Nigel Owens ranked the five best rugby stadiums for atmosphere, Twickenham included

Renowned for his calm demeanor on the pitch and an uncanny ability to command respect, Owens officiated in numerous iconic stadiums around the world. However, when asked about the venues that left an indelible mark on him, the Welshman surprisingly omitted his beloved Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

From the southern hemisphere's rugby strongholds to the cauldrons of European rugby, Nigel Owens' journey through these stadiums unveils the diverse tapestry of emotions woven into the fabric of the sport.

Nigel Owens recalls the electric ambiance within Stade de France, acknowledging its incredible atmosphere. While the stadium may lack the bustling surroundings of Cardiff, its grandeur and fervent crowd make it a memorable stage for rugby battles, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Parisian rugby enthusiasts.

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."

Thomond Park, a European rugby haven, holds a special place in Owens' heart. With a capacity of 28,000, the stadium transforms into a cauldron of passion during European Cup clashes. Owens recommends the experience of witnessing showdowns against giants like Toulouse, Leicester, or Clermont, making it a must on any rugby fan's bucket list.

Owens wrote: "For me, few things beat Thomond Park on a European Cup weekend. That is an experience that should be on every rugby fan’s bucket list. When there are 28,000 in there for games against the likes of Toulouse, Leicester or Clermont – all of which I’ve refereed there – then it doesn’t half take some beating."

Hosting a Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009, Croke Park left an indelible mark on Owens. With over 82,000 fans creating an atmosphere reminiscent of international clashes, the sea of blue and red during the Leinster v Munster encounter set a record. The stadium's remarkable aura became an enduring memory for the esteemed referee.

Owens wrote: "I refereed Leinster v Munster here in the Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009. It was like an international day, there was a sea of blue and red descending on the stadium. The attendance of over 82,000 set a record at the time and the atmosphere was remarkable."

Twickenham holds a special significance for Owens, witnessing his World Cup final and inaugural Six Nations match. Beyond personal milestones, the stadium's allure extends to its unique atmosphere, even in matches where the host nation isn't involved. Owens praises the special ambiance, shaped by neutral supporters, elevating Twickenham's status on his list.

Owens wrote: "It will always be a special place for me because it’s where I took charge of the World Cup final and my first ever Six Nations match, but there is more to this selection than just that.

"Surprisingly, for a match where the host nation wasn’t involved, with a lot of neutral supporters in the ground, the atmosphere was special."

In 2013, Ellis Park hosted a South Africa v New Zealand clash that defined rugby excellence for Nigel Owens. Describing it as the best game he ever refereed, the contest between the Springboks and the All Blacks was a breathtaking spectacle, featuring nine stunning tries. The passionate crowd elevated the atmosphere, making Ellis Park an unforgettable rugby battleground.

Owens wrote: "The game was South Africa v New Zealand in 2013 and the atmosphere that day was just something to behold. The game itself was just unbelievable and played at such a pace, without a doubt the best I ever refereed.

"The All Blacks won 38-27, there were nine tries and some of them were stunning. The crowd really got into the game, as they always do in South Africa, and it made for a truly special memory."