it doesn't matter where you broadcast something from? Viewers from around the world aren't tuning in because the WC is in England.

Sponsors will have their logos on display regardless of location too. Perhaps you can sell merchandise for more in England to more people as there is already a huge number of visitors to the UK every year however, merchandising is also done online so I don't think the difference would be enormous. I also think that it is only really rugby fans that will buy the merchandise too and the numbers of rugby visitors wouldn't surely be massively different for an England WC.

Do you have a link for your figures? Thanks.

Presumably because the host broadcasters here are better at generating revenue selling the feeds.

Perhaps you are right but World Rugby surely sells the rights not the host broadcaster. Why would they host broadcaster sell the rights around the world?

Yeah I guess you're right. Perhaps then that they are willing to pay more for coverage where they have greater control of the camerawork, infrastructure etc.

Forgive me if someone has already said this, but if so I have missed it - but surely the reason the French are charged less is that they have two midweek matches, whereas Ireland have all their games at the weekend. The cost is inevitably lower for midweek matches as people have to take more time off work as well as paying for the tickets.

The only matches France play at the weekend, i.e. on equivalent terms, are against Ireland (which is obviously the same price for both) and Italy (for which they are charged more than the Irish fans, possibly because it's a Saturday evening rather than Sunday afternoon). So I think both sets of fans are being treated broadly evenly - though in agreement with others I think it's seriously expensive for everyone.

Hoonercat wrote:

Sin é wrote:

Your USA fans are not being used like a cheap tramp by the RFU.
USA v Samoa (Cat A) = £85.
Ireland v Romania (Cat A) = £175.

At least England & Welsh fans don't have the same travelling costs that Ireland fans will have. A day trip from Ireland to England for one game (without accommodation) will cost about €400 on air fares & taxes.

Outside of England, Scotland and Wales you are the next closest country yet you even manage to complain about that

PS Ireland v Italy air fares from £31 return Dublin to London, Ireland v Romania £33 return. The flights from London to Cardiff are more expensive, nothing to do with the RFU though.

France is closer to England than Ireland and there is the tunnel. You have obviously missed my point that France is the country I'm comparing the cost of tickets against (Ireland fans pay 12.5% more than French fans) because we are in the same pool and so playing against the same teams.

Secondly, I just checked a day return to cardiff with Ryanair for Ireland v Canada in Mellenium and they are quoting €270 return for times that would suit getting to and in time for the match (i.e., leaving at about 7am from Dublin and returning about midnight - so not optimum times).

doctor_grey wrote:Didn't the IRB/World Rugby set some revenue targets which were very high and could only be achieved in a few countries?  I don't remember the details, but I think this is what drove some of the decisions, especially about use of the soccer stadiums.  

The IRB set a tournament fee of £80m to host it.

No 7&1/2 wrote:As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

That increase in broadcasting is down to being in the same time zones as where the largest populations are who have an interest. Broadcast revenue won't be as great probably from Japan because of this (and hence sponsorship as they won't be getting a primetime audience).

Any European country & SA would offer the equivalent money from broadcasting.

Sin é wrote:Secondly, I just checked a day return to cardiff with Ryanair for Ireland v Canada in Mellenium and they are quoting €270 return for times that would suit getting to and in time for the match (i.e., leaving at about 7am from Dublin and returning about midnight - so not optimum times).

So what? Do you want to look at how much it costs for Australians or Kiwis? Irrelevant to ticket pricing.

Sin é wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income.

On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy

That increase in broadcasting is down to being in the same time zones as where the largest populations are who have an interest. Broadcast revenue won't be as great probably from Japan because of this (and hence sponsorship as they won't be getting a primetime audience).

Any European country & SA would offer the equivalent money from broadcasting.

Cool beans. I lifted that from the BBC report. It's the key reason why England were chosen. Would suggest that that ticket fees are where the host can recoup some cost they've had to pay and seems excessive. Nothing to do with Ireland though, they charge what they can get away with, as does everyone.

Sin é wrote:Secondly, I just checked a day return to cardiff with Ryanair for Ireland v Canada in Mellenium and they are quoting €270 return for times that would suit getting to and in time for the match (i.e., leaving at about 7am from Dublin and returning about midnight - so not optimum times).

In fairness, Ryanair prices vary according to time and demand, so a lot of people will have booked the cheaper rates earlier on.

I think that the pricing overall has been pretty poor, the prices are way out of the league of ordinary fans except for a few exceptions in the "sticks", but the prices for England and the other home nations games are a complete rip off, but if the tickets sell I suppose World Rugby has done it right.

Sin é wrote:

Hoonercat wrote:

Sin é wrote:

Your USA fans are not being used like a cheap tramp by the RFU.
USA v Samoa (Cat A) = £85.
Ireland v Romania (Cat A) = £175.

At least England & Welsh fans don't have the same travelling costs that Ireland fans will have. A day trip from Ireland to England for one game (without accommodation) will cost about €400 on air fares & taxes.

Outside of England, Scotland and Wales you are the next closest country yet you even manage to complain about that

PS Ireland v Italy air fares from £31 return Dublin to London, Ireland v Romania £33 return. The flights from London to Cardiff are more expensive, nothing to do with the RFU though.

France is closer to England than Ireland and there is the tunnel. You have obviously missed my point that France is the country I'm comparing the cost of tickets against (Ireland fans pay 12.5% more than French fans) because we are in the same pool and so playing against the same teams.

Secondly, I just checked a day return to cardiff with Ryanair for Ireland v Canada in Mellenium and they are quoting €270 return for times that would suit getting to and in time for the match (i.e., leaving at about 7am from Dublin and returning about midnight - so not optimum times).

Calais is closer to England, but further from Cardiff where Ireland will play them (as you insist on the direct comparison). Sadly for the French, they do not all live in Calais, so a journey using the tunnel will be a very long one for many and probably more expensive than flying if travelling alone.  - you seem to forget that they will have to drive to Cardiff once through the tunnel, after what could have been a very long drive through France.
Irish fans have a one hour flight to Cardiff at a cost of under £100 (Aer Lingus for the outward flight, approx £75, Ryan Air for the return approx £25).
As for Ireland v Canada flights, you're not looking hard enough, £106 return if using different carriers.

EDIT: Cheapest flight Ire v Canada have now gone (only 2 left when I checked earlier) cheapest flights now £178. Ire v France cheap flights now sold. Get the ferry
Aer Lingus for the Ire v Canada dates Dublin to London only £48.26, looks like even Aer Lingus are biased against the Irish.

Big wrote:Forgive me if someone has already said this, but if so I have missed it - but surely the reason the French are charged less is that they have two midweek matches, whereas Ireland have all their games at the weekend.  The cost is inevitably lower for midweek matches as people have to take more time off work as well as paying for the tickets.

The only matches France play at the weekend, i.e. on equivalent terms, are against Ireland (which is obviously the same price for both) and Italy (for which they are charged more than the Irish fans, possibly because it's a Saturday evening rather than Sunday afternoon).  So I think both sets of fans are being treated broadly evenly - though in agreement with others I think it's seriously expensive for everyone.

All Ireland's games are on a Sunday, hardly ideal. No one likes Sunday games.

GunsGerms wrote:

Big wrote:Forgive me if someone has already said this, but if so I have missed it - but surely the reason the French are charged less is that they have two midweek matches, whereas Ireland have all their games at the weekend.  The cost is inevitably lower for midweek matches as people have to take more time off work as well as paying for the tickets.

The only matches France play at the weekend, i.e. on equivalent terms, are against Ireland (which is obviously the same price for both) and Italy (for which they are charged more than the Irish fans, possibly because it's a Saturday evening rather than Sunday afternoon).  So I think both sets of fans are being treated broadly evenly - though in agreement with others I think it's seriously expensive for everyone.

All Ireland's games are on a Sunday, hardly ideal. No one likes Sunday games.

It's a conspiracy.

Irish Londoner wrote:

Sin é wrote:Secondly, I just checked a day return to cardiff with Ryanair for Ireland v Canada in Mellenium and they are quoting €270 return for times that would suit getting to and in time for the match (i.e., leaving at about 7am from Dublin and returning about midnight - so not optimum times).

In fairness, Ryanair prices vary according to time and demand, so a lot of people will have booked the cheaper rates earlier on.

I think that the pricing overall has been pretty poor, the prices are way out of the league of ordinary fans except for a few exceptions in the "sticks", but the prices for England and the other home nations games are a complete rip off, but if the tickets sell I suppose World Rugby has done it right.

You seriously think Ryanair, Aer Lingus (or British Airways for that matter) would have missed match date & town announcements for a Rugby World Cup in Europe

[quote="Hoonercat"]

Sin é wrote:

Hoonercat wrote:

Sin é wrote:

Your USA fans are not being used like a cheap tramp by the RFU.
USA v Samoa (Cat A) = £85.
Ireland v Romania (Cat A) = £175.

At least England & Welsh fans don't have the same travelling costs that Ireland fans will have. A day trip from Ireland to England for one game (without accommodation) will cost about €400 on air fares & taxes.

Outside of England, Scotland and Wales you are the next closest country yet you even manage to complain about that

PS Ireland v Italy air fares from £31 return Dublin to London, Ireland v Romania £33 return. The flights from London to Cardiff are more expensive, nothing to do with the RFU though.

France is closer to England than Ireland and there is the tunnel. You have obviously missed my point that France is the country I'm comparing the cost of tickets against (Ireland fans pay 12.5% more than French fans) because we are in the same pool and so playing against the same teams.

Secondly, I just checked a day return to cardiff with Ryanair for Ireland v Canada in Mellenium and they are quoting €270 return for times that would suit getting to and in time for the match (i.e., leaving at about 7am from Dublin and returning about midnight - so not optimum times).

Calais is closer to England, but further from Cardiff where Ireland will play them (as you insist on the direct comparison). Sadly for the French, they do not all live in Calais, so a journey using the tunnel will be a very long one for many and probably more expensive than flying if travelling alone.  - you seem to forget that they will have to drive to Cardiff once through the tunnel, after what could have been a very long drive through France.

There are 3 ways of getting to England/Wales from France:
Plane, Tunnel (Train or Car), or Ferry.
There are two ways from Ireland - Plane or Ferry (car).
French fans don't have to drive to Cardiff. Lots of public transport, particularly from London.

Irish fans have a one hour flight to Cardiff at a cost of under £100 (Aer Lingus for the outward flight, approx £75, Ryan Air for the return approx £25).
As for Ireland v Canada flights, you're not looking hard enough, £106 return if using different carriers.

EDIT: Cheapest flight Ire v Canada have now gone (only 2 left when I checked earlier) cheapest flights now £178. Ire v France cheap flights now sold. Get the ferry
Aer Lingus for the Ire v Canada dates Dublin to London only £48.26, looks like even Aer Lingus are biased against the Irish.

Ha! Michael O'Leary didn't get to where he was by not knowing what was going on in Europe

Public transport from London to Cardiff probably costs more than a flight from Ireland...

GunsGerms wrote:

Big wrote:Forgive me if someone has already said this, but if so I have missed it - but surely the reason the French are charged less is that they have two midweek matches, whereas Ireland have all their games at the weekend.  The cost is inevitably lower for midweek matches as people have to take more time off work as well as paying for the tickets.

The only matches France play at the weekend, i.e. on equivalent terms, are against Ireland (which is obviously the same price for both) and Italy (for which they are charged more than the Irish fans, possibly because it's a Saturday evening rather than Sunday afternoon).  So I think both sets of fans are being treated broadly evenly - though in agreement with others I think it's seriously expensive for everyone.

All Ireland's games are on a Sunday, hardly ideal. No one likes Sunday games.

I do, I'm busy on Saturday.

GunsGerms wrote:

Big wrote:Forgive me if someone has already said this, but if so I have missed it - but surely the reason the French are charged less is that they have two midweek matches, whereas Ireland have all their games at the weekend.  The cost is inevitably lower for midweek matches as people have to take more time off work as well as paying for the tickets.

The only matches France play at the weekend, i.e. on equivalent terms, are against Ireland (which is obviously the same price for both) and Italy (for which they are charged more than the Irish fans, possibly because it's a Saturday evening rather than Sunday afternoon).  So I think both sets of fans are being treated broadly evenly - though in agreement with others I think it's seriously expensive for everyone.

All Ireland's games are on a Sunday, hardly ideal. No one likes Sunday games.

Big is dead right, but don't let that get in the way of Sin e's whingefest...

Scottrf wrote:Public transport from London to Cardiff probably costs more than a flight from Ireland...

Just checked and could get a day return (arr at 12.30, return 7.30pm) for under £60 return.

Sin é wrote:

Scottrf wrote:Public transport from London to Cardiff probably costs more than a flight from Ireland...

Just checked and could get a day return (arr at 12.30, return 7.30pm) for under £60 return.

Are you a travel agent? If not, do you not have a job?

Sin é wrote:There are 3 ways of getting to England/Wales from France:
Plane, Tunnel (Train or Car), or Ferry.  
There are two ways from Ireland - Plane or Ferry (car).
French fans don't have to drive to Cardiff. Lots of public transport, particularly from London.

Absolute cheapest fare from Paris to Cardiff for Ire v France* is £180. Paris to London straight forward, but the journey to and from Cardiff requires getting connecting trains and the small print says you can only use the train times specified (comes with buying cheap tickets I suppose). Travel first class and the price is ridiculous.

Ireland to Cardiff by ferry and rail £99.77 return and a far quicker journey, I know which I'd prefer.

* I listed Ireland first to avoid any allegations of bias

Hoonercat wrote:

Sin é wrote:There are 3 ways of getting to England/Wales from France:
Plane, Tunnel (Train or Car), or Ferry.  
There are two ways from Ireland - Plane or Ferry (car).
French fans don't have to drive to Cardiff. Lots of public transport, particularly from London.

Absolute cheapest fare from Paris to Cardiff for Ire v France* is £180. Paris to London straight forward, but the journey to and from Cardiff requires getting connecting trains and the small print says you can only use the train times specified (comes with buying cheap tickets I suppose). Travel first class and the price is ridiculous.

Ireland to Cardiff by ferry and rail £99.77 return and a far quicker journey, I know which I'd prefer.

* I listed Ireland first to avoid any allegations of bias

MRSC are running buses from London to Cardiff for all Ireland games: £39 return to members. £49 return for non-members. Children half price.

FYI - there is no Ferry from Ireland to Cardiff. You can get a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead (north Wales) or you can get one from Rosslare to Pembroke/Swansea. Rosslare is about 1.5 hours from Dublin city and about 4 or 5 hours from Belfast.

By the way, have you ever been in Cardiff Airport (its tiny)!

Sin é wrote:

Scottrf wrote:Public transport from London to Cardiff probably costs more than a flight from Ireland...

Just checked and could get a day return (arr at 12.30, return 7.30pm) for under £60 return.

Last train from London to Paris leaves at 8.30pm so an overnight stay would be required. More cost for the poor French Though to be fair they'd probably want to stay and enjoy the atmosphere having hammered Ireland

Sin é wrote:

Hoonercat wrote:

Sin é wrote:There are 3 ways of getting to England/Wales from France:
Plane, Tunnel (Train or Car), or Ferry.  
There are two ways from Ireland - Plane or Ferry (car).
French fans don't have to drive to Cardiff. Lots of public transport, particularly from London.

Absolute cheapest fare from Paris to Cardiff for Ire v France* is £180. Paris to London straight forward, but the journey to and from Cardiff requires getting connecting trains and the small print says you can only use the train times specified (comes with buying cheap tickets I suppose). Travel first class and the price is ridiculous.

Ireland to Cardiff by ferry and rail £99.77 return and a far quicker journey, I know which I'd prefer.

* I listed Ireland first to avoid any allegations of bias

MRSC are running buses from London to Cardiff for all Ireland games: £39 return to members. £49 return for non-members. Children half price.

FYI - there is no Ferry from Ireland to Cardiff. You can get a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead (north Wales) or you can get one from Rosslare to Pembroke/Swansea. Rosslare is about 1.5 hours from Dublin city and about 4 or 5 hours from Belfast.

By the way, have you ever been in Cardiff Airport (its tiny)!

I know, those prices are inclusive ferry and rail from Dublin to Cardiff (Dublin to Holyhead then train to Cardiff). Under £100 is a bargain and allows you an overnight stay to drown your sorrows