The Rugby Football Union is planning to spend £54m extending the stand outwards to add six levels for hospitality and conference events.

Designed by Mott MacDonald, the redevelopment plan will double the available space on the east stand to around 220,000 sq ft but not affect the existing bowl infrastructure and seating.

Mace was originally brought on board as project manager and is now understood to be set to convert to the main contractor role.

Subject to planning approval, construction could start in March 2017 with the project aiming for completion in June 2018.

The East Stand will be extended to offer six levels hospitality, conference events and food and beverage facilities.

The professional team includes Gardiner and Theobald as cost consultant and ME Engineers as building services consultant