LONDON / ISPORTCONNECT: The Rugby Football Union has confirmed revealed that Premier League leaders Chelsea have inquired about moving into Twickenham for a season.

It has held initial talks with Chelsea but stressed they are at an early stage.

The RFU was reported as saying: “We are regularly contacted by a variety of organisations, within and outside sport, on a wide range of opportunities concerning the use of what we believe is a world-class stadium.

“We have had an inquiry from Chelsea FC but have not had any discussions of any substance.

“While we don’t comment on any specific confidential conversations, each request is taken on its merit, assessing a variety of factors, such as the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and local considerations and other important implications.”

Chelsea announced plans earlier this year to redevelop Stamford Bridge after giving up on the idea of trying to find a new site in or around the borough. A study commissioned by Russian owner Roman Abramovich is considering how best to raise capacity from 41,623 to 60,000.

The 82,000-seat Twickenham stadium, home to England’s rugby union team, has never hosted football matches and there would be resistance from the rugby fraternity.

However commercial issues may also play a part – as in Dublin when the GAA rented out Croke Park to the Football Association of Ireland for internationals while Lansdowne Road was being redeveloped.

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