Gayton McKenzie gives away 100 free Springboks vs England tickets

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has launched a last-minute ticket giveaway ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Test between the Springboks and England at Ellis Park.

In a post on social media, McKenzie announced that the first 50 people to email the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture would each receive two free tickets to the match.

Check the latest Springboks vs England odds with Sportingbet

Ticket prices lowered

The giveaway comes after concerns over sluggish ticket sales for the Springboks’ first Test of 2026.

Just over a week before the match, reports indicated that only around 21 000 tickets had been sold for the 62 000-capacity Ellis Park, with many supporters arguing that ticket prices were too expensive.

SA Rugby were quick to say that ‘predictions that the attendance would be little more of 21 000 tickets sold was entirely erroneous and misinformed.’

Late last week, the majority of available tickets were priced between R950 and R3 000, prompting criticism from fans who pointed out that a family of four could spend well over R5 000 on a day at the rugby once travel, food and beverages were included.

In response to the slow sales, more affordable seating has since been released, with large sections of the stadium now offering tickets from R650.

Other categories remain available at R950, R1 750, R2 350 and R3 000.

The reduction has also frustrated some supporters who bought tickets at the original prices.

LIVE SCORING: Springboks vs England at Ellis Park

SA Rugby hopeful of late surge

Before the international season began, SA Rugby said it intended to make more affordable tickets available for the inaugural Nations Championship Tests.

However, the lower-priced tickets sold out quickly when sales first opened, leaving mostly premium-priced seats available.

Speaking to Rapport earlier this week, an SA Rugby spokesperson suggested broader economic pressures had contributed to the slower-than-expected sales.

“The impact of the war in Iran has undoubtedly had an impact on everyone’s pockets, which is reflected in the retail industry as well as in ticket sales.”

The spokesperson added that SA Rugby remained optimistic that supporters would buy tickets closer to kick-off.

“We hope to get close to the historical average attendance against England in South Africa, which is 91% of the stadium’s capacity.”

With reduced ticket prices now available and McKenzie giving away 100 tickets, organisers will be hoping for a strong last-minute turnout as the world champions begin their 2026 campaign against England at Ellis Park.

Check the latest Springboks vs England odds with Sportingbet