Kristyna O'ConnellTwickenham Stadium (cap. 82,000) has been renamed Allianz Stadium, with venue owner Rugby Football Union (RFU) having secured a sponsorship deal with global insurance brand Allianz.
RFU said that in addition to Allianz becoming a key partner of its community engagement initiative, the deal will see the insurer launch the Allianz Future Fund to provide financial support for community rugby clubs.
The stadium sponsorship is the eighth partnership of its kind for Allianz, which has naming rights deals with venues including Allianz Arena in Munich (75,000), Allianz Parque (43,700) in São Paulo and the recently reopened Allianz Stadium (42,500) in Sydney.
As well as hosting England internationals, domestic rugby matches, community rugby events, conferences and exhibitions, London’s Allianz Stadium has accommodated concerts by acts including The Rolling Stones, Rihanna and U2.
Allianz UK CEO Colm Holmes said, “We look forward to supporting the RFU in delivering more incredible experiences for rugby fans at Allianz Stadium, as well as further opening this iconic venue to many others.”
RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, said, “This partnership will support us in moving the game in a direction which serves all rugby, from minis to the elites, from club coaches to our national coaches and everything in between.”