SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: It’s about time that ‘the world’s biggest pub’ had a makeover – the RFU need to move with the times or fall behind at their peril
- The RFU is exploring ways to improve Twickenham so it can move with the times
- It would have been a bad move to move the group from its current location
- One idea that has been proposed is that some seats could be taken out
I disagreed with the RFU’s decision to enter into a sponsorship deal with Allianz, changing the name of the ground we all know as Twickenham.
However, I am very pleased that the home of English rugby will remain where it has been geographically for many years to come.
Moving the site from its current location to somewhere like Birmingham – as was investigated by the RFU – would have been a terrible decision in my opinion.
English rugby should always be associated with Twickenham, even though the stadium’s name is now technically slightly different.
I am pleased that the RFU want to modernize Twickenham and bring the stadium into the modern era. If you look at some other sports stadiums in England – let alone elsewhere in the world – it’s clear that Twickenham is now a little behind. By the way, she is far from alone in this. Manchester United’s Old Trafford also falls into that category.
The RFU want to improve Twickenham but it has been confirmed that it will remain where it is in terms of its geographical position
However, I did not agree with the RFU’s decision to enter into a sponsorship deal with Allianz
It’s time for the RFU to give ‘the world’s biggest pub’ a makeover – it’s important to keep up with the times
For example, I went to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and it is just a beautiful, modern location. England and the RFU must move with the times and keeping Twickenham as world leaders is a vital part of doing just that. In the modern world of business and professional sports, you fall behind at your peril.
I particularly like the idea proposed to remove some of the seats. Less can sometimes be more. In the past I have expressed my dismay at how close together the spectators are and how difficult it is to watch the match when those in the same room as you are constantly getting up to go to the bar or to the toilet.
As I’ve said before, Twickenham – or should I say Allianz Stadium – can feel like the biggest pub in the world and any steps to improve that are to be welcomed.
Taking away a few seats should make the experience better for fans who want to watch rugby and not spend 80 minutes looking for a beer.