Photographing the Allianz Stadium Tours at Twickenham with Lewis Moody
Going Behind the Scenes at Allianz Stadium
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph in some incredible places over the years, but getting behind the scenes at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham was something special. The stadium tours take visitors far beyond the seating bowl, giving access to areas most rugby supporters only ever see on television. From the England changing rooms and players’ tunnel to the Royal Box and pitchside, it’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the world’s most famous rugby stadiums. Whether you’re a lifelong rugby fan or simply interested in seeing how a major sporting venue operates, it’s well worth a visit.
Two Ways to Experience the Tour
Visitors can choose between a guided stadium tour led by one of the knowledgeable tour guides or upgrade to a Legends Tour. The standard guides know the stadium inside out and share plenty of stories about its history, architecture and match day operation. I was fortunate enough to join a Legends Tour led by former England captain Lewis Moody.
A Rugby Legend with an Incredible Story
Lewis Moody enjoyed an outstanding rugby career, winning the Rugby World Cup with England in 2003, captaining his country and representing the British & Irish Lions. His commitment on the pitch earned him the nickname “Mad Dog” and made him one of England’s most respected players. Listening to his stories while walking through the stadium made the experience even more memorable. Hearing first-hand accounts from someone who had lived so many of those moments brought the stadium to life in a way that no display board or audio guide ever could.
Supporting Lewis Moody’s Fundraising Efforts
Sadly, Lewis was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year. Rather than stepping away from public life, he has chosen to use his profile to raise awareness and funds for research through the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. At the time of writing, Lewis has just completed a remarkable 500-mile cycle ride from Newcastle to Twickenham, joined by former teammates and friends along the way. The challenge has already raised more than £500,000 to support research into MND. If you haven’t already seen what he’s doing, I’d encourage you to visit his social media pages or the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to learn more about the challenge and how you can support it.
Photographing Experiences, Not Just Places
From a photography point of view, this wasn’t simply about documenting the stadium. It was about photographing an experience. The excitement of visitors seeing areas normally closed to the public, the stories being shared by Lewis, and the scale of the stadium itself all helped tell the story of what makes these tours so popular. It’s exactly the sort of photography that helps venues promote experiences rather than just buildings.
Commercial Photography for Visitor Attractions
This was a memorable shoot for several reasons. Not only did I get the opportunity to photograph one of the country’s most iconic sporting venues, but I also met one of England’s rugby greats at a time when he’s doing something extraordinary to support others. If you’re visiting London or looking for a gift for a rugby fan, I’d highly recommend the Allianz Stadium Tour. And if you can book onto one of the Legends Tours, even better.
