Fans paying top dollar to back 2015 All Blacks
Package prices ‘competitive’ says tour organiser. Rugby fans are snapping up tour packages to watch the All Blacks defend their Rugby World Cup title, despite some eye-watering prices.
The packages start from $1395 a head, to watch the All Blacks play the eventual qualifier from Africa on September 24, 2015, at London’s Olympic Stadium.
That does not cover flights, but does include two nights’ accommodation in London.
At the other end of the scale is the complete tour – a 47-night odyssey to every All Black match, at a cost of up to $37,945 a head, including flights and accommodation.
The packages will go on general sale on Monday. However, some fans who pre-registered have been able to buy them since Wednesday, after paying a refundable $200 deposit.
Yesterday, All Blacks Tours general manager David Caldwell said 50 packages had already sold, at an average cost of $10,000.
That included six complete tour packages.
‘‘We believe the price point is very competitive,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s comparable to what people paid to come to New Zealand in 2011.’’
British fans travelling to New Zealand then would have paid about $30,000 for a 49-day package that included flights, accommodation and a four-day break in Fiji.
Wellington rugby fan Henry Fidow said he would not consider package tour options to London because of the cost.
‘‘I don’t think the missus will let me spend $37,000. I think for most of the general public, it wouldn’t be a goer.’’
He planned to secure match tickets when they go on sale via a public ballot in September. The best seats at the final will cost £$1425 (NZ$2850), with the cheapest starting at £$300.
Victoria McKee also plans to head to the tournament, and intends to stay with friends and travel independently, rather than buying a package.
The cost would put some people off, but not all, she said. ‘‘I suppose it depends on how I don’t think the missus will let me spend $37,000. I think for most of the general public, it wouldn’t be a goer. passionate they are.’’
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said he hoped many fans would follow the All Blacks to Britain.
‘‘These packages are, of course, not for everyone. But what they do is provide a guarantee of tickets and quality accommodation for All Blacks matches.’’
According to Statistics New Zealand, 133,200 people came to New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and spent a total of $387 million.
One of the heroes of the last tournament – former All Blacks first five-eighth Stephen Donald – has been named as All Blacks Tours’ ambassador for the 2015 event.
He will be the face of its marketing campaigns, encouraging fans not to leave their involvement as late as he did in 2011.
The trophy is named after William Webb Ellis but to some fans who go to London, it’ll be known as bill. Photo: Craig Simcox