Cape Town buyers did not receive hundreds of tickets for South Africa–New Zealand match
Travel agencies, hospitality companies and fans did not receive hundreds of tickets for the sold-out rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand, held on 29 August at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Clients had booked flights, accommodation and service packages in advance; some arrived from Zimbabwe, New Zealand and London.
As Daily Maverick reports, tickets from third-party suppliers were purchased by, among others, SportPro, Steadfast Africa, C Sports International and Tour d’Afrique. The affected companies are demanding refunds and considering legal action.
Rugby union’s position
The South African Rugby Union, SARU, rejected claims of tickets being sold twice or problems following the switch to its own ticketing app. A union representative said that if tickets had indeed been sold twice, this would have become apparent only at the turnstiles on match day.
SARU said it had approached police regarding Leisure Connexion, SportPro, Steadfast Africa and Resolute Sport. The union claims that these agencies breached sales terms by reselling tickets, bundling them with other services and offering a product they did not own. SARU also cited possible violations of South African legislation on sports event safety and consumer protection.
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Suppliers and refunds
Leisure Connexion managing director Adelbert Retief said on 28 August that the company had been unable to pass tickets on to clients because a third-party supplier had failed to meet its obligations. The supplier’s name was not disclosed. On 31 August, Leisure Connexion said it was examining the allegations made against it together with its lawyers.
Steadfast Africa and C Sports International said they had previously worked with Retief and received tickets through him. Emma Sadleir, speaking on behalf of her brother Nick, said he ordered tickets from Retief in October 2025. Steadfast Africa promised to refund clients regardless of whether it receives compensation from the supplier.
C Sports International ordered around 200 Category A tickets. The company was able to obtain alternative tickets through SARU, but not in the category promised to its clients. A C Sports International representative said the company was also exploring legal options and preparing for likely financial losses.
