Twickenham Stadium
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 Aerial view of Twickenham Stadium | |
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| Location | 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7BA[2] |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°27′21″N0°20′29″W/ 51.45583°N 0.34139°W |
| Public transit |  Twickenham |
| Owner | Rugby Football Union |
| Executive suites | 150 |
| Capacity | 82,000 (rugby)[3] 75,000 (American football) |
| Field size | 125 m × 70 m |
| Surface | Desso GrassMaster |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1907 |
| Opened | 2 October 1909 |
| Architect | John Bradley |
| Tenants | |
| England national rugby union team Harlequins(Selected Matches) Bath Rugby(2017-2019, Selected Matches) | |
| Website | |
| twickenhamstadium.com | |
Twickenham Stadium(/ˈtwɪkənəm/) inTwickenham,in theLondon Borough of Richmond upon Thames,England, is arugby unionstadium owned by theRugby Football Union(RFU), English rugby union governing body, which has its headquarters there. The stadium is England'snational rugby union stadiumand is the venue of theEngland national rugby union teamhome matches.
It is the world's largest rugby union stadium, the second largest stadium in the United Kingdom, behindWembley Stadium,and thefifth largest in Europe.
TheMiddlesex Sevens,Premiership Rugbyfixtures,Anglo-Welsh Cupmatches,HarlequinsannualBig Game,theVarsity MatchbetweenOxfordandCambridgeuniversities andEuropean Rugby Champions Cupgames have been played at Twickenham Stadium. It has also been used as the venue for theRugby Football League'sChallenge CupFinal in 2001 and 2006, and theNFL London Gamesin 2016 and 2017.
Twickenham Stadium has hosted concerts byRihanna,Iron Maiden,Bryan Adams,Bon Jovi,Genesis,U2,Beyoncé,the Rolling Stones,the Police,Eagles,R.E.M.,Eminem,Lady Gaga,MetallicaandDepeche Mode.
Overview[edit]
Twickenham is often referred to as "the Home of Rugby".[4]The stadium, owned and operated by the RFU, hosts rugby union fixtures all year round. It is the home of the English rugby union team, who play nearly all their home games at the stadium. Twickenham hosts England's homeSix Nationsmatches, as well as games against touring teams from the Southern Hemisphere, usually annually in November.
Apart from its relationship with the national team, Twickenham is the venue for a number of other domestic and international rugby union matches. It hosts the annualLondon legof theWorld Rugby Sevens Series,the Cup (championship) final, the third-place match of the annualLondon legof theWorld Rugby Women's Sevens Series,and the domesticMiddlesex Sevenscompetition. It is also the venue for thePremiership Rugbyfinal as well asHarlequins'Big Gameat Christmas time and an additional annual fixture hosted by Harlequins in late spring.[5]Anglo-Welsh Cup,Heineken CupandChampions Cupfinals have been held here, and the stadium also hostsThe Varsity MatchbetweenOxfordandCambridge,the English schools'Daily Mail CupFinal and theArmy Navy Match,which forms the culmination of the annual Inter-Services Competition.
History[edit]
Sold-out Tests againstNew ZealandandSouth AfricaatCrystal Palacesaw the RFU realise the benefit of owning their own ground. Committee memberWilliam Williamsand treasurerWilliam Cail[6]led the way to purchasing a 10.25 acre (4 hectare) market garden in Twickenham in 1907 for£5,500 12s 6d. The first stands were constructed the following year. Before the ground was purchased, it was used to grow, among other vegetables, cabbages, and so Twickenham Stadium is affectionately known as the Cabbage Patch. After further expenditure on roads, the first game, betweenHarlequinsv.Richmond,was played on 2 October 1909, and the first international,Englandv.Wales,on 15 January 1910. At the time of the England-Wales game, the stadium had a maximum capacity of 20,000 spectators. During World War I, the ground was used for cattle, horse and sheep grazing.King George Vunveiled a war memorial in 1921.
In 1926, the firstMiddlesex Sevenstook place at the ground. In 1927 the firstVarsity Matchtook place at Twickenham for the first time. On 19 March 1938,BBC Televisionbroadcast the England – Scotland (Calcutta Cup) match from Twickenham, the first time that a rugby match was shown live on television.[7]In 1959, to mark 50 years of the ground, a combined side of England and Wales beatIrelandandScotlandby 26 points to 17.
Coming into the last match of the 1988 season, England had lost 15 of their previous 23 matches in the Five Nations Championship. The Twickenham crowd had only seen one England try in the previous two years, and at half-time the team were 0–3 down against Ireland. During the second half, England started playing an expansive game many had doubted they were capable of producing. A 0–3 deficit was turned into a 35–3 win, with England scoring six tries. This day also saw the origins of the adoption of the traditional spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"as a terrace song. Three of England's tries in the match were scored byChris Oti,a black player who had made a reputation for himself that season as speedy left winger. A group of boys from theBenedictineschoolDouai,following a tradition at their school games, sang "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" whenever a try was scored. When Oti scored his second try, amused spectators standing close to the boys joined in, and when Oti scored hishat-trickthe song was heard around the ground.[8][9]Since then "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" has been a song to sing at England home games,[10]in the same way thatFields of Athenryis sung inDublinandCwm Rhonddais sung inCardiff.
The United Kingdom, Ireland and France shared the hosting of the1991 Rugby World Cup.Twickenham was used duringpool AEngland matches. Twickenham was also host of the1991 Rugby World Cup Finalin whichAustraliabeat England 12–6. For this game, England changed their style of play, opting for the sort of running game that had brought them victory against Ireland in the March 1988 game referred to above. During this match, with the English facing a 12–3 deficit,David Campesereached one-handed for a ball thrown to England winger,Rory Underwood.He dropped it and the ball rolled forward, gifting England a penalty that proved to be the last score of the game. Some have claimed that Campese's action should have been interpreted as a deliberate professional foul, with possible disciplinary action against the Australian player. However, on the same ground in November 1988, Campese had intercepted a similar pass and run the length of the field to score a try.[11]
Some of the Welsh-hosted1999 Rugby World Cupgames were taken to Twickenham. These included three of England'spool Bmatches, the second round playoff when England defeatedFiji45 points to 24, and both semi-finals, none of which England were involved in, having made their exit in the quarter-finals at the hands ofSouth Africa.Under the reign ofClive Woodward,the stadium became known as 'Fortress Twickenham', as England enjoyed a run of 19 unbeaten home matches from October 1999, ending with defeat against Ireland in 2004. TheIRB Rugby Aid Matchwas played on 5 March 2005 under the auspices of theInternational Rugby Board(IRB) to raise money for the United NationsWorld Food Programmeto support its work helping victims of the2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.The match was between representative sides of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, with the Southern side winning 54–19.
In May 2023, during a match between Sale and Saracens, a group of Just Stop Oil protesters came onto the pitch and started to vandalise the surface. Some of the players helped security staff to remove the protestors, who were later arrested.[12]
Redevelopment[edit]
Since the ground's purchase by the RFU in 1907, it has gone through a number of redevelopments. In 1921, a stand was built above the northern terrace, with workshops placed underneath. In 1927, the East Stand was extended, bringing the capacity to 12,000. The south terrace was later extended to enable crowds of 20,000. In 1932, a new West Stand was completed, providing offices for the RFU, who made the ground their home. In 1937,MiddlesexCounty Council approved a scheme submitted by Twickenham Borough Council to widen Rugby Road due to it being inadequate for traffic.
In 1965, the South Terrace was closed due to structural failings. It was found to be cheaper to build a new stand than to repair the existing one; however, planning permission was refused, due to objections from local residents. Permission was eventually granted in 1978. A period of extensive rebuilding took place during the early 1980s, which continued through to the mid-1990s. In 1981, the South Terrace was rebuilt as the South Stand. After being taken down in 1989, an extended North Stand was opened in 1990. Following the 1992 Five Nations, the stadium saw the development of the new East Stand and subsequently the West Stand. In 1995, the stadium redevelopment was completed, the ground now accommodating 75,000 people in an all-seater environment. The North, East and West stands were all built byMowlem.[13] Planning permission was sought in 2002 and received in December 2004 for a new South Stand to further raise capacity, with building work commencing in June 2005. As well as increasing the stadium's capacity to 82,000, the redevelopment introduced a four-starMarriotthotel with 156 rooms and six VIP suites with views over the field, a performing arts complex, a health and leisure club, a new rugby shop and a general increase in function space. In July 2005, the old south stand was demolished to make way for the new development. The festivities that were planned to mark this were cancelled in the wake of the7 July terror attacksin the centre of London. The new seating, which had been started byMowlem,was completed byCarillionon 5 November 2006 in time for the England vs New Zealand game of that year'sautumn internationalsseries, in which England lost in a near-record defeat.[13]
The rugby stadium continued to be developed into 2018 with the upgrading of the east stand. The new stand offers match-day hospitality as well as six floors of event spacing.[14]The east stand was over budget due to additional safety measures put in place to make the redeveloped structure capable of withstanding a bomb attack, and to make it fireproof, with work carried out on the cladding in response to theGrenfell Tower fire.Following the upgrade, the roof is now complete.[15][16]
Rugby World Cup[edit]
Twickenham Stadium has hosted Rugby World Cup Matches in 1991, 1999 and 2015, including the finals in 1991 and 2015 when England were the host nation. The Stadium also hosted semi-finals in 1999, including France's famous 43–31 victory over New Zealand. In August 2023, the stadium was confirmed as one of eight host venues for the2025 Rugby World Cup.[17]
1991 Rugby World Cup[edit]
| Stage of Tournament | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool A | England | 12–18 | New Zealand |
| Pool A | England | 36–6 | Italy |
| Pool A | England | 37–9 | United States of America |
| Final | England | 6–12 | Australia |
1999 Rugby World Cup[edit]
| Stage of Tournament | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool B | England | 67–7 | Italy |
| Pool B | England | 16–30 | New Zealand |
| Pool B | England | 101–10 | Tonga |
| Quarter Final Play Off | England | 45–24 | Fiji |
| Semi Final | Australia | 27–21 | South Africa |
| Semi Final | France | 43–31 | New Zealand |
2015 Rugby World Cup[edit]
| Stage of Tournament | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool A | England | 35–11 | Fiji |
| Pool A | England | 25–28 | Wales |
| Pool A | England | 13–33 | Australia |
| Pool A | Australia | 15–6 | Wales |
| Pool D | France | 32–10 | Italy |
| Quarter Final | South Africa | 23–19 | Wales |
| Quarter Final | Australia | 35–34 | Scotland |
| Semi Final | South Africa | 18–20 | New Zealand |
| Semi Final | Argentina | 15–29 | Australia |
| Final | New Zealand | 34–17 | Australia |
2025 Rugby World Cup[edit]
The stadium will be one of eight host venues for the2025 Rugby World Cup.[17]
Other uses[edit]
Though Twickenham usually only hosts rugby union fixtures, it has in the past been the venue for a number of other events. In 2000, the ground hosted its first game ofrugby league,in whichAustraliadefeatedEnglandin the opening game of the2000 Rugby League World Cup.TheRugby League Challenge CupFinal has also been played at Twickenham twice, in2001and2006,and was won by St. Helens on both occasions.
Due to the construction delays ofWembley,a number of scheduled events at Wembley were moved to Twickenham. The Challenge Cup and theRolling Stones'A Bigger Bang Tourconcerts were taken to Twickenham.[18]The Stones also played two shows at Twickenham in August and September 2003, the first of which was used as their stadium concert disc for the 2003 DVDFour Flicks.During 2007Genesisplayed at Twickenham during theirreunion tour.The Policeplayed at the stadium in September 2007 andRod Stewartin June. The usual capacity for concerts is anything up to 50,000, as opposed to the 82,000 for rugby.[19]
R.E.M.performed at Twickenham in August 2008, while New Jersey rockersBon Joviplayed two gigs at the stadium in June 2008 as part of theirLost Highway Tour,andIron Maidenplayed there as part of theirSomewhere Back in Time World Touron 5 July 2008, along with a full supporting bill which includedAvenged Sevenfold,Within Temptationand Lauren Harris.
Lady Gagaperformed two sold-out shows at the stadium during herBorn This Way BallTour on the 8th and 9 September 2012 with 101,250 people attending for both shows. The first date broke a record for The Fastest Selling-out Stadium Show in UK history when the 50,625 tickets for the first show sold out in 50 seconds.
Rihannaperformed two shows at the stadium during herDiamonds World Touron 15 and 16 June 2013 for 95,971 people for both nights.
Since the mid-1950s it has also hosted theJehovah's Witnessesannual convention for the London area. Usually up to 25,000 attend to hear Bible talks.
The TV motoring showTop Gearused the pitch for a match of rugby, played usingKiacars. This was played prior to resurfacing.[20]
Concerts[edit]
American football[edit]
It was announced on 3 November 2015 that the RFU and America'sNational Football Leaguehad agreed a three-year deal to host at least threeNFL London Games.The deal began in October 2016 and gave the opportunity to host an additional two games over the three-year period of the deal.[21]
On 23 October 2016, theLos Angeles Ramshosted theNew York Giantsat Twickenham Stadium. This was the second of three London Games in 2016, with the others being played atWembley.[22]The game was televised live in the UK onBBC Two.
The final two games of the agreement were played in 2017, with matchups announced on 13 December 2016.[23]
| List of NFL London Games at Twickenham Stadium | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Date | UK Broadcaster | Designated Home | Score | Designated Away | Attendance |
| 2016 | 23 October | BBC[24] |  Los Angeles Rams |
10–17 | New York Giants |
74,121 |
| 2017 | 22 October | Sky Sports | Los Angeles Rams |
33–0 | Arizona Cardinals |
73,736[25] |
| 29 October | BBC | Cleveland Browns |
16–33 | Minnesota Vikings |
74,237 | |
World Rugby Museum[edit]
TheWorld Rugby Museumis a museum located in Twickenham Stadium. The museum covers the whole of the global game, not just English rugby union. It tells the history of the sport, includingWilliam Webb EllisandRichard Lindon,using interactive display techniques. The museum has a rolling programme of special exhibitions which cover topical issues and offer an opportunity to display some of the obscurer items in the collection. Some unique displays include anEnglish rugby union jerseyfrom the first ever rugby union international in 1871 between England and Scotland, and (until 2005) theWilliam Webb Ellis Cupwhich was obtained by England at the2003 Rugby World Cup.Twickenham Stadium Tours are also available through the Museum and run four times per day (Tuesday to Saturday) and twice on Sundays. It is usually open every day of the week except for Mondays and on match days, when a special-priced entry is available for match ticket holders only.
See also[edit]
- Twickenham Streaker (disambiguation)
- Sport in London
- Rugby union in England
- List of rugby union stadiums by capacity
- Lists of stadiums
References[edit]
- ^"The Rugby ground: The Twickenham Museum".twickenham-museum.org.uk. Archived fromthe originalon 22 June 2011.Retrieved15 April2010.
- ^"Rugby Football Union – Contact us".England Rugby.Retrieved23 January2020.
- ^"Twickenham Stadium".England Rugby.Retrieved7 January2014.
- ^"Home of Rugby to host cycling charity challenge".RFUpress office.8 September 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 2 February 2007.
- ^Harlequins RFC website -https://www.quins.co.uk/big-game
- ^"Cail, William".20thcenturylondon.org.uk.Renaissance London. Archived fromthe originalon 4 November 2013.Retrieved24 January2020.
- ^"TELEVISION – Monday, March 14 to Saturday, March 19"(PDF).Radio Times.11 March 1938.Retrieved21 February2016.
- ^The Observer (5 February 2006)."Blood, mud and aftershave".The Guardian.
O is for Oti
- ^"The story behind" Swing Low Sweet Chariot "and how it became a rugby anthem".everyhit.com.Retrieved8 October2007.
- ^Geoghegan, Tom (19 October 2007)."All you need to know about rugby: Rugby songs and jokes".BBC News Magazine.
- ^"1991: Wallabies pip England".BBC Sport.24 September 2003.Retrieved19 August2006.
- ^Badshah, Nadeem (27 May 2023)."Just Stop Oil protesters invade pitch and stop play at Twickenham rugby final".The Guardian.
- ^ab"Steel conversion for Twickenham".New Steel Construction. 1 September 2006.Retrieved20 January2018.
- ^"TWICKENHAM PREPARES TO UNVEIL NEW EAST STAND TO THE INDUSTRY".twickenhamstadium.com.16 November 2018.Retrieved16 November2018.
- ^"TWICKENHAM REDEVELOPMENT FACING COST INCREASES".28 February 2018.Retrieved28 February2018.
- ^"New East Stand at Twickenham Stadium opens: A look at six floors of hospitality".9 November 2018.Retrieved9 November2018.
- ^ab"Rugby World Cup 2025: Eight host venues named for tournament in England".BBC Sport.21 August 2023.Retrieved22 August2023.
- ^"Stadium delay hits Wembley gigs".BBC. 31 March 2006.Retrieved24 September2006.
- ^"RFU apply for two additional concerts at Twickenham Stadium in 2007".The Twickenham Rugby Stadium. Archived fromthe originalon 25 June 2008.Retrieved21 March2007.
- ^"Six Nations 2013: Top Gear team play car rugby".BBC Sport.BBC.Retrieved18 February2013.
- ^"NFL action at Twickenham".England Rugby.Archived fromthe originalon 7 November 2015.
- ^"NFL Announces 2016 International Series Games in London".NFL UK.National Football League.Archived fromthe originalon 26 November 2015.
- ^"2017 London games: NFL announces which teams will be playing".NFL.com.NFL.Retrieved13 December2016.
- ^"New York Giants vs Los Angeles Rams 10/23/16".NFL.National Football League.Retrieved16 April2016.
- ^Doyle, Tom (22 October 2017)."NFL London 2017: Los Angeles Rams crush Arizona Cardinals 33–0".Evening Standard.Retrieved22 October2017.
Further reading[edit]
- Harris, Ed, (2005).Twickenham: The History of the Cathedral of Rugby,Sports Books, (ISBN1899807292)
- Spragg, Iain, (2010).Twickenham – 100 Years of Rugby's HQ,Vision Sports Publishing, (ISBN9781905326761)
External links[edit]
- 1909 establishments in England
- Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- Sports venues completed in 1909
- Music venues in London
- Sports venues in London
- National stadiums
- Rugby League World Cup stadiums
- Rugby union stadiums in London
- Rugby World Cup stadiums
- Sport in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- Twickenham
- Rugby union in Middlesex
- Tourist attractions in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- National Football League venues
- American football venues in the United Kingdom
- World Rugby Sevens Series venues