Twickenham Stadium – England

Twickenham is the grand old home of rugby, and serves as the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union. Set in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames, Twickenham Stadium is the largest rugby union stadium in the United Kingdom and towers above the surrounding landscape. The stadium is also the home of the World Rugby Museum.

Twickenham Stadium Stats

Built: 1907
Capacity: 82,000
Owner: Rugby Football Union
Home side: England

Twickenham Stadium Overview

Twickenham Stadium is the only stadium used by the English rugby team. While other nations play their rugby at a selection of home venues, the English team rarely plays international matches in other stadiums. Twickenham also hosts the Guinness Premiership final and has been used to host Heineken Cup finals.

In addition, Twickenham is famous for hosting the annual Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge as well as the Army vs. Navy rugby test. The stadium has been used as a venue for two Rugby World Cups, hosts the Middlesex Sevens and has been used to host the rugby league Challenge Cup.

The Twickenham Experience

Twickenham was once described as ‘The Vacuum’ due to the lack of atmosphere at England games. However, this has changed in recent years, driven partially by the increase in stadium capacity, as well as the adoption of the gospel song ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ by supporters. Champagne and snacks in the parking area prior to and after England test matches is a Twickenham institution.

Twickenham Stadium History

Twickenham Stadium is built on the site of a cabbage patch that was first cleared to host international rugby in 1907. The ground was purchased by the RFU after a series of sold out tests played at football grounds had convinced them that their sport had mass appeal and needed its own home.

The initial capacity of Twickenham Stadium was 12,000 spectators, but the seating capacity increased steadily to accommodate the growing public interest in the Five Nations tournament. During the 1980s extensive refurbishments took place at the old stadium, eventually resulting in the construction of a 72,000 all-seater stadium.

In 2002 the Twickenham stadium underwent its most recent round of redevelopments, with seating capacity increased to 80,000. These developments included the construction of world-class conferencing and hotel facilities as well as VIP suites.