For any true fan of international rugby, few things in life can equal the wonderful experience of attending top-class matches. Especially when it’s the Rugby World Cup!
Whether it’s the atmosphere of the crowd or the surrounding scenery of the stadium itself, every visit can provide unique sensations.
As we take a look at some of the best Rugby World Cup stadiums, our first port of call is one that will be hosting matches at the 2023 tournament, including the final.
Stade de France – Paris, France
Opened in 1998 and no stranger to world-class rugby matches, the Stade de France is an iconic venue. For the 2023 Rugby World Cup, capacity for the Stade de France will be just over 80,000, making it the biggest venue of the nine being used throughout the tournament.
But regardless of the size, demand for rugby tickets is always high, so don’t delay if you’re hoping to attend any of the matches being played there.
When the last match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup is played, Stade de France will become only the third venue to have hosted two Rugby World Cup finals. The others were Eden Park in New Zealand and Twickenham in London. But the big question is, will the French team actually reign supreme this time around on home turf?
Les Bleus have reached three previous finals, only to lose out in all three: 1987, 1999, and 2011. However, this ratio of appearances every 12 years would suggest they’re due to make another tournament final. As the tournament host, an opportunity to triumph at last will be the ultimate ambition, especially in front of their vibrant home supporters at Stade de France.
Eden Park – Auckland, New Zealand
One of only two stadiums to have hosted two Rugby World Cup finals, there has always been something special about Eden Park, especially when the All Blacks are playing. Steeped in history and with matches typically boasting a wonderful atmosphere, the Auckland venue has been the site of sporting events dating back to 1900, making it the oldest location on our list.
New Zealand played a vital role in establishing the Rugby World Cup. So, when the inaugural event was held in 1987, even with Australia as co-hosts, there was no disputing the choice of Eden Park as the venue for the final. This proved to be a huge boost for the All Blacks, who eventually triumphed 29-9 against France to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Eden Park was hallowed ground once again in 2011, as New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup tournament. It was another major bonus, as the All Blacks repeated their success with another final victory against France.
Anyone who has attended games at the venue will undoubtedly agree that this is a unique venue with a unique rugby atmosphere, making it a bucket-list choice for international fans.
Stadium Australia – Sydney, Australia
According to the record books, the biggest crowd for any rugby union match was at Stadium Australia, when 109,874 fans packed the venue. On that day in July 2000, New Zealand ran out 39-35 winners against the Wallabies, as rugby legend Jonah Lomu scored the winning try. That attendance was beaten later that year in October, when 114,714 spectators watched the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics.
The stadium itself, officially opened in March 1999, was first used as the venue for several rugby league games and later for a music event by the Bee Gees. The first rugby union encounter was the 1999 Bledisloe Cup featuring Australia versus New Zealand. When the Aussies hosted the 2003 Rugby World Cup, this massive stadium was the centrepiece of an exceptional tournament, eventually won by England.
Going by different names over the years for sponsorship reasons, Stadium Australia is a multi-purpose venue and has just hosted the final for the Women’s 2023 Football World Cup. Currently known as the Accor Stadium, the huge venue creates a magical experience, particularly if the Wallabies are in action with the home crowd in fine voice.
Murrayfield – Edinburgh, Scotland
For many locals returning to Edinburgh following trips away, the first real indication they’re back home is passing by the magnificently prominent Murrayfield. The stadium immediately conjures up the images and sounds of national pride. This is where fans genuinely roar in support of their cherished rugby team, after passionately singing ‘Flower of Scotland’ before kick-off.
While it might not be the biggest or particularly the fanciest looking venue in the world, there has always been something uniquely alluring about Murrayfield, especially among rugby fans. This great stadium is always filled to capacity when Scotland are playing in the Six Nations. The venue has also been host for three Rugby World Cup tournaments.
The first occasion was in 1991 for pool matches, before taking centre stage for the nail-biting semi-final clash between Scotland and England. The atmosphere was just as powerful in 1999, when the Scots eventually bowed out in the quarter-finals against New Zealand. When the 2007 tournament was hosted by France, Murrayfield was also handed two pool games, meaning this grand venue is long overdue for a Rugby World Cup return.
Twickenham – London, England
Originally purchased as a market garden, which is why the location is affectionately called the ‘Cabbage Patch’ by fans who know their history, the first official rugby match at Twickenham was in October 1909 between Harlequins and Richmond.
The first international game was in January 1910, when England hosted Wales. Back then the maximum capacity was just 20,000.
As the biggest and best rugby venue at the 1991 Rugby World Cup tournament, when England jointly hosted alongside Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France, there was no better location for the final. That said, Australia merrily spoiled the party, beating England 12-6 in that game. The second RWC final was hosted in 2015 and the Wallabies were there again, but defeated 34-17 by the All Blacks.
Known as the ‘Home of English Rugby’ by passionate fans, Twickenham is currently the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world, boasting the capacity for 82,000 spectators. And for anyone who loves rugby, making the pilgrimage to this iconic venue is certainly an unmissable experience, whatever the competition and no matter which teams are playing.
