Ranked! The matchday experience at all 12 Premiership stadiums
Rugby NewsTuesday, 22 September 2020 at 16:45
Which ground has the best atmosphere? Amazing architecture? The perfect view? RUCK's Steven Smith, who recently completed the full set, ranks every Gallagher Premiership ground based on his own personal visits...
12. London Irish - Madejski Stadium (3.92/10)
In five words or less: Archetypal 21st century ground
Most recent visit: 2020
Best feature: Fully enclosed and modern
Worst feature: Always empty and not even in London.
READING, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Alex Lewington of London Irish is tackled by Tim Visser of Edinburgh during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Quarter Final between London Irish and Edinburgh Rugby at the Madejski Stadium on April 5, 2015 in Reading, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
11. Sale Sharks - AJ Bell Stadium (4.12)
In five words or less: Comes with free transporter bridge
Most recent visit: 2019
Best feature: Good shop for merchandise
Worst feature: Soulless stadium. Traffic chaos is the only guarantee when watching the Sharks.
SALFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: A general view of the A J Bell Stadium prior to the LV= Cup match between Sale Sharks and Bath Rugby at AJ Bell Stadium on November 08, 2013 in Salford, England. (Photo by David Jones/Getty Images)
10. Saracens - Allianz Park (5)
In five words or less: Athletics transition can be done
Most recent visit: 2019
Best feature: Was adapted well for Rugby and has a terrific main stand
Worst feature: The capacity is too small and three of the stands are not great
9. Wasps - Ricoh Arena (6.11)
In five words or less: A mixed experience
Most recent visit: 2019
Best feature: Proximity to the motorway. Wasps also do their best to make it an enjoyable matchday experience using the stadium's extensive facilities.
Worst feature: Often-soulless atmosphere in a virtually empty stadium.
8.Worcester Warriors - Sixways (6.9)
In five words or less: Dramatic main stand
Most recent visit: 2019
Best feature: Easy to get to, straight off junction 6 of the motorway and plenty of parking.
Worst feature: Food prices. One wagon will do you a burger for over seven quid. This is Sixways not Twickenham...
7. Harlequins - Twickenham Stoop(6.92)
In five words or less: Quainter than quaint
Most recent visit: 2018
Best feature: Perfect for tourists keen to sample an old-fashioned English ground as it's next door to HQ
Worst feature: Bar service is really slow. My last round took 15 minutes.
6. Leicester Tigers - Welford Road(7.08)
In five words or less: Big, if not pretty
Most recent visit: 2018
Best feature: The scale of the place, and the atmosphere when full
Worst feature: Very dated and a bit of an eyesore.
5. Northampton Saints - Franklin's Gardens(7.09)
In five words or less: Passionate home fans
Most recent visit: 2018
Best feature: Excellent atmosphere, four nice stands
Worst feature: Seats in the Church Stand are very cramped
The final scoreboard showing 67 - 17 to Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership match between Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks on 16 February 2019 at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, Northamptonshire - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
4. Bristol Bears - Ashton Gate (7.24)
In five words or less: Home to be proud of
Most recent visit: 2019
Best feature: The overall match experience.
Worst feature: Not always full.
Mascots with Steve Luatua, Captain of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate, Bristol on September 29. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK - Rugby
3. Exeter Chiefs - Sandy Park (7.56)
In five words or less: Absolute fortress
Most recent visit: 2018
Best feature: Bars and food outlets are efficient and easily accessed.
Worst feature: Quite far out of town
Champions Cup match balls during the Champions Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and Munster at Sandy Park on October 13th 2018, Exeter, Devon. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
2. Bath Rugby - The Rec (7.83)
In five words or less: Premiership ground with character
Most recent visit: 2018
Best feature: Love this gem of a premiership ground, no matter the opposition, the weather or the referee it's great it's loud it's exciting and fun and the pitch views are great from any seat.
Worst feature: Facilities are very limited.
1. Gloucester - Kingsholm(9.33)
In five words or less: A cracking rugby ground
Most recent visit: 2019
Best feature: Good seating in the stands, fabulous terrace, friendly fans, food, drink a plenty, beer and cider served pitchside before the match and at half time.
Worst feature: Parking can be a nightmare.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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