- The RFU are set for a significant windfall after decision to rename Twickenham
- Mail Sport understands that terms have been agreed for at least 10 years
English rugby is set for a windfall of more than £100million after signing a stadium naming rights deal with Allianz.
From September, the venue currently known as Twickenham Stadium will be officially called the Allianz Stadium.
Mail Sport understands terms have been agreed for at least 10 years on a contract worth upwards of £10m per year.
Six Nations rivals Wales, Ireland and Scotland already have naming-rights deals and the Rugby Football Union have been weighing up the controversial move for almost a decade.
The funds will be invested across all levels of the game, with sevens being considered as a possible beneficiary following the popularity of the short-form game at the Olympics.
English rugby is set for a windfall of more than £100m from the stadium naming rights deal with Allianz
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney says the partnership will be hugely beneficial for rugby
The funds will be invested across all levels, with sevens a possible beneficiary
The RFU’s move to entirely remove the word Twickenham from the new stadium name was met with mixed response but the sport is desperate in need of a financial boost.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: ‘We’re really pleased to be expanding our partnership with Allianz, enabling further investment into the community and professional game. This is an opportunity to celebrate our stadium’s proud legacy while developing it for the future. This partnership will support us in moving the game in a direction which serves all rugby, from minis to the elites, from club coaches to our national coaches and everything in between.
‘Over the coming years the RFU and Allianz will work together to enhance visitor experiences and provide fans and local community with the best possible match day and event experiences.
‘As we head towards hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, it is entirely fitting the first game to be played at the newly named Allianz Stadium will be the Red Roses versus New Zealand on September 14.’
Allianz has been a long-term partner of the RFU for the past four years and their fresh investment into English rugby’s governing body will see them launch a new fund which will benefit the grassroots game.
