The SANZAR tournament comes to London for the first time when champions Australia take on Argentina at Twickenham Stadium on October 8, the final game of the series that also includes New Zealand and South Africa.
And the success of the 2015 Rugby World Cup has underlined the potential for rugby’s growth according to SANZAR Chief Executive Andy Marinos, who wants to “continue that approach”.
“We saw how positive the World Cup was in the UK and we feel our game is about taking it to as many supporters as possible,” said Marinos. “It’s a good opportunity for extra exposure and bringing a meaningful Rugby Championship game to London is something that will continue to promote rugby at a moment when its popularity is continuing to grow.
“The style of play in The Rugby Championship is a very exportable commodity to further increase the attractiveness of the sport. People want to see a free-flowing style and the game is moving in that direction.
“It’s also testament to what a big sporting arena London is. While the World Cup was on last year the NFL were kicking off a game [between Jacksonville and Buffalo] in semi-final week. London is the destination for big sporting events and it’s a unique opportunity to show what a lot of skill and talent there is in rugby.
“There are two very different approaches to the game and certainly that was clear at the World Cup, although this summer the Northern Hemisphere teams have really fronted up and you’ve seen England, Ireland and Wales adapting their game too.”
Argentina v Australia is a replay of last October’s World Cup semi-final, when Adam Ashley-Cooper’s hat-trick of tries sealed a 29-15 win that ended the Argentina’s run of four victories.
Tickets to Argentina v Australia at Twickenham Stadium are available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk from £45 for adults, £25 for children (U16) and a family package (2 adults & 2 children) for £115.
