- Bill Sweeney suggested the game could move to Birmingham or Milton Keynes
- There has been concern around how stadium redevelopments will be funded
When I read what Bill Sweeney said about the prospect of moving English rugby from Twickenham to Birmingham or Milton Keynes, my first reaction was that the comments from the RFU chief executive must have been made tongue in cheek.
To do so would be to throw away hundreds of years of history. It would be a case of the RFU shooting itself in the foot once again. Simply put, I don’t think it will happen.
I do get what Sweeney is saying in terms of the need for the RFU to be able to host more concerts and non-rugby events to pay for the stadium redevelopment.
But there are ways and means of doing that and I’m not sure making idle threats and putting pressure on Richmond Borough Council is the way to do it.
For me, the RFU sold a part of Twickenham’s history and that of the English game when it announced the stadium naming rights deal with Allianz.
That is one thing. But to move away from Twickenham altogether would be another entirely.
The RFU would be shooting themselves in the foot again if they leave Twickenham, according to Sir Clive Woodard – pictured, RFU chief Bill Sweeney
Sweeney has suggested that English rugby could move from Twickenham to Birmingham or Milton Keynes
There have been talks over Twickenham being upgraded but there has been difficulty around funding it
It must not be allowed to come to fruition. Twickenham does need upgrading.
But the RFU’s top priority must be to remain at its current venue to ensure the history of the game is respected and maintained.
History and prestige is important. It can’t just be thrown away at the drop of a hat.
It must not be forgotten Twickenham has been the home of English rugby since 1909.
Twickenham is an iconic rugby venue respected the world over. Every international player wants to play there and beat England. For English players, it’s every young man or woman’s dream to run out there. There is no way Milton Keynes has the same appeal! I’m surprised by Sweeney’s comments, particularly the timing of them.
Next Thursday, he is expected to face a vote of no confidence in him from the RFU’s member clubs – hundreds of which are set to call for his resignation – at a special general meeting.
Such a situation should be of serious concern to Sweeney, even if it seems he retains the backing of the RFU board. I do wonder if he has more important fish to fry.
Sweeney’s position is very much under threat, so now is not the time for such radical proposals, especially given they are ones built on sand.
For me, Twickenham must and will always be the home of English rugby. To do anything else would be a dereliction of duty from those in the corridors of power.
