Introduction to Rugby Championship in London
Friday 03 October 2025 7:00 am | Updated: Wednesday 01 October 2025 2:53 pm
On Saturday Argentina and South Africa will play a regular season Rugby Championship match at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
But this is not out of the ordinary for the capital; next month the Springboks will take on Japan at Wembley and an All Blacks XV will face the Barbarians in Brentford.
Looking back, too, there are examples of international sport taking place in the capital without the involvement of England. Cricket’s World Test Championship is a great example of this, but events like the football Ashes between New Zealand and Australia was staged in 2023 and South Africa faced the All Blacks at Twickenham in the same year.
It is no secret that the southern hemisphere diaspora is well and truly cemented in London, and it is something organisations are tapping into. Regular season matches, however, like this weekend’s Rugby Championship clash, are new.
But it is unlikely to be a phenomenon replicated by England against, say France, in, say, Johannesburg. I have no doubt that Ellis Park Stadium would sell out a Le Crunch tie, but at what financial cost to the two nations?
Rugby Championship Match in London
Allianz Stadium costs a fortune to rent but it remains popular because of the commercial returns available to teams who are able to pack its 82,000 seats.
Tickets for the tie, which was first revealed in City AM last year, begin at £55 with most blocks showing single seats remaining for the tie. Argentina, too, are set to have a number of blocks especially for their fans, which should create one heck of an atmosphere.
This ticket entry price is a tonic for the participating teams, at a threshold you couldn’t imagine starting at in either Cape Town or Buenos Aires.
London as a Hub for International Sports
London’s multiculturalism combined with its largely prosperous population, relative to many of the world’s global hub cities, means these events aren’t as much of a financial risk.
England away from home for a “home” game, however, is bound to return less than simply hosting in south-west London.
There remains a market for England’s national team here in the capital that is so strong and deep – even with tickets costing into the hundreds the team practically sells out for all fixtures across the calendar – that the concern is low.
But what the capital can do is become a hub for overseas matches from other nations – and that does not, and should not, be limited to just rugby.
Competition Among Stadiums in London
Allianz Stadium’s problem, however, is competing against other stadiums within the M25.
Wembley Stadium is an iconic arena, even without its twin towers, and holds 8,000 more seats than the home of rugby.
Then there’s the likes of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that may be smaller in capacity but full to the brim with premium seating options to more than make up for the lack of bums on seats.
Then there’s the London Stadium – which has hosted rugby league and Major League Baseball as well as football and athletics – as well as Brentford, Fulham’s Craven Cottage and a huge number of other size-appropriate arenas. Even Harlequins’ Twickenham Stoop has been turned into a hockey pitch in recent summers.
London is already seen as an attractive home for overseas teams looking to make a few bucks away from home due to its fan base. But do and will those teams always see Allianz Stadium as that hub arena?
The Rugby Football Union will want to think so, anyway.
Former England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips is the founder of Optimist Performance. Follow Ollie @OlliePhillips11
Conclusion
The Rugby Championship match between Argentina and South Africa at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham is a significant event for the sport in London. The city’s multiculturalism and prosperous population make it an attractive location for international sports events. However, the competition among stadiums in London is fierce, and Allianz Stadium must compete with other iconic arenas like Wembley Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite this, London is likely to remain a hub for overseas matches, and the Rugby Football Union will want to ensure that Allianz Stadium remains a top destination for these events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Rugby Championship match being held in London?
A: The Rugby Championship match between Argentina and South Africa is being held at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
Q: Why is London an attractive location for international sports events?
A: London’s multiculturalism and prosperous population make it an attractive location for international sports events, as it provides a large and diverse fan base.
Q: What is the competition like among stadiums in London?
A: The competition among stadiums in London is fierce, with iconic arenas like Wembley Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium competing with Allianz Stadium for events.
Q: Will London remain a hub for overseas matches?
A: Yes, London is likely to remain a hub for overseas matches due to its attractive location and large fan base.
