The Rugby Football Union is actively working to position itself as a considerate neighbour within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Its primary objective is to alleviate local concerns and reduce opposition to ambitious proposals that would significantly increase the number of concerts held annually at Twickenham Stadium.
Crackdown on Matchday Misconduct
Following the recent Six Nations clash between England and Wales, authorities implemented a strict enforcement campaign targeting antisocial behaviour. Richmond Council issued a notable total of twenty-four fixed-penalty notices specifically for the offence of public urination. These incidents were reported to have occurred in various locations, including residential front gardens, alleyways, main roads, and public shrubbery.
This crackdown occurred despite proactive measures already in place, such as the installation of barriers in known problem areas and the deployment of both plain-clothed officers and event stewards to deter potential offenders. The standard penalty for such an offence is set at £150, although this is reduced to £100 if payment is made within a ten-day window.
Official Stance from Local Authority
Councillor Gareth Roberts, the Leader of Richmond Council, issued a stern warning to visiting rugby supporters. "We love the fact that Twickenham is the home of English Rugby and that people come from round the world to visit our borough and watch a match," he stated. "But rugby fans should take this as a warning. If we catch you using our borough as a toilet, we will fine you. No ifs, no buts."
The Concert Expansion Ambition
The RFU's broader strategy involves a substantial expansion of the stadium's event calendar. The union is seeking to increase the permitted number of major concerts from the current limit of three per year to as many as fifteen. However, this initiative has met with significant local resistance, much of which is directly linked to the antisocial behaviour witnessed on international rugby match days.
In an effort to address these concerns head-on, the RFU recently hosted a dedicated drop-in event for local residents. The purpose was to engage with the community, listen to their grievances, and demonstrate that their issues are being taken seriously as part of a wider charm offensive.
Licensing and Planning Hurdles
The path to more concerts is proving challenging on two fronts: licensing and planning permission. In a setback last September, Richmond Council's licensing subcommittee decided to maintain the existing limit of three concerts annually, with only one permitted on a day other than Saturday. The committee received a substantial 192 representations opposing the licence extension, compared to just 13 in favour.
Resident objections provided vivid testimony of the problems. One submission described how "the pavements and roads are unhygienic, and children are having to walk and scoot through dried urine and excrement." Another resident submitted evidence documenting incidents of "urination and indecent exposure" on their private property.
Future Strategy and Ongoing Efforts
Undeterred, the RFU plans to persist with its dual-pronged approach. Following a previous planning application setback in the summer, the union intends to submit a fresh application after the local elections in May, concurrently seeking a new premises licence. In the interim, the focus remains on community relations, with the RFU pledging to "be the best neighbour we can be."
The union has also outlined a reinforced action plan to tackle antisocial behaviour. This includes strengthening coordination with key authorities such as the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, and Richmond Council. The goal is to ensure that matchday issues are dealt with swiftly and that fixed-penalty notices are consistently issued for offences like public urination.
Notably, the RFU had previously explored innovative deterrents, including the potential use of "anti-pee paint" in its licence application—a special coating designed to rebound liquid onto the offender.
Critical Timeline Ahead
The immediate timeline presents both opportunity and challenge for the RFU. There is only one more men's international fixture scheduled—against Ireland later this month—before the union resubmits its application to the council. However, just five days before the local elections in May, Twickenham is set to host the annual Army versus Navy match, an event historically associated with notable antisocial behaviour, which could further influence local sentiment.
