Rugby is a sport that's known for having one of the most incredible, passionate atmospheres.
We all know about the famous British stadiums like Twickenham, the biggest rugby stadium in the Northern Hemisphere, along with Edinburgh's Murrayfield and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (now known as the Principality Stadium).
But, the rest of the world also has some magnificent rugby grounds well worth a mention.
Here at Spectate, we want to help you see them for yourself as you travel the world. After all, nothing epitomises the globalism of sport quite like watching a rugby match in one of the finest international stadiums that the world has to offer.
So, which stadium is the best to watch Rugby? Find out below...
1. The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Opening in 2008 to host the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, the 44,000-capacity Sevens Stadium has evolved into hosting many of Dubai’s biggest entertainment events with internationally acclaimed artists, alongside top sporting tournaments.
Set in the tranquil desert just a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, the Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the UAE's biggest annual events and attracts crowds in excess of 100,000 over the three days. The event usually takes place in December to take advantage of the cooler, less humid weather. Following the best spectator experience, make your way into the heart of Dubai to enjoy its fabulous restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
See the Dubai Rugby Sevens with Spectate
Our Dubai Rugby Sevens package can be crafted however you desire. We can arrange breakfast hospitality, both full days’ play and the famous Saturday night concert. We’re delighted to offer guests an optional Dinner Under the Stars with rugby legend Rory Underwood MBE and Friends.
Get in touch to reserve your seat at our Rugby Sevens Tours.
2. Ellis Park – Johannesburg, South Africa
Located in Johannesburg, Ellis Park is the stadium of South Africa's national team and is renowned for being intensely intimidating for opposing players. The atmosphere is always raucous and competitive in this 62,000 seater cauldron, leading to teams often playing their best rugby on its hallowed grounds. Built in 1928, Ellis Park has been the home of South African rugby ever since and seeing a game here really is the stuff of rugby spectating bucket lists.
The venue also held one of rugby’s most historic matches, attended by Nelson Mandela. The 1995 World Cup final saw South Africa beat arch rivals New Zealand, which was a hugely symbolic moment as it marked the nation’s first major sporting event since the end of its apartheid regime.
3. Cape Town Stadium - Cape Town, South Africa
The iconic Cape Town Stadium opened in 2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but has hosted many thrilling sevens rugby matches. The Cape Town Sevens attracts record-breaking crowds every year, to what is regarded as one of the best live sporting events in the South African calendar.
Recently, the stadium has undergone significant upgrades with the construction of VIP suites and has become the official home of Western Province Rugby, following their move from Newlands Stadium. Explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront just a stroll away following some riveting match viewing.
See the Cape Town Rugby Sevens With Spectate
Our Cape Town Sevens packages allow you to watch the exceptional home team battle with the likes of Fiji, New Zealand and the USA, while sitting back and relaxing in the best seat in the stadium — our premium hospitality suite. A weekend in Cape Town twins perfectly with longer adventures. So, whether you want to journey further inland for a safari, or jet off to Mauritius for extra relaxation, we can arrange it all.
Get in touch to reserve your seat at our Rugby Sevens Tours.
4. Eden Park – Auckland, New Zealand
This 50,000-capacity stadium is New Zealand's largest and most famous, which has been in use since 1900. It also became the first ground to play host to two rugby World Cup finals in 1987 and 2011. Eden Park is the All Blacks' stadium, and the atmosphere practically boils when they take to the field, making this one of the most lively sporting venues found anywhere in the world.
Located in the centre of Auckland, you'll be perfectly located to experience the best of the city both before and after the game.
5. Suncorp Stadium – Brisbane, Australia
The triple-tiered European-style design of the Australian nation stadium puts you closer to the action. With stands creeping right up to the touch line, the full force of the impassioned Aussie crowd is free to bombard the field.
Found adjacent to the Brisbane River, surrounded by some of the best sights and sounds that the city has to offer, this is the ideal venue to combine sports and culture. With easy rail access to the ground, the Suncorp Stadium is perfect for sporting travellers who desire plenty of noise and atmosphere.
6. Stade de France – Paris, France
Stade de France is the largest stadium on our list. With a huge 81,000 seats, this multi-purpose venue has played host to a variety of breathtaking sporting moments, opening in 1998 for the Football World Cup.
When filled to capacity with fanatical French supporters, Stade de France becomes a difficult enemy ground for away teams to play. But, this just makes it such a wonderful venue for travelling Six Nations fans looking to surround themselves with a passionate and vibrant sporting atmosphere.
You're also a stone's throw from the centre of Paris, so after your thrilling matchday experience, experience all of the virtues of one of the world's most famous cities right on your doorstep.
France will host the Rugby World Cup 2023, and Stade de France will be hosting ten games overall, including the opening match and final at its iconic grounds.
7. Velez Sarsfield – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nicknamed “El Fortin” – The Fort – in Argentina, it's unsurprising that Velez Sarsfield is one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the sporting world.
Velez Sarsfield has hosted numerous upsets over the years. Results that were no doubt fuelled by the intimidating chorus that the Argentine fans project towards the field of play from the first moment to the final whistle. Located in central Buenos Aires you'll have no problem soaking up the Latin atmosphere when you aren't preoccupied by the game.
8. Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
As its Italian name suggests, the Stadio Olimpico is an iconic ground located in north-west Rome, seating 72,698. Opened in 1953, Stadio Olimpico is best known as a football venue and is home to Italian clubs Lazio and Roma. However, it is also often used by the Italian National Rugby Union Team, and has hosted numerous rugby matches during the 2013 Six Nations.
It's well worth exploring the stadium's fascinating surroundings too, from Vatican City just two and a half miles away to Rome's numerous Piazzas, churches and historical cathedrals.
9. Newlands, Cape Town
The third entry in our list of African grounds, Newlands first opened in 1890 and is South Africa’s oldest venues. The home stadium to the Stormers 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.
Famous for its backdrop of Table Mountain, it's one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world to watch cricket. At half time, pick up a delicious sizzling treat from one of the braais, then explore this leafy Cape Town suburb after the match.
Other Rugby Tours with Spectate
Prepare for an incredible atmosphere as you discover world class rugby closer to home, with our Six Nations Tours. The Guinness Six Nations is always an exciting battle between the national teams of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy. The Six Nations will return in February 2023. Pre-register your interest today.
We tailor-make luxury sporting holidays around the world, to give you a bucket list experience every time. From F1 to cricket, tennis to golf tours, simply call us or contact us through our enquiry form and we can plan your next 'I was there' moment.
