Twickenham Stadium

Twickenham Stadium was designed by Archibald Leitch, one of the foremost British sports stadium architects of his era, and opened in 1909. Leitch's name is associated with numerous iconic British sporting venues built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Construction and opening

The stadium was purpose-built for the Rugby Football Union, which established its headquarters on the site from the outset. The opening in 1909 marked the beginning of an unbroken association between the ground and English international rugby that continues to this day.

Major renovations

Specific renovation dates are not recorded in the available sources. The stadium has evolved considerably from its original early-20th-century form into the modern venue it is today, capable of hosting top-level international matches.

Notable moments

As the permanent home of the England national rugby union team since 1909, Twickenham has been the stage for a continuous stream of international matches. Its unbroken tenure as England's home ground under RFU ownership places it at the very heart of English rugby history.

Twickenham Stadium is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious rugby union venues in the world. The atmosphere on match days reflects the deep traditions of English rugby and the passion of supporters who travel from across the country to see the national team play.

Fan culture

Among supporters, the stadium is affectionately known as Twicks or by the nickname The cabbage patch — a label that reflects the ground's history and the distinctly British humour of the rugby community. Both nicknames have endured throughout the stadium's long existence and remain in common use among dedicated fans of English rugby. The presence of the Rugby Football Union headquarters directly on site lends the ground a unique institutional character that permeates the match-day experience.

Big matches

As England's national rugby union stadium, Twickenham is the regular venue for all England home international matches organised by the RFU. Every Test match played here draws supporters from across England and from visiting nations abroad. The tradition of hosting internationals stretches back continuously to 1909, making it one of the longest-serving national rugby stadiums in the world.

Twickenham Stadium is located in south-west London in the district of Twickenham, within the borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is accessible to visitors from London, the rest of the UK, and overseas by several means.

How to get there

• Train: The closest station is Twickenham, served by direct trains from London Waterloo.
• Car: The stadium is reachable via major roads leading south-west out of central London.
• Underground: The nearest Tube stations are in the wider area; shuttle services are typically available on match days.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for England home internationals are sold through the Rugby Football Union. The stadium also offers guided tours of the ground on non-match days. For current prices and availability, check the official RFU website directly.

Visitor tips

• How early to arrive? For international matches, arriving well in advance is advisable as the area around the stadium becomes very busy on match days.
• Where to stay? Accommodation is available in the Twickenham area itself; central London is also a practical base given the good rail connections.
• Anything else to see? The Rugby Football Union headquarters is based within the stadium complex, making the venue a point of interest for rugby enthusiasts beyond the match itself.