The RFU is offering free tickets to select clubs for England’s match against Fiji at Twickenham this weekend, in an effort to boost attendance for their second autumn international. Despite last weekend’s full house for the victory over Australia, drawing the same crowd for Saturday’s game has proven challenging.
According to the Telegraph, certain rugby clubs have been allocated free tickets to distribute among their members for the upcoming match against the Pacific Islanders. The RFU is on track to draw more than 70,000 fans to Twickenham, which can accommodate 82,000 spectators. While they expect to sell out three of the four autumn games, the Fiji match has been difficult to fill.
Last weekend, fans had a choice of three games in London, including South Africa versus Japan and a New Zealand XV against the Barbarians, alongside England’s match, forcing fans to choose which matches to attend.
The RFU had considered moving the Fiji match to the north of England, but due to Premier League football clashes, the decision was made to keep it at Twickenham. England hasn’t played a home match outside of south west London since 2019.
The last time England faced Fiji was in the run-up to the World Cup in 2023. On that occasion, the match was played in front of a stadium that was just over half full with the upper tier closed, and the RFU is keen to avoid a repeat of this scenario with empty seats.
An RFU spokesperson defended their ticket distribution policy, stating: “On the rare occasions when tickets are available, we’re proud to use them to recognise and thank clubs, volunteers, and community groups doing outstanding work for the game.
“It’s one of the ways we celebrate those who make rugby what it is and we make no apologies for that.”
The sport’s governing body has highlighted the record-breaking crowds it drew whilst hosting the Women’s World Cup, which England won.
They have also insisted: “This has been a record-breaking year for Test-match rugby in England, with more tickets sold for international fixtures than in any season for over a decade.”
Saturday’s encounter will witness Marcus Smith’s return, featuring at fullback whilst fellow Lion Fin Smith assumes the fly-half role.
Tommy Freeman has been shifted to the wing with Ollie Lawrence regaining his place in the starting XV. Ellis Genge will lead the side as captain with usual skipper Maro Itoje amongst the replacements.
