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.

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.