Premiership Rugby is considering relocating its highly anticipated end-of-season final from Twickenham for the first time, as part of an ambitious strategy to enhance the league’s overall appeal.
The 2022/23 season marked a historic period of upheaval in the top professional tier of English rugby, with three teams – Worcester, Wasps, and London Irish – facing financial difficulties.
With a current 10-team division under new leadership, the Premiership aims to establish and strengthen its position before exploring innovative avenues for development.
The 2024 final is already pencilled in for Twickenham, but there is a growing pressure to take the showpiece final around the country.
Rob Calder is the Premiership’s chief growth officer, told the Mail Online: ‘We’ve discussed this with the RFU. Personally, I would love the opportunity to take it (the final) elsewhere and grow the game across the country if the RFU supports that,’ he told Mail Sport.
‘We’re debating that at the moment. We know we need to ensure rugby is relevant in the north.
‘We want to make the final as welcoming as possible and a celebration of rugby. It’s a day out for families and they are going to be so important for us moving forwards.
‘The final is our No 1 focus because it’s our biggest opportunity to get a cut through for the Premiership. We’re looking at all sorts of things around that.’
#1. St James Park, Newcastle
St James Park, the iconic home of Newcastle United, boasts a capacity of 52,305. Nestled in the heart of Newcastle, it resonates with rich football history, witnessed by passionate Magpies fans. The stadium, with its electric atmosphere, stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring football spirit.
