Gloucester Rugby have changed the name of their famous Kingsholm Stadium, as they prepare to host the 2022/23 Allianz Premier 15s Final. The stadium has been renamed to ‘Queensholm’ for the event, which will feature Gloucester-Hartpury taking centre stage.
Gloucester-Hartpury take on Exeter Chiefs Women in the Premier 15s Final this Saturday, with both sides looking to record their historic first-ever title in the competition. Since the Premier 15s was launched in 2017, only Saracens and Harlequins have lifted the trophy, making this weekend even more of a monumental occasion.
Ticket sales for the showpiece event at ‘Queensholm’, are said to have already doubled the record for attendance at a Premier 15s Final. This is certainly contributed by the fact that Gloucester-Hartpury have reached the final, and will take on West Country rivals Exeter Chiefs.
Gloucester-Hartpury captain and England international Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt, called the event “amazing”. Speaking to the Gloucester Rugby website, Hunt said;
“It’s a dream to run out to a packed Kingsholm in Cherry & White. The fact that we’re now doing that at ‘Queensholm’, in honour of the final that we’ve fought so hard to get to… it means so much.”
“I am so unbelievably proud to wear this shirt and all it represents, from the staff that go above and beyond and are always so welcoming, to the unreal supporters and people of Gloucester.
“It’s going to be an insane occasion and I’m so excited to be out there with the girls. We will do everything we can to make everyone proud on Saturday.”
Gloucester-Hartpury and Exeter Chiefs kick-off at 15:30, this Saturday 24th of June for the Premier 15s Final.
Nigel Owens ranks the five best rugby stadiums for atmosphere
Legendary referee Nigel Owens has picked out the three stadiums he played in that produced the best atmosphere, and surprisingly left out his beloved Principality in Cardiff
Read his full column for the Wales Online by clicking here.
#5. Stade de France, Paris
The first of the international grounds on our list of the best stadiums in world rugby, the atmosphere in Stade de France mirrors their national team: boisterous and joyful when on the front foot, but quiet and frail when behind.
Owens wrote: “When you’re inside the Stade de France it’s an incredible stadium.
“The atmosphere is up there with the best and I absolutely loved refereeing there but the actual location of the stadium is not the best, there isn’t a lot going on around it, it’s the total opposite to Cardiff in many ways.”
