Brumbies mascot forced to pay for semifinal ticket

Brumbies mascot Brumby Jack has been forced to buy a ticket in the semifinal clash between Waratahs and the Brumbies in Sydney.

The Waratahs have sold almost 35,000 tickets for the blockbuster clash against the Brumbies, with the winner to advance to the Super Rugby grand final next week.

But Brumby Jack will have to sit in the stands with fans instead of trotting up and down the sideline after NSW denied his request to join Waratahs escort the “Tah Man” on the field.

NSW say there’s no room for horse play so close to the action as they prepare to host their first final in six years, offering no reason other than Brumby Jack has to pay for his ticket.

Brumbies fans have already started an online petition hoping that Waratahs officials would allow Brumby Jack to go head to head with Tah Man.

The Waratahs will host the Brumbies at 9.40pm Saturday while the Crusaders will meet the Sharks in the first semi at 7.35pm Saturday.