Just one Premiership ground makes it onto top ten list of world’s best stadiums

Thursday, 17 September 2020 at 11:00

bySteven Smith

Venatour have compiled the Top 10 Best Rugby Stadiums in the World – many of which they are looking forward to touring soon!

They offer a wide range of rugby tour packages worldwide, from short stay Six Nations and Champions Cup weekends to a seven-week Venatour Lions Tour.

10. Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles

"A surprising entrant to kick-start our list, LA’s principal stadium is set to host the USA Sevens 2020 as the event shifts from Vegas to California. This 27,000 seater stadium is home to the USA Sevens."

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9. Kingsholm, Gloucester

"Full of history, the infamous Shed boasts some of the most passionate supporters who create an intimidating atmosphere for opposition wingers. Always packed to its 6,000 capacity on match days, the all-standing stronghold is referred to as Gloucester’s “16th man”. A trip to The Shed is surely a bucket list experience for all rugby fans."

8. Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand

Perhaps an unorthodox entrant in our list of the best rugby stadiums in the world, Clermont’s home ground is always rammed to its 20,000 capacity with rugby-mad local fans.

7. Stade de France, Paris

"The first of the international grounds on our list of the best stadiums in world rugby, the atmosphere in Stade de France mirrors their national team: boisterous and joyful when on the front foot, but quiet and frail when behind."

6. Twickenham, London

"For what England’s HQ lacks in atmosphere, it certainly makes up for it in occasion. At 82,000 it is the biggest rugby stadium in the Northern Hemisphere, having witnessed a record 13 Six Nations Grand Slams for their home side."

5. Eden Park, Auckland

"Boasting the unique achievement of hosting two Rugby World Cup finals, we visited this 50,000 seater-stadium in 2017 as the Lions earned a series draw against New Zealand."

4. Newlands, Cape Town

"First opened in 1890, Newlands is the oldest stadium on our list and remains stooped in history as the venue where Jonah Lomu ran riot against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, scoring four tries in the process."

3. Murrayfield, Edinburgh

"Stuart Hogg et al are renowned for their inconsistency on the road, but who wouldn’t be with a home like Murrayfield?! When England journey North of the border, this stadium reaches fever pitch, with its 67,130 capacity going wild for a sporting occasion to savour."

2. Principality Stadium, Cardiff

"Home of the most rugby-mad nation in the world, Wales have a true fortress in the centre of Cardiff that has helped to seal Six Nations Grand Slam titles in 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2019."

1. Ellis Park, Johannesburg

All Blacks legend Justin Marshall said of the 62,567 stadium: “Even the drive to Ellis Park on the bus is daunting, where often supporters push the bus, and certainly make it very clear you’re in enemy territory.

“On the field it’s an atmosphere like no other – hostile and very passionate. No coincidence that the Springboks play better there than at any ground in the country. They’re different beasts when they run on to Ellis Park. Something in them stirs.”