Legal cases

Conditions imposed on a wheelchair user's attendance at an international rugby union ground
28 January 2003 - case closed

Summary : The client, who is a wheelchair user, alleged unfavourable treatment by a rugby ground in its provisions for disabled fans. The Rugby Union's rules state that a disabled person must be accompanied by an able bodied person. The client must therefore purchase two tickets for each game he wishes to attend, although the one for his companion is at a reduced rate. Furthermore, although the client was on the Rugby Union's disabled fans register, he was not offered seating on the terrace, as priority went to those who had a disability as a result of playing rugby.

Interest : This case highlights a number of issues regarding disabled fans' access to sports facilities such as rugby and football grounds.

Outcome: The rugby ground owners agreed to change their ticketing practices. They are developing new policies and have agreed to offer disability equality training to all staff.

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