Fans denied public event due to lack of big screens

Fans hoping to gather en masse for England’s biggest rugby union match in 12 years face disappointment because of a lack of big screens available at sporting landmarks.

Trafalgar Square – the scene of wild celebrations after the nation’s cricketing World Cup triumph – and Twickenham have already ruled out showing Saturday’s World Cup final against South Africa.

However, should England be crowned champions for only the second time in history, Trafalgar Square will be offered to the Rugby Football Union for a homecoming celebration, The Daily Telegraph understands.

London’s City Hall, which is responsible for the square, refused to comment on post-tournament plans, but confirmed it was unable to show Saturday’s action due to a prior booking by the Diwali religious festival.

The RFU says it is hosting only smaller hospitality events at England’s national stadium this weekend, as it wants to help ensure local rugby clubs have bumper attendances.

“Although we have hosted smaller breakfast screenings throughout the Rugby World Cup in our hospitality areas, and will continue this weekend, there will not be a large scale screening at Twickenham Stadium,” the RFU said. “We are encouraging rugby clubs around the country to host their members and local communities to get behind the England team.”

Around 6,000 cricket fans celebrated in Trafalgar Square in July, having gathered around two big screens all day to watch England’s final against New Zealand.

For the RFU, England’s success in Japan could not be better timed. It invested a record £107.7million in the English game over the past 12 months, but has predicted “growing uncertainty” and “challenging times” ahead.

Hospitality has been crucial in balancing the books. The RFU declared an operating loss of £30.9 million last year, but broke even overall thanks to a cash injection from restructuring the Twickenham hosting business.

Airlines are said to be considering putting on more flights to Japan this week. Tickets were selling on resale website Stubhub for well in excess of £1,000, while Viagogo, the firm’s rivals, also confirmed the average price for the game was £870. Some of the best seats for the final were advertised for well in excess of £10,000.

An England victory would probably mean the entire team earn honours in the Queen’s New Year’s list, which is already likely to feature the England cricket team.

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