RFU threatens to abandon Twickenham for Midlands

Twickenham’s status as the home of England rugby is under threat after licensing restrictions lost the prestigious venue an opportunity to host lucrative Beyonce concerts.

- WILL CASTLE

Rugby Football Union RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney has hinted at ditching the Allianz Stadium in southwest London in favour of Milton Keynes or Birmingham if they are not permitted to host more major non-rugby events.

The RFU is allowed to host three non-rugby events a year with a limited capacity of 55,000. The governing body has pressed Richmond borough council to increase this to 15 events for audiences of up to 82,000.

However, should Richmond not bow to these requests, Mr Sweeney has insisted that relocation from Twickenham could very much be on the table.

“There are plenty of places that would like to have us. Birmingham, Milton Keynes would love to have us there,” Mr Sweeney said on the Business of Sport podcast.