subject: Rugby World Cup packages may be invalid [print this page] Rugby World Cup packages may be invalid Rugby World Cup packages may be invalid
World Cup organisers warn people that if tickets are included in packages from unofficial operators, they run the "very high risk" of having them cancelled when they turn up at the stadium.
The company that holds the official hospitality rights also wants to "raid" pre-match functions included in the packages and seize any tickets.
Some "embarrassed" businesses have already paid Singapore firm SMG for the $25,000 package to the All Blacks game against France at Eden Park, which includes transport to and from the game.
SMG says its package does not include match tickets but refuses to comment further.
Rugby Travel and Hospitality director David White said his company had paid a lot of money to get the official rights and would do everything possible to stop the practice.
"They are charging more than the official hospitality group so the profit they are making is pretty significant."
Mr White said most of the "unofficial" hosting would take place miles away from the ground. People would probably be taken by bus to the venue and be given general-admission tickets.
"We don't want to see companies being duped and turned away at the gate. It could turn into a sad state of affairs if they pay a lot of money and are disappointed by not being allowed into the game."
Unofficial operators often sourced tickets through the black market or employed students to buy them online. People wanting to buy an official hospitality package should look for the official Rugby World Cup logo, Mr White said.
He said the Economic Development Ministry hoped to use powers invested in it under the Major Events Management Act to crack down on the unofficial groups.
The act prohibits the suggestion that people, brands, goods or services have an association with a major event when they do not.
An email from SMG, offering the package, to one New Zealand businessman said: "As availability at this most prestigious event is now in demand ... this will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis."
A brochure promoting the offer says that for about $25,000 a business would get a table for 10 people. The hospitality included champagne, a four-course meal, celebrity guest speaker and an open bar.
SMG spokesman James Roberts said from Singapore that the firm was not supplying tickets, only hospitality, so did not breach any rules.
Asked why a company would pay thousands of dollars for a package that did not include match tickets, he said: "Look, I don't want to talk about this."
Rugby World Cup general manager Ross Young said there was always a risk that companies would try to make money from major events. "We just have to make sure we educate the public so they don't buy these unofficial packages and risk not getting into the match."
