English rugby’s Twickenham stadium to be renamed
Twickenham is to be renamed Allianz Stadium from September after the English Rugby Football Union signed a long-term deal with the insurance company.
For the first time since it was built in 1907, the 82,000 seater home of English rugby will be rebranded as part of an agreement that the RFU insists will be “transformative” for the game.
The first fixture to be played at Twickenham under its new name is the Red Roses’ clash with New Zealand on September 14.
The RFU declined to reveal the amount being paid by Allianz for the naming rights, as well its investment into the senior England teams and community game, but described it as “significant”.
“We’re really pleased to be expanding our partnership with Allianz, enabling further investment into the community and professional game,” RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said.
“This partnership will support us in moving the game in a direction which serves all rugby, from minis to the elites, from club coaches to our national coaches and everything in between.
“As we head towards hosting the women’s World Cup in 2025, it is entirely fitting that the first game to be played at the newly named Allianz Stadium will be the Red Roses versus New Zealand on 14 September.”
Given Twickenham’s history, the move is controversial and will be met with opposition even if it is the last of the four home union stadiums to carry a sponsor title.
It is the first of England’s three major national team venues to be rebranded with Wembley and Lord’s remaining unchanged for England’s football and cricket sides respectively.
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