Competition Commission opens probe into SARU ticketing after hospitality complaints

The Competition Commission is investigating allegations that the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and some affiliated agencies engaged in unfair business practices over the sale of hospitality suite tickets for Springbok Test matches.

Commission confirms complaint and probe

The Competition Commission said it received a complaint in May 2026 against Sail Rights Commercialisation “surrounding Saru’s ticketing distribution system,” and that it is currently investigating the matter, the commission’s spokesperson Siyabulela Makunga told media.

Allegations from hospitality operators

The probe follows complaints from hospitality businesses that accused Saru of making suite packages available only to Saru’s appointed commercial rights agencies, including Sail and Megapro Hospitality, and of favouring those agencies when allocating inventory.

One affected operator told The Citizen that Saru’s public claim of ignorance was “completely untrue,” saying the Saru CEO had received detailed complaints before the England Test and had responded to some communications. The operator said many independent businesses bought packages through official channels and were later deprived of allocated inventory while preferred operators received preferential treatment.

Another complaining company owner, who asked not to be named, told The Citizen that Saru’s restrictions had created an anticompetitive monopoly that harmed independent businesses and the broader tourism economy. That owner called for full transparency from Saru and welcomed an independent investigation by the Competition Commission.

Dispute over causes of the ticket crisis

The Citizen reported that some hospitality businesses blamed “commercial greed” for the ticket crisis at DHL Stadium in Cape Town during the second Test between South Africa and New Zealand, while Saru denied the allegations and accused objecting agencies of selling tickets they did not have.

Concerns ahead of next Test

According to The Citizen, the publication has been reliably informed that the crisis witnessed at Cape Town Stadium might happen again for the upcoming match at FNB Stadium. The Citizen also reported the price range for hospitality packages for the Cape Town Test and the forthcoming FNB Stadium Test as between R7 995 and R9 995 per person, excluding VAT.

What happens next

The Competition Commission’s confirmation of an investigation signals a formal review of the complaint received in May 2026. Further developments will depend on the commission’s enquiries and any response from Saru and the named commercial rights agencies.