One of the world’s leading insurers, Allianz, and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have announced the next step in their partnership, as Allianz extends its support for rugby by making a significant, long-term investment in the game.
The partnership will be transformative, not only to the elite men’s and women’s teams but also aims to have a positive impact on community clubs around the country. It will see Allianz and the RFU offer significant support to the grassroots game through financial investment that aims to secure future investment into the community game.
As part of this agreement, the home of England Rugby, Twickenham, will become ‘Allianz Stadium’ from September 2024. The iconic 82,000-seater stadium hosts England internationals, high profile domestic rugby matches, community rugby events and others, as well as major conferences and exhibitions, whilst also staging world-leading concerts in recent years including The Rolling Stones, Rihanna and U2.
The stadium sponsorship is the eighth of its kind for Allianz, which welcomes Twickenham into a family of world-class stadia around the globe. The Allianz Stadium will join celebrated venues such as Allianz Arena in Munich, Allianz Parque in São Paulo and the recently reopened state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue in Sydney.
In addition to being a key partner of the RFU’s community engagement programme, Allianz will also launch a new Allianz Future Fund that will enable community rugby clubs to apply for funding.
Colm Holmes, CEO of Allianz UK, says: “We are delighted to partner with the RFU to further invest in grassroots clubs, our national teams, and in the home of England Rugby. We see a strong match between the values and ambitions of Allianz and those of the RFU.
“With each of the eight stadia we now support around the world, we seek to create the best experience for fans, players, and local communities. Allianz Stadium is no different. We embrace our responsibility in carrying forward its extraordinary history as a stadium full of inspirational memories, team spirit, inclusion, and heart. 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, says: “We’re really pleased to be expanding our partnership with Allianz, enabling further investment into the community and professional game. This is an opportunity to celebrate our stadium’s proud legacy while developing it for the future. 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.
“Over the coming years the RFU and Allianz will work together to enhance visitor experiences and provide fans and local community with the best possible match day and event experiences.
“As we head towards hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025 it is entirely fitting that the first game to be played at the newly named Allianz Stadium will be the Red Roses versus New Zealand on 14 September.”
