Sir Clive Woodward has unleashed a blistering critique of the RFU’s controversial decision to sell the naming rights to Twickenham, rebranding the iconic stadium as Allianz Stadium.
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Twickenham, the historic home of England men’s rugby since 1909, will officially adopt its new name, courtesy of the insurance giant, starting in September.
Woodward wrote in his column for the Mail Online: “In what is proving to be a wonderful summer of sport, the decision to rename Twickenham to Allianz Stadium feels like an almighty blow.
“It is one I was surprised and saddened to learn of. The reason for doing it is obvious. Money.
“The RFU badly needs cash. It’s required to support the community game, to fund its new elite player contracts, to give the women’s game the support it richly deserves and to mobilise a rugby sevens programme capable of winning Olympic gold.
“It’s needed to drive England’s age group sides and deliver a pipeline of talent, to generate more coaches, to better support players off the field and much, much more besides.”
“Complete k**b” – Joe Marler reveals the three rugby stars he can’t stand
England prop Joe Marler is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it’s about someone he doesn’t particularly like.
#1. Israel Folau
Over 1,000 days since Folau last played a professional match of rugby union, Marler’s old Twitter sparring partner made his return to the sport over the weekend.
The loose-head prop takes any chance he can to call out the former Wallabies fullback, who could soon represent Tonga, for his homophobic views.
In a series of tweets sent directly to Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing, in a display of defiant humour which was praised by fellow players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later named Folau in his dream team in a tongue-in-cheek fashion.
On selecting Folau as his fullback, Marler commented, “On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I’d take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster… a couple of clubs.”