RFU considered selling Twickenham, bidding for 50% of Wembley

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has assessed the possibility of selling Twickenham and offering to buy 50% of Wembley as an option instead of redeveloping its stadium.

According to a leaked 69-page plan outlining the redevelopment of Twickenham – a plan seen by ESPN – the RFU considered selling Twickenham and then investing in Wembley. This was called the 'leave' option in a plan called the Twickenham Stadium Masterplan, detailed by consultants in 2023.

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The RFU Board voted against this option and the 'Preferred Way Forward' (PWF) recommended in the Masterplan therefore sees the RFU renovating Twickenham over the next six years. The total project would cost around £663 million, which the report describes as “unaffordable”, so more urgent redevelopment could be prioritized.

“While the Masterplan team focused its efforts on developing the PWF's 'Remain' option and therefore did not seek to promote the 'Leave' option, whereby the RFU would explore the possibility of ceding Twickenham Stadium and purchase a 50% share of Wembley Stadium,” the plan states.

“This was based on a recommendation approved by the Board of Directors [March 2023] to retain the leave option as a reserve, but to defer formal engagement with the Football Association and financial investment until further clarification on the feasibility is obtained with the stay option and points from the perspective of the licensing authority.

The master plan explored possibilities for redevelopment of the four stands, the roof and surrounding infrastructure. The report suggests any rearrangement could take place between the 2027 and 2028 men's Six Nations tournaments.

Twickenham has been the birthplace of English rugby since 1909 and match revenues represent 85% of the RFU's revenue.

The RFU reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Twickenham on Tuesday.

“Our long-term masterplan for Twickenham Stadium is being developed to ensure England's national rugby stadium remains up to date, complies with all current regulations, provides the best possible fan experiences and continues to generate revenue to reinvest in the community and professional game,” an RFU spokesperson said.

“Work will be undertaken over the next 12 months to consider the design of the next stages and assess what interventions could take place and when within the existing stadium footprint over the next ten years.

“The RFU Board has not approved any new redevelopment plans. However, as would be expected, all options will be carefully considered as part of a long-term strategy.

“As plans are developed, the RFU Board and Council will be fully consulted and engaged in the due diligence and approval process, this will include all potential funding sources. In accordance with The constitution of the RFU, if borrowing of more than £150 million was required, the council's opinion and approval of members would be required.

“The RFU is focused on the continued development of Twickenham Stadium. Previous considerations around the viability of a move to alternative sites have been rejected. We do not anticipate any major works to the stadium before 2027.”