Rugby stadiums: international venues, historic grounds

The Millennium Stadium features a retractable roof and has served as the home venue for the Welsh national rugby team since 1999. The stands can accommodate 74,500 spectators. Located in the center of Cardiff, the stadium hosts international rugby matches and other sporting events. The facility was built on the site of the former Cardiff Arms Park and ranks among the most modern sports venues in Europe.

Eden Park was built in 1900 and is New Zealand's largest stadium with 50,000 seats. This stadium serves as the home ground for the All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby team, who regularly play their major home matches here. The stadium is located in the Kingsland suburb and has witnessed over a century of sporting history. Eden Park has hosted two Rugby World Cup finals and numerous memorable matches.

The Stade de France was built in 1998 for the FIFA World Cup and holds 80,000 seats. This national stadium in northern Paris hosts matches of the French national rugby team during the Six Nations Championship and test matches. The venue combines football and rugby events along with athletics competitions and concerts. Its elliptical architecture with a movable roof allows flexible use of the facility.

Murrayfield Stadium was built in 1925 and serves as the headquarters of Scottish Rugby. This stadium has a capacity of 67,144 seats, making it the largest sports venue in Scotland and the fifth largest in the United Kingdom. Murrayfield hosts the home matches of the Scottish national rugby team during the Six Nations Championship and other international competitions. The facility is located in the western part of Edinburgh and features modern amenities that have been upgraded through several renovations over the decades.

Ellis Park Stadium stands at an altitude of 1724 meters in the Doornfontein area and holds 62567 spectators. The South African national rugby team has played home matches here since 1928. The stadium hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, where South Africa claimed victory. The venue serves both rugby and football matches and regularly welcomes Springboks test matches against international opponents. The facility underwent renovations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and remains a central location for major sporting events in the country.

Twickenham Stadium was built in 1909 and serves as the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union, England's governing body for rugby. Located in southwest London, this venue has a capacity of 82,000 seats and stands as the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world. Twickenham hosts home matches for the England national team during the Six Nations Championship and autumn internationals. The stadium also houses the World Rugby Museum, which documents the history of the sport. Major finals of domestic and international competitions are regularly held at this venue.

Stade Marcel-Michelin was built in 1911 and serves as the home ground of ASM Clermont Auvergne. The stands are positioned very close to the pitch, creating a distinctive atmosphere. This proximity between spectators and players makes the stadium a special venue for rugby matches in the Auvergne region.

Aviva Stadium was built in 2010 on the foundations of the historic Lansdowne Road stadium and serves as home to the Ireland national rugby team. With a capacity of 51,700 spectators, the stadium features modern architecture with a continuous roof structure that covers all seating areas. The venue also hosts home matches for the Republic of Ireland national football team and has been selected for major European football competitions.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium was built in 1923 and serves as the home ground for the Blue Bulls in Super Rugby and the South African national team, the Springboks. This Pretoria venue has a capacity of approximately 51,000 spectators and ranks among the country's most traditional rugby stadiums. The stadium has hosted numerous significant matches, including games from the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Stade Mayol has been home to Rugby Club Toulonnais since 1919. The stadium is located close to Toulon's port and its architecture incorporates maritime elements. With a capacity of approximately 18,000 spectators, this venue offers a compact setting for rugby matches. The stands are positioned close to the playing field, providing spectators with an engaging viewing experience.

Welford Road Stadium has served as the home ground of Leicester Tigers since 1892, making it one of the oldest rugby venues in England. The stadium accommodates 25,849 spectators and underwent major renovations in 2009 to modernize its facilities while preserving its historical character. Located in central Leicester, this venue has hosted numerous Premiership matches and international fixtures throughout its history. The stands surround the pitch on all four sides, creating an enclosed environment that contributes to the intense match-day experience. Welford Road remains a cornerstone of English club rugby and has played a significant role in the development of the sport in the region.

Suncorp Stadium was built in 1914 and underwent major renovation in 2003. This sporting facility in Brisbane hosts rugby league, rugby union and football matches. With a capacity of 52,500 seats, the stadium serves as one of Australia's principal venues for international rugby competitions. The ground regularly functions as home venue for the Queensland Reds in rugby union and the Brisbane Broncos in rugby league.

Thomond Park serves as the home ground of Munster Rugby and underwent extensive renovation in 2008. The stadium holds 25,600 spectators and hosts both international fixtures and championship matches. Located in Limerick, this venue is recognized for the intense support from local fans. Thomond Park combines modern facilities with the rich tradition of Irish rugby.

The Allianz Stadium underwent complete renovation in 2022 and serves as home ground for the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby. The venue features 42,500 seats and was built on the site of the historic Sydney Football Stadium. The stadium regularly hosts international rugby test matches for the Australian national team as well as Rugby League fixtures. The modern architecture incorporates dining areas, corporate boxes and enhanced spectator facilities across all categories.

Kingspan Stadium was built in 1924 and serves as the home ground of Ulster Rugby for their national and European competitions. The venue accommodates up to 18,000 spectators and hosts matches in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions. Located in the Ravenhill area of Belfast, the stadium has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities. The ground features covered stands and hospitality areas that support both competitive fixtures and community rugby events.

Stade Aimé Giral has served as the home ground of Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais since 1940. The stadium bears the name of Aimé Giral, a rugby player from the club who died during the First World War. Located in the heart of Perpignan, this facility accommodates approximately 14,000 spectators. The stands are positioned close to the pitch, creating an intense atmosphere during matches.

Newlands Stadium was opened in 1890 and stands as the oldest rugby stadium in South Africa. This sporting venue serves as the home ground for the Stormers, who compete in the Super Rugby championship. The stadium is situated at the foot of Table Mountain and has a capacity of approximately 51,000 spectators. Newlands has hosted numerous international matches and played an important role in the history of South African rugby.

The Vélez Sarsfield Stadium was built in 1951 and hosts rugby and football matches. This venue features covered stands with a capacity of approximately 49,000 spectators and a natural grass pitch. The stadium is located in the Liniers neighborhood and bears the name of the club. It has undergone several renovations and meets the standards for international competitions.

The Etihad Stadium was completed in 2000 and features a retractable roof that allows events to proceed regardless of weather conditions. This stadium serves as a venue for rugby matches, football games, and cricket competitions. With a seating capacity exceeding 50,000 spectators, the Etihad Stadium ranks among the principal sporting facilities in Melbourne. Its modern architecture and technical equipment make it a popular venue for both domestic and international sporting events.

Stade Jean Dauger serves as the home ground of Aviron Bayonnais Rugby Pro and is located in the heart of Bayonne. This municipal sports facility underwent extensive modernization in 2010, with the new East stand transforming the stadium's profile. The venue accommodates approximately 14,000 spectators and has hosted top-tier French rugby matches for decades. The complex features modern facilities for players and supporters alike. The stadium bears the name of Jean Dauger, a former club player who died during World War II.

Stade Ernest-Wallon was built in 1982 and serves as the home ground of Stade Toulousain, one of the most successful rugby clubs in Europe. With a capacity of 19,000 spectators, this stadium provides a compact venue for intense matches in French and European rugby. The club has won numerous French championships and several European Rugby Champions Cups, shaping rugby culture in Toulouse for decades.

Croke Park, with a capacity of 82,300 seats, is the largest stadium in Ireland. Opened in 1884, it serves as the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association. This stadium hosts international rugby matches, particularly during the renovation period of Aviva Stadium between 2007 and 2010. The facility includes modern stands, a museum dedicated to Irish sporting history, and conference facilities. Croke Park is located north of the city center and is accessible by public transport.

Sandy Park has served as the home ground of Exeter Chiefs since 1873 and provides seating for 12,300 spectators at rugby matches. The stadium is located in southwest England and regularly hosts English championship games. The facility has undergone several expansions and modernizations over the years to meet the demands of professional rugby. In addition to league matches, European competitions are also held here.

Forsyth Barr Stadium opened in 2011 and accommodates 30,748 spectators. This rugby stadium features a transparent ETFE roof that allows sufficient sunlight to penetrate, enabling natural grass to grow underneath. The enclosed design protects players and spectators from Dunedin's frequently harsh weather conditions. The stadium serves as home ground for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition and regularly hosts test matches featuring the New Zealand national team.