It’s an emotional tug-of-war for South African rugby supporters. As ticket prices for Springbok test matches soar, many loyal fans are beginning to question whether their love for the game is being priced out of reach.

Speaking on HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, economist Dawie Roodt unpacked the stark economics behind SA Rugby’s controversial pricing model. According to Roodt, it’s textbook monopolistic behaviour — the Springboks are a one-of-a-kind product, and SA Rugby is maximising profits by charging what the market can bear, not what the average supporter can afford.

“Empty seats don’t bother a monopolist,” Roodt said. “It’s not about filling the stadium — it’s about filling the coffers.”

While SA Rugby argues the price hike is necessary to support the entire rugby ecosystem — from grassroots development to international broadcasting — the public backlash has been fierce. Fans are paying up to three times more than they would for similar fixtures abroad, even after adjusting for exchange rates and purchasing power.

Roodt acknowledges the emotional aspect of the debate. “If you believe the Springboks belong to the people, then you’re arguing for rugby as a collective good — like policing or public healthcare. But that requires collective funding, like taxes or subsidies.”

So, is it fair to ask die-hard local fans to pay premium prices for something that feels like a national treasure?

At the heart of the conversation is a bigger question: should sport be run purely as a business — or as a shared cultural experience that unites us?

Listen to the full interview on HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs: