Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

RFU explain where they looked before deciding to stay at Twickenham

By PA
Steve Borthwick's England score at Twickenham last March (Photo by Dan Mullan/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

A greenfield site in Birmingham came under consideration to become the new home of English rugby until the Rugby Football Union decided to remain at Twickenham, chief executive Bill Sweeney has revealed. The RFU was looking at possible alternatives in March last year to renovating the recently rebranded Allianz Stadium, with the option of buying a 50 per cent share in Wembley from the Football Association discussed before being discounted.

ADVERTISEMENT

It has now emerged that relocating to the midlands was also examined before it was concluded that renovating England’s ground in south-west London was the right choice for commercial reasons. “We looked at a range of different options. There was the merger with Wembley, which was a conversation,” Sweeney said.

“And there was a move somewhere else to a greenfield site which might have had better access for the whole of the country. It was in the Birmingham area and they were quite keen to work with us. All of the numbers at the end of the day led to remaining at Twickenham and redeveloping the stadium here.

Video Spacer

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – One year to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    ‘This Energy Never Stops’ – One year to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup

    With exactly one year to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 kicks off
    in Sunderland, excitement is sweeping across the host nation in anticipation of what
    will be the biggest and most accessible celebration of women’s rugby ever.

    Register now for the ticket presale

    “That was partly to do with the hospitality market in London from a commercial point of view. Plus there was the traditional piece, which couldn’t be discounted, in terms of the home of rugby being based in Twickenham.”

    The overhaul of the stadium will begin in 2027 at the earliest, with a £300million investment into essential works preferred over an unaffordable £663m complete revamp. Improved transport links and increased use for non-rugby occasions are high on the agenda.

    Fixture
    Internationals
    England
    22 - 24
    Full-time
    New Zealand
    All Stats and Data

    “Meetings are ramping up. It is very important we get flexibility with local councils in terms of events,” Sweeney said. “If you look at the non-sporting events at places like Wembley and Tottenham, they are also an important part of our future thinking.

    “We are probably not going rebuild the A316 or move London or motorways. But Old Oak Common will be linked to Hounslow, so there will be two ways to access Twickenham – Twickenham Station and Hounslow. There is also work being done to improve infrastructure and entry to the north part of the stadium.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Related

    New tickets for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are now available, with prices starting at £10 for adults and £5 for children. Buy now!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    South Africa v Argentina | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

    France v New Zealand | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

    England v Wales | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

    Tattoos & Rugby: Why are tattoos so popular with sportspeople? | Amber Schonert | Rugby Rising Locker Room Season 2

    Lions Share | Episode 3

    Zimbabwe vs Kenya | Rugby Africa Cup Semi Final | Full Match Replay

    USA vs Spain | Men's International | Full Match Replay

    Portugal vs Ireland | Men's International | Full Match Replay

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    0 Comments
    Be the first to comment...

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    LONG READ
    LONG READ Are green shoots emerging after annus horribilis? Wales' turbulent year reviewed Are green shoots emerging after annus horribilis? Wales' turbulent year reviewed