SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
- SA Rugby has issued a warning to Springbok fans to only buy Test tickets through the reputable channels.
- Tickets for the Boks’ final home Test of the year – against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium – are almost sold out.
- SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says only tickets obtained from Computicket or the stadium ticket office are the genuine article.
- For more news on the Springboks, visit our dedicated section.
SA Rugby has warned rugby fans to only buy tickets for the Springboks’ final home Test of the year through the official channels.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the rugby governing body said supporters should be cautious of online websites claiming to have tickets for sale.
The Boks will conclude their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on 28 September.
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SA Rugby said that tickets purchased via the official ticketing agent, Computicket, or the stadium ticket office were almost entirely sold out.
It warned that “any other website offering tickets is a scammer”.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer commented: “Springbok match tickets have become highly sought-after, and that has brought out the fraudsters aiming to make a quick buck.
“We hear too many stories of people searching online for tickets and paying way over the price at the first page they land on – only to be disappointed when they lose their money and don’t receive their tickets.
“Only tickets obtained from Computicket or the stadium ticket office are the genuine article for the final Bok home match of the year. You will lose your money if you buy from online resellers who have zero access to tickets.”
SA Rugby added that online ‘re-sellers’ such as Viagogo and others charge inflated prices. However, as the event approaches, they typically become increasingly evasive as to when ticket collection will occur. In some cases, the ‘company’ simply disappears.
Oberholzer added: “There is a long list of people who have been left disappointed, angry and out of pocket and it is hugely frustrating to see it reoccurring every season.
“Our message is loud, clear and very simple: if you don’t buy through the official channels for any Springbok Test or other events, you’re going to be disappointed.”
The Springboks (18 points) lead the Rugby Championship table with four wins from four. Los Pumas are second on 10 points, followed by New Zealand (seven points) and Australia (four points).
A solitary victory over Argentina would therefore be enough for South Africa to win the title.
The Rugby Championship trophy will be presented to the victors after the Test at Mbombela Stadium.