About
The World Rugby Museum at Twickenham Stadium is the most comprehensive museum of rugby union in the world. Situated within England's iconic national rugby stadium — affectionately known as 'Twickenham' or simply 'HQ' — the museum traces the origins, development, and global spread of rugby from its legendary beginnings at Rugby School in Warwickshire in 1823 through to the modern professional game.
Founded in 1996, the museum occupies purpose-built galleries beneath the South Stand of Twickenham Stadium, the home of England Rugby since 1909. It holds one of the world's most significant collections of rugby memorabilia, with over 10,000 artefacts spanning more than 170 years of the game's history. The collection includes international caps, jerseys, trophies, balls, programmes, photographs, and personal memorabilia from the sport's greatest players and most memorable matches.
A visit to the World Rugby Museum typically includes a stadium tour, giving visitors exclusive access to areas usually reserved for players and officials, including the England dressing room, the players' tunnel, pitch-side views, and the royal box. This behind-the-scenes experience adds a unique dimension that no other rugby museum can match.
The museum is independent, not-for-profit, and accredited by Arts Council England. It serves as both a heritage institution and an active celebration of rugby's values — teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. The museum works closely with World Rugby, England Rugby (the RFU), and rugby unions worldwide to ensure the collection reflects the truly international character of the game.
For rugby fans, the museum offers an unmissable pilgrimage to the sport's most hallowed ground. For newcomers to the game, it provides an accessible, engaging introduction to one of the world's great team sports through interactive displays, film, and iconic objects.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Always check the museum website before visiting. The museum closes on match days and stadium event days, which are numerous throughout the season.
- Book tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays. Timed entry tours can sell out, particularly in summer.
- The stadium tour is the highlight for most visitors. The England dressing room and the walk down the players' tunnel are genuinely thrilling experiences for rugby fans.
- Allow at least two to two-and-a-half hours for the combined museum and stadium tour experience. Rushing through means missing details in both.
- Twickenham railway station is a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Public transport is strongly recommended on or near match days when local roads are heavily congested.
- Children particularly enjoy the interactive skills challenges and the virtual reality experiences. Activity sheets and family trails are available from the welcome desk.
- The England Rugby Store is one of the best-stocked rugby shops in the country. It's worth browsing even if you don't support England — it stocks international gear too.
- Combine the museum with a riverside walk along the Thames to Orleans House Gallery or Richmond for a full day out in one of London's most attractive riverside areas.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The World Rugby Museum holds over 10,000 artefacts relating to rugby union worldwide, including international jerseys, caps, trophies, balls, programmes, photographs, film footage, and personal memorabilia donated by players, administrators, and fans from across the rugby world.
The History of Rugby Union
Comprehensive galleries tracing the development of rugby from its origins at Rugby School in 1823 through the formation of the RFU in 1871, the amateur era, the 1995 turn to professionalism, and the modern game.
Rugby World Cup Gallery
Dedicated galleries celebrating every Rugby World Cup tournament since 1987, with jerseys, memorabilia, and footage from every host nation and all the sport's landmark moments.
England Rugby Collection
The definitive record of England's international rugby history, featuring caps, jerseys, and match memorabilia from over 150 years of international competition.
Women's Rugby Story
Celebrating the history and growth of women's rugby from the earliest recorded matches to the professional Red Roses era and Women's Rugby World Cup.
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Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.