One Direction
One Direction kick off their residency at the O2 the same night the All Blacks take on Namibia Getty

A scrum of pop fans and rugby supporters will collide on London's transports network this week when One Direction kick off their series of concerts at the O2 Arena at the same time the All Blacks take on Namibia a short distance away at The Stadium in the Rugby World Cup.

The chart superstars start their six-night residency at the east London arena in Greenwich on Thursday (24 September), while New Zealand play Namibia in Stratford. Doors open at 6.30pm for the One Direction gig, while the Pool C World Cup match gets under way at 8pm. It means transport links including London Underground, bus services and train services are likely to be busy with excited teenagers and beer-swilling sports fans.

Transport for London has warned 23 September will also be busy as rugby fans make their way to what used to be called the Olympic Stadium hosts France vs Romania. "Tube and rail stations are expected to be busy on both days from 5pm until 7.30pm and from 9.40pm until midnight. This includes Canary Wharf station."

The following lines will also be affected:

  • Central and Jubilee lines between Bond Street and Stratford
  • DLR between Canning Town and Stratford International and Canary Wharf and Stratford
  • London Overground between Highbury & Islington and Stratford
  • TfL Rail between Liverpool Street and Stratford
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