Brian O’Driscoll has named the rugby stadium he believes boasts the best atmosphere in the world – and it is not Ireland’s Aviva Stadium.
The former Ireland captain, who earned 141 Test caps across his career and won the 2009 Grand Slam, has experienced some of the most intimidating and incredible environments rugby has to offer.
From Twickenham to Murrayfield and the Stade de France to Eden Park, O’Driscoll has played in front of some of the biggest and most passionate crowds in the sport.
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When it comes to atmosphere, there is one ground that stands above the rest in his eyes. Speaking to RTÉ, O’Driscoll was asked whether the Aviva Stadium can claim to have the best atmosphere in rugby.
His answer was unequivocal.
“If you think about the best atmosphere in the world, is it in the Aviva Stadium? I'd say no,” O’Driscoll said.
“Is it, more often than not, in the Principality [Stadium - Cardiff], I would say yes.”
The Principality Stadium has long enjoyed a reputation as one of rugby's great cauldrons, with its enclosed roof capable of amplifying the noise generated by the Welsh support.
For O’Driscoll, who played countless times in Cardiff during his Ireland career, that atmosphere is difficult for other venues to match.
However, the Ireland legend believes there may be another factor affecting the atmosphere inside the Aviva, as the fans in Dublin try and beat the half-time rush for refreshments.
“I don't know if it’s people walking out and going for wees and pints,” he added.
“I’m sure that has an effect.”
O’Driscoll also suggested that responsibility does not rest entirely with supporters.
Having experienced the atmosphere from the other side of the advertising hoardings, he believes players have a role to play in creating the kind of environment that makes a stadium intimidating.
“We used to say, as a player group, that there’s a responsibility to give the crowd something to cheer about early in the game and get them excited,” he explained. “It’s give and take.”
The former Leinster centre also acknowledged one of the frustrations facing supporters at modern international matches – particularly those seated on the end of a packed row.
While fans leaving their seats may have an impact on the noise and intensity, O’Driscoll admitted that constantly having to make room for people coming and going can quickly become irritating.
“I understand the frustration of people having to stand up and sit down and do the hokey cokey is pretty frustrating,” he said. “If you are at an edge [of a row], that would kill me.”
For all of the Aviva Stadium's impressive occasions since opening in 2010, O’Driscoll therefore believes Cardiff remains the benchmark when it comes to creating a truly intimidating rugby atmosphere.
And given his extraordinary experience of playing in some of the sport's most famous stadiums, his verdict is unlikely to go unnoticed by supporters on either side of the Irish Sea.
Read also
Five facts about Brian O’Driscoll
1. He won 133 caps for Ireland
Brian O’Driscoll played 133 times for Ireland between 1999 and 2014. He scored 46 international tries during his career.
2. He captained Ireland 83 times
O’Driscoll became Ireland captain in 2003. He went on to lead his country 83 times before stepping down from the role.
3. He toured with the Lions four times
The centre played for the British & Irish Lions on four tours. He travelled in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013.
4. He spent his whole club career with Leinster
O’Driscoll never switched clubs during his senior career. He played for Leinster from 1999 until his retirement in 2014.
5. He helped Ireland win a Grand Slam
O’Driscoll captained Ireland to the 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam. It was Ireland’s first Grand Slam for 61 years.
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