Twickenham to Reduce Capacity Under Major Redevelopment Plans

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Papers from the Twickenham Stadium Masterplan Programme (TSMP) show the proposal was discussed at board level in March 2023.

However, despite the scale of the idea, no formal approach was ever made to the Football Association over a potential move into Wembley.

Instead of pursuing the Wembley option, the RFU has decided to focus on redeveloping Twickenham, which has been England's home ground since 1909.

"Previous considerations looking at the viability of moving to alternative sites have been rejected," the RFU said in a statement.

The TSMP highlighted that the RFU was committed to the "stay" option, meaning it would explore improvements to Twickenham rather than selling the stadium. The alternative “leave” option, which involved the potential disposal of Twickenham and purchasing a stake in Wembley, was not pursued further.

England's rugby team has played at Wembley twice before: against Canada in 1992 and Wales in 1999.

Renovation plans under the TSMP include reducing Twickenham’s seating capacity from 82,000 to 80,000 to enhance spectator comfort. Other improvements will focus on repairing the roof and upgrading transport connections.

The work is expected to take place between the end of the 2027 Six Nations and the start of the 2028 tournament.

The total cost of the redevelopment, as outlined in the TSMP, is estimated at £663m. However, the RFU clarified that the entire plan would not be carried out at once.

"The RFU board has not agreed any new redevelopment plans," the RFU stated. "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."

Some grounds crackle with passion from first whistle to last, while others struggle to lift. Here, we rank the Six Nations stadiums from worst to best based purely on atmosphere.

Despite being one of the most modern venues in the Six Nations, the Aviva Stadium often struggles to generate a consistent atmosphere. Over the past decade, this issue has become increasingly noticeable, largely due to the growing number of corporate tickets. As a result, the once-passionate partisan edge has softened, with noise coming from isolated pockets rather than the stadium as a whole.

Iconic chants such as Fields of Athenry are now rarely sustained, and the all-seater design has removed the raw energy once provided by terraces. Ireland’s recent success, built on an efficient and pragmatic playing style, may also play a role — effective, but not always electrifying. Combined with a shift towards a more family-oriented crowd, the Aviva’s atmosphere often feels subdued compared to its Six Nations counterparts.

Originally built for athletics and football, the Stadio Olimpico was never designed with rugby in mind. Since Italy’s inclusion in the Six Nations in 2000, however, it has served as the Azzurri’s home, offering a unique setting beneath Rome’s iconic skyline.

Italian fans are loyal and passionate, but frequent defeats mean they often have limited moments to fully unleash their support. This lack of sustained success keeps the atmosphere from reaching higher levels. That said, the backing is unquestionably partisan, and with signs of improvement in the Italian squad, the volume may well increase in the years to come.

Twickenham, the self-proclaimed “Home of Rugby,” is steeped in history and tradition. As the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world, it has hosted countless iconic moments and remains a cathedral of the sport.

However, atmosphere-wise, it can be inconsistent. While the crowd is capable of lifting the roof — particularly during renditions of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot — long stretches of games can feel surprisingly flat. High ticket prices and a more reserved crowd culture often dampen the overall intensity, leaving Twickenham just short of the very best in this ranking.

The Stade de France is an imposing arena, both in size and reputation. Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, it is the largest stadium in the Six Nations and can be a daunting place to visit when France are firing.

That said, its sheer scale can sometimes work against it. Noise doesn’t always travel as well, and while the atmosphere can be hostile for away supporters, it often lacks the constant ferocity seen at French club grounds. When the crowd is fully engaged and Les Bleus are in full flow, the stadium can rival any in world rugby — but that level isn’t always sustained.

Few moments in rugby rival the emotion of Flower of Scotland at Murrayfield, particularly when the bagpipes fall silent and the crowd carries the anthem a cappella. It’s a spine-tingling experience that sets the tone long before kick-off.

The stadium has a welcoming, good-natured feel, with visiting fans embraced and banter flowing freely — a key ingredient in building atmosphere. Murrayfield’s design amplifies sound, ensuring every big hit, kick, and turnover is met with a roar. Despite modern upgrades, it has retained its soul, delivering an old-school, fiercely passionate rugby environment.

Even during challenging periods on the pitch, Welsh support remains unmatched. The Principality Stadium, particularly with the roof closed, becomes a deafening cauldron of noise, driven by mass singing and an overwhelming sense of unity.

Legends of the game such as Dan Carter and Paul O’Connell have praised its intensity, often describing it as one of the most intimidating and authentic venues in world rugby. With fans right on top of the action and a nation where rugby is woven into the cultural fabric, the atmosphere is immersive from start to finish.

Add in a national anthem that rivals any in the championship, and it’s clear why the Principality Stadium stands alone at the top — a world-class venue powered by world-class support.