RFU is open to hosting Chelsea at Twickenham

England’s Rugby Football Union RFU) would be open to hosting Chelsea games at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham if the Premier League club are forced to play away from Stamford Bridge.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE RUGBY CORRESPONDENT

Chelsea, owned by a consortium led by Todd Boehly, are considering proposals for a redevelopment of their west London ground or a relocation, with talks held over a site in nearby Earl’s Court as they seek to expand their capacity.

A redevelopment could force the club away from the ground they have occupied since being formed in 1905, though no decision has yet been made.

Were they to seek a temporary home, Twickenham could potentially fit the bill with its southwest London location and 82,000 capacity, and the RFU has suggested it would be open to discussion over potentially hosting football games.

No discussions have so far taken place, but the union is hoping to expand the number of non-sporting events it is able to host each year as it looks to raise funds for its own £600m redevelopment of the ground in the next few years.

While a greater number of concerts is a likelier route to grow the income that Twickenham generates, chief executive Bill Sweeney admitted that dismissing any possible partnership with Chelsea would be unwise with the licence currently allowing them to host sporting events, even if he would expect opposition from Richmond Borough Council and local residents.