Fans have their say as Wales dwell on possible Twickenham move
The idea of Wales playing their home matches at Twickenham is one that would make much of the Welsh public recoil in disgust under normal circumstances. But in such unique times, a move that would have previously been anathema to so many is now being welcomed.
The Principality Stadium is currently serving as the Dragon’s Heart Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic and is expected to continue throughout the autumn when Test rugby is set to resume.
With no other alternative in Wales coming close to Twickenham’s capacity, this is a move that many in Wales recognise as crucial in the financial climate.
The income from hosting a match at Twickenham – albeit not at full capacity – would be fundamental in helping the Welsh Rugby Union in a year where huge losses are expected. Likewise, the Rugby Football Union will also benefit from this move.
This makes a lot of sense economically for both unions, although it is a cultural hurdle that many are struggling to overcome. While there are smaller stadiums in Wales that will be available, many recognise that maximising profit is paramount.
It has also been suggested on social media that the WRU could utilise another stadium in England rather than the home of their bitterest rugby rivals, with Wembley Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium being suggested.
This would not be the first time Wales used Wembley, having played there when the Principality Stadium was being built in 1999. However, there are logistical issues with moving to a football stadium, particularly as all sports have been disrupted during the pandemic.
As it stands, it is believed that Wayne Pivac’s side will play their final Six Nations match against Scotland at the London Stadium before moving to Twickenham for this new-look eight-team competition that is in the works.
There are objectors to this idea, and understandably so, but it is perhaps a measure of the current situation that there are so many open to this move from Wales.
So much vitriol for Twickenham from some Welsh fans on Facebook groups. Lived in London for a number of years and I always enjoyed going there. Nice area, good pubs, BBQ’s in gardens on a match day. Stadium is good too. Nowt wrong with the place. Except when Wales lose!
— Jamie Phillips (@JNPhillips4) July 14, 2020
It took me about 0.1 seconds to do the maths. Wales playing at Twickenham this autumn is a no-brainer. Can’t. believe any Welsh rugby fan with the game – and its future – at heart would question it.
— Andrew Baldock (@balders2) July 14, 2020
Money more important, end of. We need to do whatever it takes to address the shortfall of circa £50m and dire financial state of rugby in Wales at all levels. The aim isnt to please here, its to save the sport.
— Andy Thomas (@andy_thomas89) July 14, 2020
Really frustrates me that people can be so narrow minded. Would they rather Wales not play? Would they be able to play at Twickenham though as they are limited to the number of matches due to residents
— Daniel Evans (@dre2807) July 14, 2020
Although I would not relish the thought of watching Wales play home games at Twickenham it makes perfect economic sense. With a £50m shortfall the WRU have to generate as much income as possible so yes I agree.
— MikePop (@MikePop94819658) July 14, 2020
The average plastic Welsh rugby supporter wants the old club game back, the 60 cap rule dropped and the autumn internationals cancelled or played in smaller stadiums in Wales. It shouldn’t do but it still amazes me how stupid people are.
— Gavin Seymour (@Girvla) July 14, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
54 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
54 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
54 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
54 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
54 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
54 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
54 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments