The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is considering moving England’s home games away from Twickenham due to restrictions on hosting non-rugby events. The governing body has been lobbying for permission to stage more concerts and other events, arguing that the current limits are negatively impacting revenue generation.
Currently, Twickenham is only permitted to host three non-rugby events per year, with a maximum of two on consecutive nights and a restricted capacity of 55,000. With the stadium empty for the majority of the year, RFU officials believe this policy prevents them from capitalizing on lucrative opportunities. A recent example cited was missing out on hosting Beyoncé concerts, which were instead staged at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium due to these constraints.
The RFU has been engaging with Richmond council to increase the number of non-rugby events to 15 per year, with a capacity of 75,000. The union argues that other major venues in London, such as Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, enjoy significantly greater flexibility. Wembley hosts up to 32 non-football events annually, while Tottenham can accommodate 30. These venues have also attracted other high-profile events, including NFL matches, which had previously taken place at Twickenham.
As part of its ongoing discussions with Richmond council, the RFU has scheduled a series of engagement events to present its case. Officials have stressed that the planned £663 million redevelopment of Twickenham, set to begin in 2027, depends on increasing revenue through additional events. If the requested allowances are not granted, relocating to a more accommodating city remains a possibility. Birmingham and Milton Keynes have been mentioned as potential alternatives that would welcome the RFU.
The RFU has a history of considering other locations, having previously explored the idea of purchasing half of Wembley or relocating to a greenfield site in Birmingham. While the decision was ultimately made to remain at Twickenham, the latest licensing dispute has reopened discussions about moving.
In addition to concerts and large-scale events, the RFU has also proposed hosting festive attractions such as an ice rink and a Christmas market. The organization is also open to scheduling Six Nations matches on Friday nights to better suit broadcasters, though this is not planned for the upcoming season.
A significant financial agreement was made last year when the RFU signed a 13-year, £130 million deal to rename Twickenham under a sponsorship agreement. It remains unclear whether the terms of this deal allow for relocation or if a new stadium would automatically take on the sponsor’s name.
The RFU plans to submit planning and licensing applications soon and expects a decision from Richmond council by September. The proposed changes would be implemented gradually, starting with nine non-rugby events next year, increasing to 12 in 2027, and reaching 15 by 2028.
With a major investment in Twickenham’s future at stake, the RFU has made it clear that increasing the number of events is a crucial factor. Without these changes, the possibility of relocating to a new venue in another city remains on the table.
