"No better atmosphere" - Wayne Barnes ranks the three best rugby stadiums for atmosphere

Saturday, 11 December 2021 at 08:06

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byRugby Rucker

Popular rugby referee Wayne Barnes has picked out the three stadiums he has refereed in that produced the best atmosphere, and surprisingly left out his beloved Twickenham Stoop.

#3. PRINCIPALITY STADIUM

ing about the Millennium Stadium – renamed later as the Principality Stadium – is nigh on perfect save from some early teething problems with the turf which can struggle a little when the roof is on for prolonged periods.

Barnes said: "With the roof closed, there is no better atmosphere."

#2. SUNCORP STADIUM

Barnes said: "Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium – A stadium which is built up so it feels as if the spectators are on top of the pitch, I’ve refereed two cracking Bledisloe Cup matches there too."

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#1. Twickenham

Barnes said: "A short stroll from home. In the 2015 RWC semi-final, I walked to the stadium from my house with the other match officials. As I crossed the 316 bridge from the Stoop with my bag over my shoulder, I looked across to the West Car Park and thought this is pretty special."

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: A general view of the RFU logo outside Twickenham Stadium on July 6, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)