NZ Rugby Sevens organisers apologise for wristband glitch that affected 3500 fans

NZ Sevens have issued an apology to the disappointed fans after the cashless system failed. Photo / Getty

New Zealand Sevens organisers have issued an apology after a glitch in the cashless system left thousands of fans fuming.

Organisers have assured fans the issue had now been resolved after the wristband system failed on Saturday afternoon.

"The systems [crew] have worked on solutions overnight and they have given us assurances that the problems experienced yesterday have been resolved," event organiser Dallas Fisher said on Sunday.

We would like to apologise unreservedly to those that experienced difficulties with the cashless wristbands and the...

Posted by HSBC NZ 7s on Saturday, February 3, 2018

Many fans vocalised their complains about the glitch on NZ Sevens social media accounts, along with complaints about alcohol shortages and low-alcohol drinks being served after 4pm.

"Definitely not happy, an hour and a half to sort it out by following your instructions and trying to do the right thing by buying online and just be able to walk straight in. More compensation needed for missing out on games that we paid to go and see," a fan wrote on Facebook.

NZ Sevens organisers assured fans that the glitch was fixed. Photo / Getty

Organisers of the event responded on Facebook to apologise for the issues and waived online fees for refunds of unspent balances on the wristbands.

"We would like to apologise unreservedly to those that experienced difficulties with the cashless wristbands and the resulting queues at the NZ Sevens tournament on Saturday," the statement said.

"While for many people the system worked well, tournament organisers will work hard overnight with the cashless providers to ensure that any issues are resolved ahead of Sunday's gates opening at 10.30am."

"We acknowledge that this has been frustrating for some; therefore, the fees have been waived for online refunds of unspent balances. This will be available from 10am Tues 6 February. You can also still claim a refund at the event from 5pm Sunday 4 February."

Fisher confirmed that about 3,500 people were affected by the glitch.

"It was enough to cause the problem of the queues," said Fisher.

Organisers and police stood by their decision to sell low alcohol drinks after 4pm/ Photo / Getty

"For the period that we didn't have it fixed, it was unacceptable. Customers had to wait too long."

Many fans were also disgruntled and disappointed by the switch to light beer after 4pm, which was a planned move by organisers based on hourly reports on volume of alcohol sold and observations from those selling.

"Lining up for 30 mins to be offered 2.5% options for alcohol and still full priced. No body comes to the sevens for a family day out. Every body comes to have a piss up with the lads and have a good time ... you all need to have a look at yourselves and actually sell some decent piss," a fan wrote on the NZ Sevens Facebook page.

Fisher, however, stood by the decision and said it was "absolutely appropriate".

"You add those together and you make a decision," he said.

"The call has to be for the whole crowd ... because organisers were trying to manage 25,000 people."