The World’s Most Impressive Rugby Stadiums
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Impressive.
With sports being so popular, there have been some amazing stadiums built for the world’s best games to be played. This is true for most sports but especially when it comes to rugby, which has fans and teams from around the world.
Some of these stadiums have even become tourist attractions — they’re as impressive to visit as to watch a game at.
And with that, we’ve listed some of the world’s most astonishing rugby stadiums. Read on below to see our top 7…
Twickenham
Twickenham, in London, is definitely one that had to make this list. As the largest ground on the planet solely devoted to rugby, it’s a place that all rugby fans should experience at least once in their lives.
With a total pitch size of 125 x 70 meters, it’s an enormous space with 150 executive suites and a seating capacity that reaches 82,000. It’s the second-largest stadium in England just behind Wembley stadium. It’s also one of the oldest, with the original version’s construction being completed all the way back in 1909.
There have been some pretty big matches played there, as well as being the main venue of 3 World Cups in 2015, 1999, and 1991. It also hosts test matches for the England national rugby union team as well as other various matches including Premiership Rugby fixtures, Middlesex Sevens matches, and more.
There are some amazing matches ahead too, with England playing Ireland at Twickenham as part of Guess Six Nations Championship 2022, with many who bet on rugby predicting a win for Ireland, as they are the current favourites.
Hong Kong Stadium
Based in China, the Hong Kong Stadium is a must-visit for those who consider themselves true rugby fans. The Cathay Pacific HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is one to knock off the bucket list. The game itself is frantic and fast, but there’s an incredible party atmosphere in the building too, with fans dressing up and lots of drinks on the go. It’s a carnival vibe as part of a larger rugby experience and one that fans of all sports can definitely appreciate.
It’s an impressive space too, with a seating capacity of 40,000. Most of the international football matches held in the city take place at the Hong Kong Stadium too. It was also the spot for the Rugby World Cup Sevens on two occasions – in 2005 and 1997.
Eden Park
Making its home in the beautiful country of New Zealand, Eden Park hosts over half a million visitors from around the world every year. This stadium has a seating capacity of just under 50,000 seats, it’s a fantastic spot for live sports. It’s the home of both Auckland Rugby and Auckland Cricket and has delivered successful events since 1903.
These include the 1950 Empire Games, RWC1987 and RWC2011, the World Masters Game Opening Ceremony 2017, CWC 1992 and CWC2015, the annual Bledisloe Cup fixture, Lions Series and more. It’s a must-visit for both international and local sports fans and definitely one of the most incredible stadiums in the world. It’s an especially great atmosphere when the All Blacks are playing.
Suncorp Stadium
Also known as the Brisbane Football Stadium or Lang Park — and nicknamed The Cauldron — Suncorp is based in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. With a capacity of 52,000 people, this stadium is home to Brisbane Broncos, Australian Wallabies and the Queensland Reds. It’s also primarily used for rugby union and rugby league, although it’s considered a multi-purpose venue.
Established in 1917, many sports have been played — and big matches held – at Suncorp. In its early days it was home to soccer, athletics and indoor cycling. Some of the bigger events that have been hosted here include the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Final, the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, with future events including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and also the football component at the 2032 Summer Olympics.
The stadium is also home to some incredible bronze statues of rugby players including Allan Langer, John Eales, Arthur Beetson, Darren Lockyer, Mal Meaning and Wally Lewis.
Principality Stadium
Known both as the Principality Stadium and the Millennium Stadium, this national stadium in Wales is located in Cardiff. This incredible location is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and holds Wales national football games.
Opening in June 1999, it’s hosted some of the world’s biggest events including the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the Tsunami Relief Cardiff concert the Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain, the Super Special Stage of Wales Rally Great Britain and more.
This all-seater stadium features a retractable roof (the second of its kind in Europe) and has the capacity for 74,500 fans, with a record attendance at just over 78,000 as part of the Anthony Joshua and Carlos Taken fight.
The stadium bars also feature “joy machines” that can pour a total of 12 pints in less than 20 seconds; it also is home to a stadium hawk that drives seagulls and pigeons out of the area.
Interestingly the stadium has been used as a venue for film and television shoots. A fun fact for fans of 28 Weeks Later and the franchise is that the Wembley Stadium scene was actually filmed there.