The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is considering the possibility of hosting England’s Six Nations matches on Friday nights, responding to a push from tournament organizers for greater flexibility in scheduling. While England has never played a Friday night fixture in the championship, other nations, including France and Wales, have embraced the format since its introduction in 2009.
England previously managed to overcome logistical challenges to stage their 2015 World Cup opener against Fiji at Twickenham on a Friday night. However, for many years, the RFU resisted scheduling Six Nations matches on Fridays, citing concerns about transport, operations, commercial considerations, and safety. Currently, England’s home fixtures are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, with afternoon kick-offs remaining the preferred option. Despite this, sources suggest that Friday night matches at Twickenham have not been ruled out if they align with broadcasters’ interests.
A key factor influencing potential scheduling changes is the Six Nations television rights deal, which expires after the current tournament. The existing arrangement, shared between the BBC and ITV, could be replaced by a new deal that includes a subscription broadcaster, with TNT reportedly considering a bid. Organizers are open to a hybrid model, where some matches remain on free-to-air television, though it is unclear whether England’s home fixtures currently aired on ITV would move behind a paywall. Until a new broadcasting agreement is finalized, next year’s fixture schedule remains undecided. Increased flexibility from all unions in terms of kick-off times could make the tournament more attractive to bidders.
Twickenham has already hosted a major Friday night match, with more than 80,000 spectators attending a World Cup warm-up game between New Zealand and South Africa last August. However, logistical challenges persist. Concerns over crowd control emerged after England’s defeat to South Africa in November, particularly regarding congestion in a car park and overcrowding at Twickenham rail station. Addressing these issues is a priority for the RFU, which is working on a long-term plan to reduce reliance on the station and improve transport infrastructure around the stadium.
In addition to rugby events, Twickenham’s future development plans include efforts to increase non-sporting events at the venue. Currently, only three concerts a year are permitted, with a reduced capacity of 55,000. The RFU is consulting with local councils to expand this limit to 15 concerts at full stadium capacity, aiming to compete with major venues like Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Revenue from these events would contribute to a planned stadium redevelopment, estimated to cost around £660 million.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for England’s upcoming Six Nations matches. Ben Curry has expressed confidence in his twin brother, Tom, ahead of a key lineout battle against Ireland. With head coach Steve Borthwick opting to field both brothers at the expense of a more traditional jumper, there are questions about England’s aerial game. Ireland has selected Ryan Baird, a lock playing at blindside flanker, but Ben Curry remains confident in England’s lineout strategy, emphasizing Tom’s experience, including his role in the 2019 World Cup final.
