Name your price: The RFU could sell the naming rights for Twickenham Stadium

by Ben Coles

Update: An RFU spokesperson released the following statement to Rugby World: 

“We have no current or future plans to sell naming rights to the stadium”

THE RFU are exploring the possibility of selling the naming rights to Twickenham Stadium to potential sponsors, in a bid to generate increased funding for upgrades to the stadium ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Around £70 million’s worth of upgrades are planned for the stadium before 2015 and selling off the naming rights would go a long way in helping to generate the necessary funds for the planned work.

Home to the England rugby team since 1910, any sale of naming rights would undoubtedly be received with great opposition from supporters given the history of the ground, affectionately referred to as ‘Twickers’ or ‘HQ’.

No Premiership rugby grounds in England are named after sponsors, whereas Lansdowne Road has been known as the Aviva Stadium since it’s renovation back in 2009, when Aviva agreed a 10-year deal.

Part of the planned work to Twickenham Stadium includes work on the ‘Desso’ pitch according to the Daily Mail, with further additions including ticketless entry and WiFi access.

The RFU’s main sponsors currently include O2, QBE, Canterbury and BMW, though it is unclear as to whether any of these companies currently have an interest in re-naming the stadium.

Follow Ben Coles on Twitter @bencoles_