Twickenham

Key Milestones

  • 1909: First match (Harlequins vs. Richmond).
  • 1910: First international (England vs. Wales).
  • 1920: First Army v Navy match.
  • 1950: Development of stadium increases capacity to ~50,000
  • 1991: Rugby World Cup debut (quarter-final).
  • 1999: Hosted Rugby World Cup final.
  • 2006: Redevelopment completed, capacity at 82,000.
  • 2015: Hosted Rugby World Cup final and key matches.
  • 2017: 100th Army v Navy Match
  • 2024: Celebrated 115 years, hosting Six Nations, Army v Navy, and concerts.
  • 2025: Due to Host World Cup Final and anticipated to set Women’s attendance record

The Cabbage Patch

Allianz Stadium, Twickenham is nicknamed “The Cabbage Patch” because the land it was built on was originally a market garden used for growing cabbages and other vegetables. In 1907, the Rugby Football Union, led by committee member William “Billy” Williams, purchased the 10.25-acre plot in Twickenham for £5,500 to create a permanent home for England Rugby. The site’s original use, led to the British press derisively dubbing it “Billy Williams’ Cabbage Patch” due to its rural location and perceived unsuitability for a stadium. Despite the initial mockery, the nickname stuck and became an affectionate term for the stadium, and today one of the local pubs.

The Rose and Poppy Gates

The First Sea Lord, Sir Phillip Jones KCB ADC, and RFU President, Jason Leonard OBE, unveiled the Rose and Poppy Gates by sculptor Harry Gray at a dedication service on Friday 29th April 2016. The gates were commissioned as part of the RFU’s remembrance of 100 years since the Great War

The Rose and Poppy Gates at Twickenham Stadium are a memorial to rugby players worldwide who died in conflicts, particularly honouring the 1914 England Grand Slam team, seven of whom perished in World War I. The bronze gates feature 15 English roses at the base, transitioning into poppies at the top, symbolizing the shift from players to soldiers. The poppies are crafted from World War I German shell casings, blending patriotism and remembrance. Located at the West Stand entrance, the gates are a registered War Memorial and a poignant tribute, integrated into match-day traditions, and were unveiled before the 2016 Army v Navy match.

A Brief History

Early History and Establishment (1907–1909)

  • Origins: In the early 20th century, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) sought a permanent home for England’s rugby matches, which had been played at various venues like Crystal Palace and Blackheath. In 1907, RFU committee member William “Billy” Williams identified a 10.25-acre plot in Twickenham, originally a market garden used for growing cabbages and vegetables, hence the nickname “The Cabbage Patch.”
  • Purchase and Development: The RFU purchased the land for £5,500, paid in 12 instalments. The site was chosen for its accessibility via rail and road from London. Construction began, and the ground was prepared for rugby, with basic facilities including a single stand.
  • First Match (1909): Twickenham hosted its inaugural match on 2 October 1909, when Harlequins defeated Richmond 14–10 in a friendly. The first international match followed on 15 January 1910, with England beating Wales 11–6 in the Five Nations Championship before a crowd of around 20,000. The first Army v Navy Match was 28 February 1920 with the Navy winning 23-11.

Early Years and Growth (1910–1930s)

  • Establishment as England’s Home: Twickenham quickly became the primary venue for England’s international matches, replacing temporary grounds. Its capacity grew with the addition of stands, such as the West Stand in the 1920s.
  • Early Challenges: The stadium faced criticism for its rural location and muddy pitches, but improvements in drainage and facilities addressed these issues. The press initially mocked it as “Billy Williams’ Cabbage Patch,” but the nickname became a badge of pride.
  • Key Events: By the 1920s, Twickenham was hosting Five Nations matches regularly, cementing its status. The 1926 match between England and Wales drew significant attention, showcasing the stadium’s growing prominence.

World Wars and Resilience (1914–1945)

  • World War I (1914–1918): Rugby activities were halted, and Twickenham was repurposed for military use, including as a grazing ground for horses and a storage site. Matches resumed post-war, with the stadium hosting memorial games for fallen players.
  • World War II (1939–1945): The stadium was again used for non-sporting purposes, including use as a civil defense depot and air-raid shelter storage. Despite wartime disruptions, rugby returned quickly after 1945, with Twickenham hosting England’s first post-war international in 1947 (a 9–6 loss to Wales).
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Post-war, the RFU invested in expanding seating and improving facilities to accommodate growing crowds, laying the foundation for modernization.

Mid-20th Century Expansion (1950s–1980s)

  • Capacity Growth: By the 1950s, Twickenham’s capacity reached around 50,000, with new stands like the North and South Stands added. The stadium hosted not only Five Nations (now Six Nations) matches but also club finals, varsity matches, and Barbarians games.
  • Memorable Matches: Iconic moments included England’s 1963 Five Nations title and the 1971 match where John Spencer’s try helped England defeat Scotland. Twickenham also hosted its first Rugby World Cup match in 1991 (a quarter-final).
  • Cultural Significance: The stadium became a symbol of rugby tradition, with fans singing “Sweet Chariot” (adopted in the 1980s) and pre-match rituals like tailgating in the car park becoming staples.

Modernization and Professional Era (1990s–2000s)

  • Major Redevelopment: With rugby union turning professional in 1995 and the Rugby World Cup looming, Twickenham underwent significant upgrades:
    • 1990s: The North, East, and West Stands were rebuilt, increasing capacity to 75,000 by 1995.
    • 2000s: The South Stand was redeveloped (completed 2006), bringing capacity to 82,000. New facilities included corporate boxes, a hotel, and a rugby museum (World Rugby Museum, opened 1996).
  • Rugby World Cup 1991 and 1999: Twickenham hosted key matches, including quarter-finals and semi-finals, elevating its global profile. It was the primary venue for the 1999 Rugby World Cup final (Australia vs. France).
  • Diversification: The stadium began hosting concerts (e.g., The Rolling Stones, U2) and other sports events, like rugby league’s Challenge Cup finals, to generate revenue.

21st Century and Global Icon (2010s–Present)

  • Rugby World Cup 2015: Twickenham was the centerpiece of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, hosting the final (New Zealand vs. Australia) and multiple high-profile matches. The event showcased its modern facilities and global appeal.
  • Continued Upgrades: Investments in technology (e.g., giant screens, Wi-Fi), accessibility, and sustainability (e.g., energy-efficient systems) kept Twickenham world-class. The East Stand redevelopment (2018) added premium hospitality areas.
  • Military Connection: Twickenham has hosted the Army v Navy Match annually since 1920 (except during wars), reinforcing its ties to the armed forces. The 2018 match drew record 81,578 fans, believed to be the largest crowd for an amateur non-international rugby match.
  • Non-Rugby Events: The stadium expanded its portfolio, hosting NFL games (2016–2019), major concerts (e.g., Beyoncé, Eminem), and community events like the Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge.
  • Capacity and Facilities: As of 2025, Twickenham remains an 82,000-seat venue with four stands (North, East, South, West), a Marriott hotel, extensive corporate suites, and the World Rugby Museum. Its pitch is hybrid (natural grass with synthetic fibers) for durability.

Significance and Legacy

  • Rugby’s Spiritual Home: Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby union stadium in the world and the heart of English rugby, hosting all England home internationals, Six Nations matches, and major finals.
  • Cultural Impact: It’s a pilgrimage site for rugby fans, with traditions like “Sweet Chariot” and the raucous atmosphere of the West Car Park, which continues to evolve and is now home to the ‘fan village’. Its nickname, “The Cabbage Patch,” reflects its humble origins and enduring charm.
  • Economic Role: The stadium generates significant revenue for the Rugby Football Union through ticket sales, hospitality, and events, funding grassroots rugby across England.

Challenges and Controversies

  • Accessibility: Early criticism for its location (20 miles from central London) persists, though transport links have improved.
  • Commercialization: Some fans argue the focus on corporate hospitality and non-rugby events dilutes its rugby heritage.
  • Cost of Upgrades: Redevelopments have been costly, with the RFU balancing investment against grassroots funding needs.

Recent Developments (2025)

As of 21 May 2025, Twickenham continues to host the Six Nations, Army v Navy matches, and other high-profile events and conferences. Plans for further sustainability upgrades and fan experience enhancements are ongoing, with the RFU exploring ways to maintain its status as a premier venue while supporting rugby’s growth. The stadium’s role in hosting the 2024 Army v Navy Match reinforces its armed forces connection.

100th Army v Navy Match

The Army won their 61st Army Navy Match with a 29 – 20 victory in the 100th Army Navy Match at Twickenham. 2 tries from man of the match winger Junior Bulumakau either side of a try from left wing Chris Leathem plus four penalties and a conversion from fly half James Dixon made up their points. The Navy responded through tries by skipper Ben Priddey, replacement centre Seta Raumakita and Number 8 Dave Fairbrother. Full back Jon Humphrey kicked a penalty and scrum half Gareth Rees, who had earlier been sin binned, kicked a conversion.

Notable (Non Service) Matches at Twickenham

Several matches stand out for their historical and dramatic weight:

  • 1988 England vs Ireland, Five Nations Championship (35–3): Notable for the origins of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” this match saw England turn a 0–3 deficit into a dominant win with six tries. While culturally significant, its sporting impact is less pronounced compared to World Cup games.
  • 1991 Rugby World Cup Final, Australia vs England (12–6): Hosted at Twickenham, this match proved a major discussion point as in the final England significantly changed their tactics from the forward dominated, structured rugby played in the tournament to a more expansive game plan.
  • 1999 Rugby World Cup Semi-final, France vs New Zealand (43–31): A famous upset at Twickenham, with France beating the favored All Blacks. Christopher Lamaison’s performance was pivotal, but as it didn’t involve England, it ranks lower for home fans.
  • 2015 Rugby World Cup Final, New Zealand vs Australia (34–17): Another high-profile match at Twickenham, marking New Zealand’s victory against their closest rivals, although England v New Zealand rivalry has produced a number of captivating moments at Twickenham.
  • England vs New Zealand Matches at Twickenham: The rivalry has produced memorable encounters, with five notable tests listed by Sky Sports:
    • 1925 (11–17): New Zealand’s ‘The Invincibles’ won, notable for the first Test rugby sending off, but England’s loss tempers its greatness.
    • 1997 (26–26): The only draw, with Paul Grayson’s penalty keeping it level, but draws are often less celebrated.
    • 2005 (19–23): New Zealand’s first Grand Slam since 1978, with tries from Martin Corry and others, but England’s loss again reduces its impact.
    • 2008 (6–32): New Zealand’s second Grand Slam in three years, with England’s indiscipline (multiple sin-bins), making it a low point for England.
    • 2012 (38–21): England’s victory, ending New Zealand’s 20-match unbeaten run, is described as “arguably their greatest Twickenham performance.”

The 2012 England v New Zealand Match

The 2012 England vs New Zealand match, played on 1 December 2012, is frequently cited as the greatest due to its dramatic context and outcome. New Zealand arrived unbeaten in 20 Tests, reigning 2011 World Cup champions, and favored heavily, while England had won only one of their previous six matches. Despite this, England delivered a record-breaking performance, leading 15–0 early with Owen Farrell’s penalties and drop-goal, before New Zealand fought back with tries from Julian Savea and Kieran Read. England’s second-half tries from Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton, and Manu Tuilagi, with Tuilagi’s try proving decisive, secured a 38–21 win, the largest margin against the All Blacks in history at that point.