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A brief examination over Twickenham’s upcoming events and unfortunately, still no the music icon. No major musical events for the union's leadership just yet. In fact, the RFU's goal to stage more concerts and thus finance its £660m rebuild has faced a temporary hold-up.

An official document, reviewed by a national publication, states: “Given the uncertainty about the capacity of train services to cater for the forecast rise in travelers, there [are] significant concerns regarding the increased load placed on the road and rail systems by attendees and the question of whether this demand can be satisfactorily managed. This is likely to result in a major disruption for Twickenham residents.”

The challenge is manageable but you’d do well to find frequent stadium visitors who disagree.

In parallel, an extended council session on Tuesday to debate the RFU’s licensing application showed that there were 192 objections, 13 in favour. A decision is anticipated soon but the official result will be final in a process that will continue into the coming year.

In the meantime, the RFU's situation was clearly demonstrated following an intended summer performance was quickly moved to a much smaller but more modern O₂ arena.

Clearly the RFU cannot attract the level of performers it desires to optimally employ its 82,000-seater stadium given its current facilities and restrictions.

Relocating Elsewhere Still Feels a Bit of a Stretch

However, the union's resolve to optimize its primary resource takes us smoothly toward this weekend's match at Twickenham.

It promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the most captivating Southern Hemisphere tournament recently, over 70,000 spectators are anticipated and it is unquestionably a profitable venture.

The match is operated by ISI and a seasoned professional, with a long track record handling such fixtures with the Barbarians at Twickenham and says, “as with most things it's typically driven by business factors. It’s fair to say everyone participating are happy with the deal they've agreed.”

Argentina's Home Game

Argentina are the “home” side – just as they were against Australia back in 2016 – and they initiated the move to reach out to Twickenham.

They will generate significantly higher income compared to hosting the match was organized domestically, which represents a particularly useful revenue stream considering the absence of Rugby Championship next year and practically it makes sense.

Travel from the recent game in Durban is more forgiving while all but one of their first-choice players on Saturday are based in European clubs.

South Africa's Involvement

South Africa are the away side, simply along for the ride, yet this marks the third occasion over three seasons they compete in a game at Twickenham without England's participation.

The organization, accordingly, receives a hefty stadium hire fee including revenue sources such as concession sales which are expected to be comparable to an England international due to the substantial turnout that is anticipated.

As management has conceded, the stadium is the union's primary revenue source.

Is it surprising the organization is more frequently allowing opposing nations access their revenue stream if they are willing to pay?

South Africa's Cooperation

The Springboks might just be happy to take part yet it's not accidental this fixture is seen as most suitable to stage at the stadium.

As an expert explained lately, the team bridges northern and southern rugby currently via their professional clubs competing in the URC.

The South African diaspora in London ensures strong attendance and the UK time zone is sympathetic to viewers in their home country.

They travel to London safe in the knowledge that it will do no harm their objectives to enhance their profile worldwide, all the more so if they wrap up the title at Twickenham convincingly.

Forward Planning and Worldwide Approach

They are also set to welcome the All Blacks for a major rivalry event next summer, which is planned as a regular four-year exchange, with another neutral venue match is being considered, possibly on the continent, maybe again at the London stadium.

The team could be the opponents in the upcoming match but it's significant when Bongi Mbonambi will match the English player's achievement of successful appearances since the summer of 2023 if South Africa prevail in the Argentina match.

Furthermore, the organization, is very willing to welcome them - past controversies including the ugly fallout from the 2023 World Cup semi-final and Rassie Erasmus’s social-media posts about officiating decisions evidently set aside.

Twickenham as Neutral Venue

In fact, it seems more and more the venue is being marketed as the northern hemisphere’s go-to neutral venue.

As Berrick points out, ‘across Britain we embrace global competitions. We’ve got NFL matches here, Brazil play football matches here, MLB games occur, the nation loves sport”.

It doesn't help develop new territories – one wouldn't attempt to attract a new cricket audience by staging a match at the historic ground – but periodic matches at the stadium makes increasing sense.

{The Nations Championship and Future Plans|Upcoming Tournament and Strategy|New Competition and Vision