NFL matches to be played at Twickenham Stadium for three years from 2016

Three regular season games will be hosted over a three-year period with the opportunity to stage two more

(Getty Images)

Twickenham will stage NFL matches from next year, it has been announced.

The NFL and Rugby Football Union on Tuesday unveiled a partnership that will see the traditional home of English rugby host at least three regular-season games over a three-year period.

The deal will start in October 2016, with the teams for the first International Series game at the venue to be announced later this year.

The agreement also gives the NFL the opportunity to stage two extra games over the same period.

The NFL has enjoyed great success in staging matches at Wembley and recently extended its agreement with that stadium, with a minimum of two games per year to be played there through to 2020.

Twickenham hosted the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia last Saturday.

Mark Waller, NFL executive vice president of international, said: "We are committed to continuing to grow our sport in the UK and believe that adding Twickenham Stadium to our roster of host venues in London is further evidence of that commitment.

"We are very excited to give our fans the opportunity to enjoy NFL action at another world-class venue famous for attracting loyal and passionate fans from across the globe."

Sophie Goldschmidt, the RFU's chief commercial and marketing officer, said: "We are delighted to welcome the NFL to Twickenham, a stadium that has played such an integral role in what has been the biggest Rugby World Cup ever.

"The NFL has a strong and growing fan base in the UK, and this, combined with the investments we've made in our stadium, will give fans more opportunities to experience the action first-hand at a world-class venue. We look forward to working with the NFL on this partnership."

As well as its Wembley deal, the NFL also has an agreement with Barclays Premier League side Tottenham to play at least two games per year at their new stadium, beginning in 2018.

Last Sunday, the NFL staged its third Wembley match of 2015, and 14th overall.

PA