Perhaps Allianz is already dealing with a dash of buyer’s remorse. In the two months since the insurance giant took the Twickenham naming rights to the tune of more than £100m, England’s men are played three, lost three; the bedecking of their home in deep blue branding suddenly feels appropriately doleful decoration.
Thank heavens, Allianz may say, for the ever-reliable Red Roses, who did at least ensure that the retitled arena was christened with a win. During similar struggles of the recent past, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has blended the results of its men and women in the end-of-year report to paint a prettier picture of performances – after a seventh defeat of 2024 for Steve Borthwick’s side, such alternative accounting is required again.
