RFU considered selling Twickenham and buying 50 per cent of Wembley, leaked documents reveal
The RFU explored leaving Twickenham and relocating to Wembley – Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson
The Rugby Football Union considered selling Twickenham and buying 50 per cent of Wembley Stadium, leaked documents have revealed.
This radical move, part of a ‘leave’ option explored by the RFU, would have been an alternative to undergoing a £663 million redevelopment detailed in a 69-page blueprint entitled ‘Twickenham Stadium Masterplan Programme’ that has been seen by Telegraph Sport.
The masterplan is a wide-ranging renovation project, known as the ‘stay’ option, which has been designated as the “preferred way forward” after the union decided against moving to Wembley – the RFU had not contacted the Football Association about any possible agreement – last summer.
“While the Masterplan Programme Team has focused efforts on developing the PWF ‘Stay’ option and as such not sought to advance the ‘Leave’ option, whereby the RFU would explore the potential to dispose of Twickenham Stadium and purchase a 50 per cent share of Wembley Stadium,” reads the masterplan.
“This was based on a board-approved recommendation (March 2023) to retain the Leave option as a reserve but defer formal engagement with the Football Association and financial investment until further feasibility clarity is obtained with the Stay option and licensing authority views.”
While the report adds that the £663 million redevelopment is currently deemed “unaffordable”, it does state that essential works will be prioritised to the cost of around £300 million in available financing.
Any loan of more than £150 million would need prior approval from the RFU Council.
The masterplan encompasses work on all four stands as well as on the roof and the surrounding car parks. The RFU’s offices would also be relocated.
A 10-month window between the 2027 and the 2028 Six Nations tournaments, given a lack of autumn internationals in 2027 because of the men’s World Cup that year, has been highlighted as a potential window for construction. The masterplan suggests that England women’s internationals during that period would be taken ”fully on the road”, while World Cup warm-up matches would be toured around the country.
A statement from the RFU explained that the next year would be critical to organising the next steps. “Our long-term masterplan for Twickenham stadium is being developed to ensure England’s national rugby stadium stays up to date, is compliant with all relevant regulations, provides the best possible experiences for fans, and continues to generate revenue for reinvestment into the community and professional game,” said a spokesperson.
“Work will be undertaken over the next 12 months to consider next stage designs and assess what interventions might take place and when within the existing stadium footprint over the next 10 years. The RFU board has not agreed any new redevelopment plans. However, as you would expect all options will be thoroughly considered as part of a long-term strategy.
“As plans are further developed, the RFU board and council will be fully consulted and engaged in the due diligence and approval process, this would include any potential funding sources. As per the RFU constitution, if borrowing of over £150m was needed, council members’ views and approval would be required. We do not anticipate major stadium works starting before 2027.”
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