The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has opened the door to hosting Chelsea matches at Twickenham if the Premier League club requires a temporary home. However, RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney expressed concerns that Richmond Council, the local authority, could pose significant hurdles to such a move.
While the financial potential of hosting an elite football club for a short period is appealing, Sweeney acknowledged that discussions had taken place in the past regarding the possibility of Chelsea temporarily moving to Twickenham. Chelsea, long in search of options to either redevelop Stamford Bridge or relocate to a new venue, has considered moving to Twickenham as an interim solution. Back in 2017, the idea of temporarily playing at Twickenham was seriously discussed. However, Chelsea ultimately decided to stay at Stamford Bridge, and is now contemplating either a long-term move to Earl’s Court or a major redevelopment of their existing ground.
If the RFU were to accommodate Chelsea, it would provide a significant financial boost, something that is needed following the RFU’s reported record losses in 2024. Last year, the union revealed that it was struggling to break even, making any additional revenue, such as that generated by hosting a Premier League club, a potentially vital lifeline.
Sweeney also addressed the issue of Twickenham’s licensing for hosting such events. He confirmed that the RFU’s license would allow Chelsea fixtures to take place at the venue. However, he pointed out that Richmond Borough Council might have objections, particularly due to concerns about the impact on local residents, such as increased traffic and large numbers of football fans attending matches. The council’s sensitivity to these concerns could affect whether or not the idea becomes a reality. Sweeney also noted that the potential move might depend on the nature of the football club, as some may be more palatable to local residents than others.
Twickenham has long been underutilized outside rugby events, with the stadium standing empty for about 340 days a year. The RFU has been seeking ways to increase revenue from non-rugby events, which could include football matches, concerts, and other events. Currently, the RFU is allowed to host just three major events per year at Twickenham, with only two of them allowed to be on consecutive nights. These events are capped at a maximum capacity of 55,000 people, despite the stadium’s full capacity being 82,000. As a result, the RFU has been pushing for an increase in the number of events it can host, specifically requesting the right to hold 15 events a year with a capacity of up to 75,000 people. They are hoping for a response from Richmond Council by September.
Sweeney emphasized the importance of staying at Twickenham for both financial and cultural reasons. The stadium’s location provides a strategic advantage, with hospitality and ticketing revenue being key drivers for the RFU. The geographical location of Twickenham is also crucial for attracting fans and generating income from various events. While the RFU has explored other options for relocation, including considering moves to Milton Keynes and Birmingham, Sweeney expressed a clear preference for staying at Twickenham.
In the meantime, the RFU continues to work with Richmond Council to secure the necessary agreements for expanding its event schedule, underscoring that their goal is to maintain Twickenham as the home of English rugby. The ongoing discussions with the council are described as cooperative, with both sides recognizing the value the stadium brings to the local area and to the wider rugby community.
On the international rugby front, England’s summer tour will be televised on Sky Sports after concerns that the national team might be overlooked by major broadcasters. England will play two Tests against Argentina and one against the USA in Washington. The tour has also seen additions to the coaching staff, with Lee Blackett from Bath and Byron McGuigan of Sale joining as part of the coaching team for the trip.
