Scalpers still selling Lions tickets at will

Lions ticket scalpers are continuing to have a field day on auction website TradeMe, with tickets going under the virtual hammer for anywhere from $150 for a provincial game to $2000 for test matches.

The sales have not been stopped by threats from the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) two months ago that it would crack down on the practice.

Most sellers are are going to creative lengths to invent ways to flout the NZRU terms and conditions. One trader advertised "four free Lions tickets" in exchange for the purchase of a courier envelope.

Others have put up anything from a can of Coke and a broken jandal to All Blacks rugby jerseys with the promise of "free" Lions tickets.

Bidding for a map of Christchurch is currently standing at $2010, with two platinum tickets to the Jade Stadium match on June 25 to sweeten the deal.

TradeMe business manager Mike O'Donnell told nzherald.co.nz that "scalping is legal in New Zealand" and the only issue that remained was ethical.

"It is not for us to provide ethical judgments on traders. We have no way of knowing the motivations of people," he said.

He has not heard from the NZRU.

However, All Blacks coach Graham Henry stepped into the debate this week, saying on TV3: "I think it is important for the public and perhaps the media to realise that this is the reason the rugby union has been talking about people not selling their tickets on.

"There will be 20,000 Lions fans here and 10,000 of them will not have tickets. If we sell our tickets, there will be more Lions supporters at the matches than All Blacks supporters."

The union earlier in the year pledged to be extra vigilant on scalpers, but has declined to comment on whether any action has been taken against TradeMe or the sellers.

The NZRU's website states that "an essential condition" of the issue of Lions tickets are that they are not to be "offered, provided, resold or transferred at a premium".

It adds that ticket holders should not "enhance the demand for any other goods or services or as part of a hospitality or travel package" without prior written consent.

Despite the controversy surrounding the scalping of Lions tickets, both sellers and buyers on TradeMe remain undeterred. There are 68 traders selling tickets and die-hard fans are willing to pay through their noses for what many regard as a rare opportunity.