A packed Allianz Stadium for the final of Rugby World Cup 2025 is a dream Maggie Alphonsi cannot wait to realise. But just as much as the match itself, the RWC 2014 winner is looking forward to welcoming fans from all over the world to her city.
Here, Alphonsi delivers an insider's guide to making the very most of time in Twickenham, Richmond and the rest of London - whether you are a first-time visitor, a returning fan or even a curious local.
Twickenham & Richmond on matchday:
What I absolutely love is seeing the area come to life. Seeing the various different jerseys. It’s a very positive, upbeat environment. I love the uniqueness that Twickenham and Richmond bring. It’s very relaxed. People stroll up the river, if they are coming from the Richmond way and you know, casually pop into one of the eateries or pubs.
It’s a whole day out, you are not just going out for one event. People really bask in the rugby setting, the rugby vibe, the rugby event.
What I love on match day as well is how connected the fans are to the players. I love seeing the players get off the coach and everyone is waiting outside. Seeing the anticipation, the excitement and the happiness in people's faces, it’s very cool.
I love now being a spectator.
Pre-match routine:
I get off (the train) at Twickenham Station and walk down the road everyone walks down (Whitton Road).
I have a proper lunch at Bella Vita, grab a pizza and then walk to the Cabbage Patch. That’s the iconic place to go, there’s always space there There’s a beer garden. I always know I am going to meet someone. It’s a very rugby vibe. I love it. Everyone comes out the train station and it’s ready to welcome you.
Then stop in The Scrummery (pub). It’s really busy, it’s hard to get a seat but if you can, stop in. If you can’t, stand outside and get a photo.
Where to eat, drink and watch RWC 2025 matches on TV:
There’s a really good pub in Richmond, the Rising Sun. It’s very rugby. I mean now and then you might find Jason Leonard (former England international and British & Irish Lion) at the bar. And I’ll be very clear, I’m not really a drinker, so I don’t go to the pubs to drink, it’s just a social thing. It’s not far from the train station, just down a back road. It’s great.
I would also go to Richmond Rugby Club. It will be showing the games. I always think clubhouses are very welcoming during big tournaments. It’s got a really good social side. Great women’s teams too.
Must-visit community rugby clubs:
I have to start with my Saracens Amateur RFC (Maggie's old club). Very welcoming set-up there, very good family environment.
Grasshoppers Rugby Club is a very, very nice family club, family setting.
Southwark Tigers is really interesting. It’s south London, a different part of London.
Top tips for London visitors:
Go and watch a show. Must do that. Immerse yourself into the theatre scene. My top one is the Lion King, closely followed by Hamilton, and then ending on Six.
Second thing, I find London is awesome when you just go to the markets and check them out. Camden Market is awesome. Portobello Market is cool, the street food. There’s a real buzz, vibe going on. I love London for the variety of cultures, the melting pot that is going on.
And then one of the things I’ve loved is going to get on a boat, a speed boat and doing a tour up the Thames. It’s cool to learn about London via the water.
It's going to be a phenomenal time to welcome all these different nations over to England and put on a good show. We're very good at hosting tournaments, and I just think we will do a great job.
