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
It couldn’t have been Ryan Crotty. He wasn’t selected in either World Cup side - they chose Money Bill instead. And Money Bill only cared about himself, and that manager he had, not the team.
25 Go to commentsYawn 🥱 nobody would give a hoot about this new trophy. End of the day we just have to beat Ireland and NZ this year then they can finally shut up 🤐
13 Go to commentsTalking bout Ryan Crotty? Heard Crotty say in a interview once that SBW doesen't care about the team . He went on to say that whenever they lost a big game, SBW would be happy as if nothing happened, according to him someone who cares would look down.. Personally I think Crotty is in the wrong, not for feeling gutted but for expecting others 2 be like him… I have been a bad loser forever as it matters so much to me but good on you SBW for being able to see the bigger picture….
25 Go to commentsThis sounds like a WWE idea so Americans can also get excited about rugby, RUGBY NEEDS A INTERNATIONAL CALENDER .. The rugby Championship and Six Nations can be held at same time, top 3 of six nations and top 3 of Rugby championship (6 nations should include Georgia AND another qualifying country while Fiji, Japan and Samoa/Tonga qualifier should make out 6 Southern teams).. Scrap June internationals and year end tours. Have a Elite top six Cup and the Bottom 6 in a secondary comp….
13 Go to commentsThe rugby championship would be even stronger with Fiji in it… I know it doesen’t fit the long term plans of NZ or Aus but you are robbing a whole nation of being able to see their best players play for Fiji…. Every second player in NZ and AUS teams has Fijian surnames… shame on you!!! World rugby won’t step in either as France and England has now also joined in…. I guess where money is involved it will always be the poor countries missing out….
84 Go to commentsNo surprise there. How hard can it be to pick a ball off the ground and chuck it to a mate? 😂
2 Go to commentsSometimes people just like a moan mate!
1 Go to commentsexcellent idea ! rugby needs this 💪
13 Go to comments9 Brumbies! What a joke! The best performing team in Oz! Ditch Skelton for Swain or Neville. Ryan Lonergan ahead of McDermott any day! Best selection bolter is Toole … amazing player
12 Go to commentsI like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
13 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
13 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
13 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
13 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
44 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
58 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to comments