Statement: RFU confirms they plan to reduce the capacity of Allianz Stadium
Rugby NewsTuesday, 12 November 2024 at 10:29
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is planning to reduce Twickenham Stadium’s seating capacity to improve spectator comfort.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
This change is part of a broader redevelopment strategy, according to details in the Twickenham Stadium Masterplan Programme (TSMP).
Proposal Discussed in 2023
The TSMP revealed that the RFU board explored an alternative option in March 2023: selling Twickenham, now Allianz Stadium, and investing in a 50% share of Wembley. However, no formal proposal was ever presented to the Football Association (FA).
Twickenham’s Legacy Preserved
The RFU has committed to enhancing Twickenham, England’s historic home ground since 1909, rather than pursuing a move. "Previous considerations looking at the viability of moving to alternative sites have been rejected," confirmed the RFU in a statement.
Past Ventures at Wembley
While the "leave" option was not taken further, Twickenham’s association with Wembley is not entirely new. England’s rugby team has played there twice: in 1992 against Canada and in 1999 against Wales.
Upcoming Renovation Highlights
The redevelopment plans focus on upgrading stadium infrastructure, including roof repairs and transport enhancements. The renovation work will commence after the 2027 Six Nations and is expected to conclude before the 2028 tournament.
The capacity will be reduced from 82,000 to 80,000.
2025 Six Nations Fixtures
ROUND 1
- Friday 31 January
- France vs Wales - 8.15pm
- Saturday 1 February
- Scotland vs Italy - 2.15pm
- Ireland vs England - 4.45pm
Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland spins the ball out during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
ROUND 2
- Saturday 8 February
- Italy vs Wales - 2.15pm
- England vs France - 4.45pm
- Sunday 9 February
- Scotland vs Ireland - 3pm
ROUND 3
- Saturday 22 February
- Wales vs Ireland - 2.15pm
- England vs Scotland - 4.45pm
- Sunday 23 February
- Italy vs France - 3pm
ROUND 4
- Saturday 8 March
- Ireland vs France - 2.15pm
- Scotland vs Wales - 4.45pm
- Sunday 9 March
- England vs Italy - 3pm
Ollie Lawrence of England is tackled by Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
ROUND 5
- Saturday 15 March
- Italy vs Ireland - 2.15pm
- Wales vs England - 4.45pm
- France vs Scotland - 8pm
AI predicts the next 20 Six Nations winners, Scotland finally win it
Groundbreaking AI technology has unveiled its jaw-dropping forecasts for the next two decades of Six Nations glory, and the results are nothing short of mind-blowing.
According to the cutting-edge predictions, England is poised to clinch victory in a staggering five out of the next 20 tournaments, while Scotland is primed for a historic triumph, marking their first title since their Five Nations conquest in 1999.
However, the road ahead seems daunting for Wales, as the AI oracle forecasts a prolonged wait until 2041 for their next taste of Six Nations glory.
Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as England, Ireland, and France are slated to dominate the competition, casting a shadow over Welsh aspirations.
Check out the next 20 Six Nations winner's below.
2025: France
2026: Ireland
2027: England
2028: England
2029: Scotland
2030: France
2031: Ireland
2032: England
2033: Ireland
2034: France
2035: Ireland
2036: England
2037: Scotland
2038: France
2039: Ireland
2040: England
2041: Wales
2042: France
2043: Ireland
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading