- Birmingham and Milton Keynes have been suggested as possible locations
- The development of Twickenham can only be afforded if regulations are changed
- Talks over licence restrictions on the use of Twickenham remain ongoing
Bill Sweeney, the RFU chief executive, has said he would consider moving the home of English rugby from London to Birmingham or Milton Keynes as talks with Richmond Borough Council over the licence restrictions on the use of Twickenham remain ongoing.
The RFU has begun redeveloping its iconic ground with the total cost set to be £600million – a sum that can only be afforded if current regulations are changed.
As things stand, Twickenham – now officially known as Allianz Stadium – can only host three non-rugby events with a capacity of 55,000 under Council rules.
Sweeney has revealed that meant the RFU missed out on hosting what would have been a lucrative series of concerts by superstar American performer Beyonce.
The RFU hopes it can persuade the Council to increase the number of annual non-rugby events to 15 with a full stadium capacity to raise the funds needed to pay for the stadium upgrading which is set to begin in 2027. However, if that does not happen, Sweeney has said he may look elsewhere.
‘There are plenty of places that would like to have us. Birmingham, Milton Keynes would love to have us there,’ Sweeney told the Business of Sport podcast.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has revealed he would be open to moving the home of England rugby out of London
The RFU has begun redeveloping Twickenham with the total cost set to be £600million – a sum that can only be afforded if current regulations are changed
England have played games at Twickenham since 1909 but could be set to leave the venue
Birmingham and Milton Keynes are among the locations that ‘would love to have us’, Sweeney said on the idea
‘Part of the renovation from 2027 means we are in discussions with Richmond Borough Council to stage more non-rugby events. We could have had Beyonce but she wanted three nights and we are only allowed two nights consecutively.
‘We are saying: ‘If we are going to invest £600million into the Allianz — and we have a study which shows how much economic value it contributes to the borough — you are going to have to work with us in terms of an increase in the number of events we can stage in order to monetise the stadium.’
‘I don’t know how we would justify the investment in the stadium if we can’t get the increase in the event licences.’
Sweeney said the prospect of leaving Twickenham, which has hosted England matches since 1909, would be a ‘tough call’ and ‘very difficult.’
Mail Sport understands the RFU put in a request to increase the number of Twickenham’s non-rugby events this week and that relations between them and the Council remain cordial.
The RFU’s first choice is to remain at and upgrade Twickenham in line with other modern global stadia, especially given they are less than 12 months into a 13-year naming rights deal with Allianz. Sweeney previously explored selling Twickenham and buying a 50 per cent stake in Wembley from the Football Association, but that did not materialise.
In a statement given to Mail Sport, a Richmond Council spokesperson said: ‘Allianz Stadium in Twickenham is a world-renowned venue and the home of England Rugby, attracting significant cultural and economic benefits to the borough. Richmond Council values the presence of the RFU and remains open to constructive discussions about the stadium’s operations.
‘The current planning permissions do not restrict the number and type of sporting events that can be held at the stadium. However, certain non-sporting events are currently limited to three per calendar year with a maximum capacity of 55,000 people – conditions that are in place to benefit the needs of local residents.
‘Richmond Council is currently engaging with the RFU to ensure the stadium remains a high-performing venue while maintaining a fair approach for those who live and work in the area. ‘Any increase to the number and capacity of future concerts would need to be part of a planning application and determined through the planning process.’