Dan Carter has seen his fair share of iconic stadiums throughout his career, collecting trophies and accolades with ease.
From World Rugby Player of the Year titles to unforgettable team wins, this All Blacks legend has played in some incredible spots.
But which stadiums made the greatest impact on him? Here’s his top three!
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#3. Twickenham Stadium – “The Home of Rugby”
Twickenham, London: Carter’s standout memory here? The unforgettable 2015 Rugby World Cup final. As New Zealand battled Australia, Carter silenced the crowd with a cool, 40-metre drop goal, halting a Wallabies comeback in its tracks.
“All such special memories but hard to go past the RWC final drop goal,” Carter tweeted. “Twickenham, the home of rugby, was certainly bouncing that night.”
The atmosphere? Electric. The stakes? Sky-high. Twickenham truly delivered.
#2. Eden Park – “The Pride of Auckland”
Auckland’s Eden Park, with its 50,000-strong capacity, holds a special place in Carter’s heart—especially under the night lights.
“Under lights, especially, the place comes alive,” Carter said.
Nestled beneath Mount Eden and near Auckland’s CBD, this stadium is where New Zealand comes together, with fans painting the stands black in support of their All Blacks. For Carter, it’s always felt like home.
#1. Principality Stadium – “The Millennium Magic”
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium takes Carter’s top spot. Set right in the heart of the Welsh capital, its retractable roof creates an atmosphere that’s unrivaled, sealing in the passion of a crowd that breathes rugby.
“I always say the Millennium. I’ve got a lot of great memories of playing there,” Carter shared. “It’s an amazing place with an awesome atmosphere…as a kicker, it’s quite handy having a roof on it too.”
That roof, eliminating Cardiff’s unpredictable rain, lets every kick soar with precision. From the fans to the stadium vibe, Principality is Carter’s #1 choice.
Betting to replace under pressure Steve Borthwick:
Rob Baxter – 12/1
The long-serving Exeter Chiefs coach has built a highly successful team, guiding them from the Championship to European champions.
Although Baxter has expressed satisfaction with his role at Exeter, he remains open to discussing the England job. His experience is primarily at the club level, which might be a consideration for the RFU in selecting a national head coach.
Andy Farrell – 10/1
Ireland’s current head coach, Andy Farrell, would be a high-profile option for England, especially given his previous role as their defence coach from 2011 to 2015.
However, he is under contract with Ireland through 2025, and his departure following England’s disappointing 2015 World Cup could complicate a return to the RFU.
