The RFU has succeeded in defeating Viagogo’s appeal in the Court of Appeal against the decision of Mr Justice Tugendhat in March this year.

In a landmark ruling – the first action of its kind by a national governing body – the order of Mr Justice Tugendhat required Viagogo to reveal the names and addresses of those who placed tickets for sale on its website for the 2010 Investec Internationals and the 2011 RBS 6 Nations.  The appeal having been dismissed by the Court of Appeal means the RFU, once it receives the information, will be able to identify and sanction those who have breached its ticketing terms and conditions by selling to secondary ticketing sites. The RFU now intends to take the same position with other similar sites.

RFU Chief Commercial Officer Sophie Goldschmidt said: “It is very good news that the Court of Appeal has upheld the judgment of the Honourable Mr Justice Tugendhat. Placing tickets for sale on secondary ticketing sites is in direct contravention of the RFU’s Ticketing Terms and Conditions and, if the seller can be identified, they face tough sanctions including possible court action. Individuals who believe they have anonymity by trading their tickets through such secondary sales sites are no longer invisible and we will do our utmost to ensure that tickets go to genuine fans.”

Polly Handford, the RFU Deputy Head of Legal said: “I am extremely pleased that the judgement has been upheld. It is an incredibly important case as not only will it provide us with information on past breaches, it will also enable us to enforce our rights more efficiently and effectively going forward.”