The Rugby Football Union (RFU) discussed the possibility of selling Twickenham Stadium and purchasing a 50% share in Wembley, according to a document seen by the BBC.
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Proposal Discussed in 2023
The Twickenham Stadium Masterplan Programme (TSMP) revealed that the RFU board considered the proposal in March 2023. However, no formal approach was made to the Football Association (FA) regarding the potential purchase of Wembley.
Focus Shifts to Twickenham Redevelopment
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.
Redevelopment Plan Highlights
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.
Twickenham’s Past at Wembley
England’s rugby team has played at Wembley twice before: against Canada in 1992 and Wales in 1999.
Planned Twickenham Upgrades
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.
Costs and Timelines
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.”
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
