McKenzie plans to meet with SARU in bid to get Boks’ ticket prices slashed

July 17, 2025 112

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has given fans a glimpse of hope as he forges ahead with efforts to reduce the high cost of Springbok rugby tickets.

McKenzie revealed plans to meet with South African Rugby (SARU), saying the goal is to make national rugby games more accessible to ordinary South Africans.

The high cost of tickets has long been a point of frustration, with many supporters feeling excluded from a sport they deeply love.

“The ticket prices are very unaffordable for the man on the street. Springbok ticket prices will have to come down. We are trying very hard with the deputy minister, and I’ll show you what we’ve done,” said McKenzie.

SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer, previously defended the pricing structure, saying it’s necessary to sustain the sport.

He says the Springboks are the biggest income generator in the rugby ecosystem in the country.

Oberholzer added that SA Rugby heavily depends on broadcast rights and sponsorships to keep the game alive.

Here’s a ticket price range for Saturday’s test match between the Springboks and Georgia in Nelspruit.

Some fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, saying it’s becoming too expensive to be a Springbok supporter.

Springboks vs. Australia tickets start at R1750 for the Ellis Park match in the Rugby Championship! Another slap in the face to SA fans – 95% of us can’t afford to see our Boks live. The national team is for everyone, not just the privileged elite! Make rugby accessible! 🇿🇦

— Joseph Bertrand (@JoBertrand19) June 10, 2025

I’ve just been looking at the price of Springbok rugby tickets. They are ridiculous, just greedy. That’s what happens when you get involved with Ticket Master. Maybe a trip to Nelspruit is on the cards. Can’t afford any of the local games.

— Wayne (@waynegemmell) July 16, 2025