TWICKENHAM will be upgraded on a budget, with the RFU unable to afford a full-scale renovation of the home of English rugby.
The RFU weighed up an ambitious bid to buy half of Wembley Stadium, but have now ruled out a move away from the English game’s traditional west London home.
Measured improvements, rather than a total renovation, will be undertaken, with the RFU unable to afford a complete £663million redevelopment.
English rugby chiefs will spend the next year examining detailed plans for the first phase of any improvements within the existing footprint, with work likely to take place between the 2027 and 2028 Six Nations tournament.
An RFU source insisted a “mend-and make-do” approach would represent the most prudent way forward.
“England’s men’s team fixtures still represent the overwhelming majority the RFU’s revenue, and it is imperative that those streams continue,” an RFU source told Standard Sport. “The bare facts are that it is not affordable to carry out anything radical in terms of redeveloping Twickenham, especially after Covid and off the back of Premiership clubs going bust.
This story is from the February 20, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 20, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
