The Rugby Football Union has made the controversial decision to change the name of the home of English rugby after signing a naming rights deal with Allianz.
From September, the venue currently known as Twickenham Stadium will be renamed Allianz Stadium.
The decision to align itself with the world’s leading insurance company in a lucrative financial deal sees England join rivals Wales, Ireland and Scotland who have all partnered with sponsors in the name of their home stadiums.
But the RFU’s decision to drop the word Twickenham from the name of its new stadium immediately caused an uproar in some quarters, given that it is synonymous with English rugby.
RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney said: ‘We are really pleased to be extending our partnership with Allianz, which will enable further investment in the community and the professional game.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the proud heritage of our stadium whilst developing it for the future. This partnership will help us take the game in a direction that benefits all of rugby, from the minis to the elites, from club coaches to our national coaches and everyone in between.
‘Over the coming years, the RFU and Allianz will work together to enhance visitor experiences and provide fans and the local community with the best possible match day and event experiences.
‘As we move closer to hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, it is entirely fitting that the first match to be played at the newly-named Allianz Stadium will be the Red Roses’ clash against New Zealand on 14 September.’
Allianz has been a long-term partner of the RFU for the past four years and its new investment in English rugby’s governing body will enable them to launch a new fund that will benefit the grassroots game.
It also comes at a time when all the major rugby unions are struggling financially.
