It is a thunderclap in the world of rugby. An emblematic stadium may no longer see an oval balloon.
All teams are attached to stadiums, and for certain clubs or certain selections, these speakers are an integral part of their identity. These arenas of modern times sometimes have names that resonate more than others, which sound like the symbol of a whole sport, as obvious. The Maracana in Brazil, the Camp Nou in Barcelona, or the Stade de France in France are from these.
But sometimes, because of the march or modernization requirements, teams are forced to leave, often temporarily, sometimes for several months, sometimes forever. This was recently in the world of football, with Real Madrid and its recently renovated Santiago Bernabeu. This is always the case for FC Barcelona with Camp Nou (the team played the matches in Montjuic).
Another legendary stage could be affected by a renovation and not just any stage: the temple of Twickenham rugby! And this time, the impact could be much more important. As the British tabloid indicates The Sun, this renovation will cost very expensive, nearly 600 million pounds sterling. And if a return on investment is not possible … England could simply leave its stadium.
Indeed, the loan necessary for the renovation of Twickenham could be granted by its financiers, if and only if other events can be organized in the future. Problem: an agreement exists between the manager of the enclosure and the Richmond Municipal Council, cited in the south-west suburbs of the Grand London. And it is not favorable … because Twickenham can only accommodate three events per year, outside rugby. In addition, an event cannot take place over two consecutive days.
This is why the pop star Beyoncé could not do a show as she wanted Twickenham in recent months, because she asked to have three consecutive evenings in the temple of rugby.
“I do not know how we could justify the investment in the stadium if we cannot obtain the increase in events,” said the director general of Rugby Football Union (RFU, the English rugby federation), Bill Sweeney. If the Convention did not change, British rugby would therefore be forced to leave its temple. A real earthquake for the XV of the rose, present in this stage for 115 years.
In the event of departure, several tracks are mentioned as joining Milton Keynes or Birmingham. Another solution, sell Twickenham and buy a share of 50% of the Wembley stadium. Another historic turning point.