Rugby for the Rich? Springboks vs Barbarians Tickets Too Pricey for Fans

The Springboks’ highly anticipated clash against the Barbarians on 28 June at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium has come under fire from local rugby fans. They have slammed ticket prices as unaffordable for the average supporter. Although the Springboks vs Barbarians fixture is being billed as a showcase match ahead of a packed 2025 international season, many believe the cost of entry is simply too steep.

Discontent Over Ticket Prices

Tickets for the Springboks vs Barbarians event range from R250 for the cheapest seats to a jaw-dropping R3 500 for premium access. The more affordable tickets, however, were quickly snapped up — and not by the general public. Stormers season ticket holders were given early access through a priority system. Consequently, by the time tickets officially opened on 6 May, the lowest-cost options were no longer available.

Fans have voiced their frustration on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Many are questioning how a so-called unity-driven team could justify such steep prices for what is essentially a friendly, non-test match. One user, @nazeer_hoosen, summed it up in a widely shared video: “I’m sorry for whoever set these prices. It’s a friendly match, not even a proper test. If it wasn’t happening in Cape Town, Springboks vs Barbarians tickets wouldn’t be this high.”

Springboks vs Barbarians Ticket Price List:

• R250 – Entry-level (sold out during early access)
• R850 – Lower-tier seating
• R1 250 – Mid-tier seating
• R2 000 – Premium seating
• R3 000 – Executive-level seating
• R3 500 – VIP seating (includes best view and exclusive access)

Fans Feel Priced Out

The response from the public has been passionate and critical. Comments online have included statements like:

• “We can’t afford to see our own national team, especially in matches like Springboks vs Barbarians.”
• “‘Stronger Together,’ but the middle class can’t even afford a decent ticket.”
• “Springboks pretend to stand for unity, but profits come first.”
• “Rugby has become a sport for the elite.”

There is also growing sentiment that venues like the DHL Stadium, despite being modern and tourist-friendly, are increasingly alienating everyday fans. With limited seating and high demand, the cost of attending live games in Cape Town continues to rise. This match between the Springboks and Barbarians is just the latest example.

SARU and Stadium Defend Pricing

While the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and stadium management haven’t directly addressed the backlash, they often justify pricing by citing the stadium’s world-class facilities. They also mention high demand for Springbok matches and the city’s position as a global tourist hotspot. However, for many locals, these reasons do little to offset the sense of exclusion they feel, especially for fixtures like Springboks vs Barbarians.

The Barbarians match is just one part of a much larger calendar for the Boks in 2025. The team will go on to face several international heavyweights. Their opponents include Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Ireland, Italy, Georgia, and Wales. While excitement for the season is high, it remains to be seen whether ticket pricing for future matches will be more inclusive.

Also read: How Much Do Springbok Rugby Players Get Paid?

As the countdown begins to the Springboks’ first match of the year, what should be a celebration of rugby and national pride has instead sparked a debate around accessibility and fairness. For a team that has long stood for unity and national pride, the question many fans are asking is: who really gets to be part of that unity — and at what cost, especially when Springboks vs Barbarians tickets are involved?