The bigger they come…the better engineered they have to be: behind the scenes at Twickenham
As work progresses on a new rugby stadium in the Far East that will be the world’s largest, Year 8 pupils saw behind the scenes at the current holder of that crown, the mighty Twickenham.
The boys had the chance to see how the 82,000-capacity Allianz Stadium Twickenham –the world’s biggest dedicated rugby union venue – was built.
Their day in south-west London included a tour of Twickenham that also involved visits to the England changing rooms, going into the President’s Suite (Twickenham’s VIP facility), and learning about the history of the stadium.
Pupil Lele Cen said: “As I am interested in engineering, it was great to see the whole stadium. It was exciting to see how it was constructed and how in the VIP area they have glass where people can look out, but not look in.”
The day began at Rosslyn Park FC, where pupils took part in a lively training session led by members of the club’s U23 squad. This gave the boys the opportunity to develop their rugby skills while focusing on teamwork, communication and decision-making.
After lunch, the group travelled to Twickenham and took a guided stadium tour, offering them a glimpse behind the scenes in areas normally reserved for players, officials and VIP guests, as well as a visit to the Rose and Poppy Memorial Gates, unveiled in 2016 as a tribute to rugby players from around the world who have lost their lives in war.
The day concluded with a visit to the World Rugby Museum, in the stadium’s south stand, where pupils explored the rich history and development of the game. Interactive exhibits and historical displays brought rugby’s traditions and evolution to life.
Lele’s fellow Year 8 pupil, Kai Hau, said his time at Rosslyn Park had shown him “how much work goes into a training session”. He added that he had enjoyed touring Twickenham, including “the privilege to go to the President’s Suite and sit in the area that royalty sat in to watch the game”.
PE teacher Nicholas Langley-Pope, who organised the day, said: “The trip was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their rugby knowledge, enhance their practical skills, and experience the history and culture of the sport first-hand. The pupils represented the School exceptionally well throughout the day and should be commended for their engagement, behaviour, and enthusiasm.”