The Rugby Football Union's chief executive Bill Sweeney has threatened to relocate England's rugby team from their historic Twickenham home after missing out on hosting Beyoncé concerts due to local council restrictions.
The American superstar is set to perform in the UK this June, but chose Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for her six-night run instead of Twickenham.
The stadium, now known as the Allianz Stadium following a ÂŁ130m naming rights deal last year, is currently limited to hosting just three non-rugby events annually.
Sweeney has suggested Milton Keynes or Birmingham as potential new homes if Richmond borough council doesn't increase the allowance.
The Rugby Football Union's chief executive Bill Sweeney has threatened to relocate England's rugby team from their historic Twickenham home after missing out on hosting Beyoncé concerts due to local council restrictions
PA
The move would mark a dramatic shift for English rugby if implemented.
Licence restrictions imposed by Richmond borough council currently limit Twickenham to just three non-rugby events per year with crowd capacity capped at 55,000.
The RFU is pushing to increase this allowance to 15 events annually with a full capacity of 82,000 spectators.
These restrictions directly impacted the venue's ability to host Beyoncé this summer.
JUST IN:Red Bull face staggering losses from Max Verstappen ban ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
Bill Sweeney has admitted he's aggrieved after Twickenham missed out on hosting Beyonce concerts
GETTY
"We could have had Beyoncé but she wanted three nights and we are only allowed two nights consecutively," Sweeney explained.
The limitations led to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium securing the lucrative six-night run instead.
The RFU views these restrictions as a significant barrier to maximising revenue from their flagship venue.
Sweeney has been direct about potential alternative locations for England's rugby team if negotiations fail.
"There are plenty of places that would like to have us. Birmingham, Milton Keynes would love to have us there," Sweeney told the Business of Sport podcast.
"We are saying: 'If we are going to invest ÂŁ600million into the Allianz and we have a study which shows how much economic value it contributes to the borough you are going to have to work with us,'" he stated.
When asked if relocation was genuinely being considered, Sweeney responded: "It would be a tough call for us. It would be very difficult."
He added: "I don't know how we would justify the investment in the stadium if we can't get the increase in the event licences."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Travis Kelce makes feelings clear on weddings after Taylor Swift engagement rumours swirled before Super Bowl
- Lee Carsley sets record straight on refusing to sing England national anthem - 'I stand by it'
- Lewis Hamilton called out for behaviour on team radio after nightmare Ferrari debut at Australian Grand Prix
The RFU has previously explored alternatives to Twickenham, including selling the stadium and purchasing a 50 per cent share in Wembley Stadium.
Moving their headquarters to the Midlands was also considered before the organisation opted to modernise Twickenham in 2027 instead.
Sweeney has now indicated these options could be reconsidered if talks with Richmond borough council reach an impasse.
Any departure from Twickenham would likely face significant opposition from England rugby supporters.
Such a controversial decision could increase pressure on Sweeney, whose position already faced scrutiny in late 2024.
The chief executive received a ÂŁ1.1m bonus despite the RFU recording losses of almost ÂŁ40m, a decision that drew criticism.
The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between sporting tradition and commercial imperatives in modern rugby.
