Twickenham is to be renamed Allianz Stadium from September after the Rugby Soccer Union signed a long-term take care of the insurance coverage firm.
For the primary time because it was in-built 1907, the 82,000-seater house of English rugby will probably be rebranded as a part of an settlement that the RFU insists will probably be “transformative” for the sport.
The primary fixture to be performed at Twickenham below its new title is the Purple Roses’ conflict with New Zealand on September 14.
The RFU declined to disclose the quantity being paid by Allianz for the naming rights, as effectively its funding into the senior England groups and group recreation, however 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 govt Invoice Sweeney mentioned.
“This is a chance to rejoice our stadium’s proud legacy whereas growing it for the long run.
“This partnership will assist us in shifting the sport in a path that serves all rugby, from minis to the elites, from membership coaches to our nationwide coaches and all the things in between.
“Over the coming years, the RFU and Allianz will work together to enhance visitor experiences and provide fans and the local community with the best possible match day and event experiences.
“As we head in the direction of internet hosting the ladies’s World Cup in 2025, it’s completely becoming that the primary recreation to be performed on the newly named Allianz Stadium would be the Purple Roses versus New Zealand on 14 September.”
Given Twickenham’s historical past, the transfer is controversial and will probably be met with opposition even when it’s the final of the 4 house union stadiums to hold a sponsor title.
It’s the first of England’s three main nationwide crew venues to be rebranded with Wembley and Lord’s remaining unchanged for England’s soccer and cricket sides respectively.
The transfer comes after the RFU reported a lack of £6.3m and working revenue of £4m when asserting its figures for the 2022/23 monetary 12 months.
As a part of the its monetary report launched in December, the English recreation’s governing physique said it was working in a “very difficult financial environment”, a reality underlined by the collapse of Wasps, Worcester and London Irish throughout the 2022/23 season.
The RFU revealed in February that it was aiming to start renovations of Twickenham in 2027 after rejecting a proposal to make Wembley the brand new house of English rugby.
Shopping for a 50 per cent share in Wembley from the Soccer Affiliation was thought-about by the RFU’s board in March final 12 months earlier than the thought was discounted with out a formal method to the FA being made.
