World Rugby Museum

About the museum

The Rugby Football Union, which runs the sport in England, has displayed rugby memorabilia at its ground in Twickenham since 1979. An informal museum was set up under the South Stand in 1983, and a purpose-built Museum of Rugby in the East Stand was officially opened in 1996. In 2008 it was renamed the World Rugby Museum to reflect a growing collection and a focus on rugby heritage and culture around the world.

In 2017 the museum left the East Stand and was rebuilt in the South Stand of the stadium, now called Allianz Stadium, with a capital investment of 1.8 million pounds from the Rugby Football Union. Its aim is to celebrate and share the history, culture and traditions of rugby union in all its forms. The collection numbers about 41,000 objects, and the permanent galleries show a rotating selection together with a programme of special exhibitions each year.

Visitors can see the history of the game from its origins at Rugby School to the present day, along with trophies such as the Calcutta Cup, which was made from silver rupees. Interactive displays let them sing national anthems, pick a favourite World XV and find out how to become a coach, referee or physio. The museum can be visited on its own or combined with a stadium tour that includes the Royal Box, the players' tunnel, pitchside and the England changing room.

Highlights

• Collection of about 41,000 rugby objects
• Trophies including the Calcutta Cup
• Interactive displays and a Play Rugby Zone
• Optional stadium tour with the England changing room and Royal Box
• Rotating special exhibitions each year

Permanent exhibitions

• Permanent galleries – Galleries that show a rotating selection from the museum's 41,000 objects, covering the history of rugby from its origins at Rugby School to the present day.
• Play Rugby Zone – Interactive displays where visitors can find out what kind of rugby player they would be, sing national anthems and pick a World XV.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Rugby Football Union

Admission & discounts

The prices are for museum entry; tickets should be booked in advance. Members of the First XV scheme get 20% off full-price stadium tour and museum tickets. The Rugby Football Union may change prices without notice.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum and stadium tour route use lifts and are fully accessible to wheelchair users, and the England Rugby Store has step-free access. Several plug sockets allow mobility scooters to be charged. There are two accessible toilets in the museum, one on the ground floor with right-hand transfer that needs a Radar key and one on the first floor with left-hand transfer, and a Changing Places toilet is on the concourse outside the England Rugby Store. Blue Badge spaces are at the far end of the West Car Park. Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome. Subtitles are provided on most films, and deaf visitors can use the SignVideo app to talk to staff. A pre-visit resource pack, sensory bags available at check-in and occasional relaxed sensory-friendly openings are offered.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum offers free printable trails for children, a Play Rugby Zone and interactive displays, and school sessions for primary and secondary pupils. Children's birthday parties include a one-hour private guided tour, museum entry and a party room for 1.5 hours. Children aged 5 to 15 pay a reduced price and infants are free.

Getting there & parking

Taxis can drop off at the turning circle on the south-east corner of the stadium on non-match and non-event days.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Check-in is at the England Rugby Store, which sells rugby merchandise. The museum pages do not mention a café.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The museum can be hired for drinks receptions and dinners among the collection, children's birthday parties, and trophy hire for events elsewhere.

Plan your visit