Events International becomes the only source for official hospitality outside of the Stadium – with all affiliated match tickets guaranteed by the WRU.
The exclusive deal also sees further regulation of the arrangements for allocation of tickets to Events International from Welsh rugby clubs.
A ballot system will now be used by the WRU to determine which clubs – from those who opt in to the process – will be nominated to pass on their tickets to Events International, to their own direct financial benefit.
Official offsite hospitality is already available from Events International for Wales’ Under Armour Series matches at Principality Stadium, with packages prices at £225 (+VAT) per person to see the otherwise likely to be sold-out clash with Japan this weekend or the South Africa match a week later.
Wales’ home RBS 6 Nations clashes for 2017 see both England and Ireland come to Cardiff and Events International are the only offsite hospitality operator offering tickets guaranteed by the WRU for these matches.
The official seal of approval from the WRU also guarantees a minimum standard of hospitality offered alongside quality seating – including high profile guest speakers, champagne reception, quality approved food and wine at a prestigious City Centre locations, a complimentary bar and commemorative gifts.
For RBS 6 Nations matches a range of hospitality packages are offered, with prices this season starting at £395 (+VAT), and the WRU is keen to point out that buying from Events International not only means that customers are protected against losing their money and missing the match, but that their money remains in the game.
“We are delighted to appoint Events International as the exclusive offsite hospitality provider for Welsh rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” said Craig Maxwell, WRU Group Head of Sales & Marketing.
“The agreement sees Events International appointed as the exclusive agent and the only partner permitted to source tickets directly from clubs for sale in hospitality packages.
“It provides further financial investment directly to the clubs and ensures that the WRU can guarantee the validity of packages in the market.
“Unofficial hospitality packages that are not verified by the WRU see vital investment going out of the game in Wales.
“We have worked closely with Events International for the past five years in developing an official offsite hospitality offering for supporters.
“After considerable work and consultation we are delighted to be able to provide Events International with the opportunity to source match tickets directly from the WRU via member clubs to package and provide to supporters.
“We thank Events International for their continued support of the game at all levels.”
Events International chairman Paul Terry added:
“We are delighted to announce our appointment as the sole Official operator of off-site corporate hospitality for the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Events International provide only the best entertainment, food and tickets available.
“When you book your corporate hospitality through Events International we assure a day to remember and grant you peace of mind by virtue of our official status.
“In today’s highly competitive global market, companies of all sizes are choosing corporate hospitality at major events to improve and cement customer relationships and reward successful employees.
“There is no better way to strengthen bonds with clients, employees and friends than with one of our superb official corporate hospitality packages.
“Events International is the market-leader in providing premium VIP hospitality packages with 30 years of experience in organising official corporate hospitality at the lowest prices and we are looking forward to continuing to work with Welsh Rugby over the next four years.”
As official hospitality operator Events International are another way for supporters to gain access to high profile matches at Principality Stadium.
Official hospitality can also be bought directly from Principality Stadium itself and guaranteed tickets can also be purchased from Welsh rugby clubs or directly from the WRU.
Appointing Events International as official hospitality operator is part of the WRU’s drive to regulate the secondary ticket market in Wales, preventing supporters from being mis-sold tickets or hospitality packages by centrally guaranteeing the source of tickets, and to keep revenue in the game.
“Our over-riding message to all supporters is ‘buy official’, whether that be from clubs, from the WRU or from one of our official partners, in order to avoid disappointment,” added Maxwell.
For further information from Events International click here.
