Twickenham Stadium

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Lore & Background

Twickenham's history is full of specific moments. The first game, between Harlequins and Richmond, was played on 2 October 1909, and the first international, England v. Wales, on 15 January 1910. At that time, the stadium had a maximum capacity of 20,000 spectators. During World War I, the ground was used for cattle, horse and sheep grazing. On 19 March 1938, BBC Television broadcast the England–Scotland (Calcutta Cup) match from Twickenham, the first time a rugby match was shown live on television. Coming into the last match of the 1988 season, England had lost 15 of their previous 23 matches in the Five Nations Championship. At half-time the team were 0–3 down against Ireland, but turned it into a 35–3 win, scoring six tries. This day saw the origins of the adoption of the traditional spiritual 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' as a terrace song. Three of England's tries were scored by Chris Oti, a black player. A group of boys from the Benedictine school Douai sang 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' whenever a try was scored. When Oti scored his second try, amused spectators joined in, and when Oti scored his hat-trick the song was heard around the ground. Twickenham hosted the 1991 Rugby World Cup Final in which Australia beat England 12–6, and also the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final. Under the reign of Clive Woodward, the stadium became known as 'Fortress Twickenham', as England enjoyed a run of 19 unbeaten home matches from October 1999 to November 2003, ending with defeat against Ireland in 2004. On 5 August 2024, Twickenham Stadium announced that the stadium would be renamed to the Allianz Stadium Twickenham for 10 years from September 2024, due to a sponsorship agreement with Allianz.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell softly on the pristine grass as the clock ticked down in the final minute of the Six Nations clash. The roar of eighty thousand fans at Twickenham was a physical force, shaking the very foundations of the historic stands. In the tunnel, the England captain wiped mud from his face, listening to the chant that had risen since 1909—a sound that connected him to every player who had ever stood on this hallowed turf. As he stepped out onto the pitch, the weight of history pressed against his shoulders, yet the oval ball in his hands felt light, ready to write a new chapter in the stadium's legendary saga.

Reader's Guide

Visiting Twickenham for a Six Nations match is an immersion into the sensory heart of rugby union. Upon entering through the historic gates, visitors are greeted by the distinct smell of cut grass and damp earth, mixed with the aroma of traditional refreshments from the concourse. The stadium's massive capacity allows for an electric atmosphere where the noise swells like a tide, particularly during set-pieces or when England scores a try. The architecture itself tells a story, blending Victorian-era elegance with modern steel expansions that house thousands more fans. Walking up to the stands reveals rows of red seats that have witnessed decades of drama. Unique features include the iconic scoreboard and the RFU Museum located within the grounds, offering context to the matches played on the pitch below. The role Twickenham plays in the tournament's identity is paramount; it is where the pressure is highest for England and where rival nations feel the weight of history most acutely. The experience is defined by the collective rhythm of the crowd, the crunch of tackles on the natural grass surface, and the shared anticipation that only a true home ground can provide.

Did You Know?

• Before the ground was purchased in 1907, it was used to grow cabbages, so Twickenham Stadium is affectionately known as the Cabbage Patch.
• The first game at Twickenham was between Harlequins and Richmond on 2 October 1909.
• On 19 March 1938, BBC Television broadcast the England–Scotland (Calcutta Cup) match from Twickenham, the first time a rugby match was shown live on television.
• The adoption of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' as a terrace song began at Twickenham in 1988 when a group of boys from Douai school sang it after tries by Chris Oti.
• Twickenham hosted the 1991 Rugby World Cup Final (Australia 12–6 England) and the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final (New Zealand 34–17 Australia).

Origins and Evolution

The site now revered as the global capital of rugby union was once a humble market garden in Twickenham, London. In 1907, driven by the success of sold-out matches at Crystal Palace, RFU officials William Williams and William Cail purchased this ten-acre plot for £5,500 to secure a permanent home for English rugby. The ground's agricultural past, specifically its history of growing cabbages, earned it the enduring affectionate nickname 'The Cabbage Patch.' Construction began shortly after acquisition, with the first stands rising in 1908. By October 1909, the stadium hosted its inaugural match between Harlequins and Richmond, followed by the first international fixture against Wales in January 1910 before a crowd of 20,000. The venue's history is marked by resilience; during World War I, it served as grazing land for livestock before King George V unveiled a war memorial in 1921. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly to become the world's largest dedicated rugby union stadium and the second-largest in the United Kingdom.

Defining Matches and Cultural Moments

Twickenham is steeped in legendary sporting history, most notably the dramatic turnaround against Ireland in March 1988. Facing a 0–3 deficit at halftime after years of poor form, England unleashed an expansive attacking style to secure a stunning 35–3 victory with six tries. This match birthed the terrace anthem 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' originally sung by schoolboys from Douai in celebration of Chris Oti's hat-trick, which quickly spread throughout the stadium and became a permanent fixture of England home games. The stadium also hosted the 1991 Rugby World Cup Final, where Australia defeated England 12–6 amidst controversy over David Campese's handling of a pass to Rory Underwood. Furthermore, Twickenham pioneered broadcast history in 1938 by televising the Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland live on BBC Television, marking the first time a rugby union game was shown on air.

A Hub for Diverse Rugby Competitions

Beyond hosting the England national team's Six Nations and autumn internationals, Twickenham serves as a year-round hub for elite domestic and international fixtures. It is the annual venue for the Premiership Rugby final, the Middlesex Sevens, and the prestigious Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge universities, which was held there from 1921 until 2023. The stadium also stages major cup finals, including those for the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the European Rugby Champions Cup. Its versatility extends to hosting the London leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series and specific women's sevens matches. Occasionally stepping outside traditional rugby union boundaries, the ground has accommodated Rugby League Challenge Cup Finals in 2001 and 2006, as well as NFL London Games in 2016 and 2017, demonstrating its capacity to host a wide spectrum of major sporting events.

Entertainment Legacy and Global Status

While primarily known for rugby, Twickenham has established itself as a premier venue for global entertainment, hosting concerts by some of the world's biggest musical acts. The stadium has welcomed legendary performers such as U2, Beyoncé, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Rihanna, and the Rolling Stones, alongside events like the NSPPD Prayer Conference. This dual identity reinforces its status not just as a sporting arena but as a cultural landmark in London. Under the leadership of Clive Woodward, the venue earned the moniker 'Fortress Twickenham' following an impressive run of 19 unbeaten home matches for England starting in October 1999. Today, it remains the headquarters of the RFU and stands as the fourth-largest stadium in Europe, continuing to define the landscape of both professional rugby and major live events.

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