Up to 20,000 fans could attend a rugby match at Twickenham Stadium next month as part of the government's pilot of events to reopen doors to sports fans.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said it will be hosting the Quilter Cup: England v Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, October 25, kicking off at 2pm.

The game takes place the weekend before Eddie Jones' squad travels to Italy to play their rearranged final game in the Guinness Six Nations 2020.

In a statement, the union said it is "working closely" with Richmond and Hounslow Councils, Public Health England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure that this match is held in the safest possible environment.

The cap on 20,000 spectators is less than 25 per cent of the stadium's total 82,000 capacity to allow for social distancing, and is subject to final agreement from the government.

How to buy a ticket

Attendees can only buy tickets seated together for people in a single household, including their support bubble.

Tickets were initially be available to those with an existing booking from the postponed fixture, followed by a priority booking window for First XV members.

There are seats available to the public in the Gate and Lock Main Restaurant areas, but they cost £199 per person.

The RFU added: "Should Public Health authorities confirm through scientific evidence there is a serious and imminent risk to public health then changes may be implemented including the match potentially being played without fans, or the fixture not going ahead.

"Ticket holders are obliged to watch a video about safety in and around the stadium, and read the full terms and conditions before they are able to purchase their tickets."

Richmond Council is organising a virtual discussion on Zoom to provide locals with more information around the events, safety plans, transport and policing.

It will take place on September 24 at 6:30pm and will be hosted by leader of Richmond Council Cllr Gareth Roberts with representatives from the RFU, police and council officers, including the Director of Public Health.

You can register to participate here.

Covid-19 safety measures

A rugby test event will also be held on October 10 or 17 with a maximum crowd of 7,500 to test the new arrangements.

The RFU said it "will continue to provide a full match day operation, with toilets and transport", but there will be extra stewards to assist with social distancing on the way to and from the stadium.

There will also be a cleaning regime in place along the main routes throughout the day, and 1,000 new hand sanitising stations will be dotted around the stadium.

There will also be a contraflow in place in Whitton Road (south) and Rugby Road to allow residents to socially distance from fans.

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