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RFU Threatens Twickenham Relocation Over Event Licensing Standoff

The Rugby Football Union is pushing for expanded non-rugby event allowances at Twickenham, citing financial pressures and redevelopment plans, while facing resistance from local residents and governance challenges.

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Sweeney has said Twickenham was unable to host Beyoncé because of the stadium’s licence, which at present allows three non-rugby events per year

Overview

  • The RFU is lobbying Richmond Borough Council to increase Twickenham's non-rugby event limit from three to 15 annually, with a maximum capacity of 82,000 attendees.
  • Chief Executive Bill Sweeney has warned that the RFU may relocate to Milton Keynes or Birmingham if the council does not approve the expanded licensing request.
  • The RFU missed out on hosting lucrative Beyoncé concerts due to current restrictions, which limit events to three annually and two consecutive nights with a 55,000-person capacity.
  • The union plans a £600-663 million redevelopment of Twickenham starting in 2027, contingent on increased revenue from non-rugby events.
  • Local residents and Richmond Borough Council have raised concerns about the impact of additional events on transport infrastructure and community life, as the RFU faces internal governance disputes, including a no-confidence vote for Sweeney next week.