Built for the 1960 Summer Olympics, Stadio Flaminio was originally a football venue before rugby took over in 2000, when Italy joined the Six Nations.
For over a decade, the 30,000-seater stadium hosted some of the biggest names in the sport—including multiple visits from England.
The expansion that never happened
There were bold plans to increase capacity to 42,000 ahead of the 2012 Six Nations, but those ambitions fell flat. With no renovations in sight, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) had enough and moved Italy’s home games—first to Florence, then permanently to Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
A failed club revolution
At one point, the Flaminio was set to become the home of Praetorians Roma, Italy’s planned franchise for the Celtic League. But like the stadium itself, those plans collapsed, and Benetton Treviso took their place instead.
Rockstars, legends, and an empty shell
It wasn’t just rugby that made the Flaminio famous—David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Bruce Springsteen all rocked the venue in front of massive crowds. But since hosting its final Six Nations fixture in 2011, the stadium has been left to rot.
YouTube’s window into the ruins
Despite a 2008 renovation, the once-lively stadium is now a ghost town, with overgrown grass and crumbling stands captured in eerie YouTube videos. What was once the pride of Italian rugby is now a haunting reminder of what could have been.
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Nigel Owens ranks the FIVE best captains he has refereed, Richie McCaw only third
The Welsh whistle-blower shared his picks with Wales Online, but from the get-go, he ruled out any Welsh players.
“I am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven’t refereed them in international matches," Owens explained.
"Anyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside."
5. Chris Robshaw (England) – The underrated leader
Robshaw might not be the first name that springs to mind, but Owens reckons the former England skipper deserves his flowers.
The Harlequins legend led England between 2012 and 2015, a period marked by highs and lows, but his commitment to the cause was never in doubt. His tireless work rate, leadership, and dedication made him a respected figure in the game.
Off the field, he’s continued to make an impact, supporting various charities and staying involved in rugby.
Owens said:
"Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."
4. Jean de Villiers (South Africa) – The classy operator
A leader on and off the pitch, Jean de Villiers was the definition of a class act. The Springbok great captained South Africa from 2012 to 2015, bringing composure and tactical intelligence to the role.
Known for his silky skills in the backline, de Villiers commanded respect with his presence and leadership, both as a player and as a captain. Even after retirement, he remains a key figure in rugby through coaching and media work.
Owens said: "He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me."
3. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – The ultimate warrior
If there’s a rugby GOAT debate, McCaw is always in the mix. The All Blacks icon led New Zealand to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011 and 2015) and had a win rate that most captains could only dream of.
His ability to read the game, dominate the breakdown, and lead by example made him a nightmare for opponents – and a dream for referees.
Owens said: "He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players. Maybe he will be at the top for many people. New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost."
2. Paul O'Connell & Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) – The dream team
Owens couldn’t pick just one from this Irish duo – and who could blame him? Whenever he refereed Ireland, O’Driscoll was the captain, but O’Connell was the enforcer, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
O'Driscoll, one of the best centres in history, had a magical touch with the ball, while O'Connell's leadership in the pack was second to none.
Owens said: "I’m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper. O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell. I found them excellent to deal with."
1. Thierry Dusautoir (France) – The fearless warrior
This might surprise a few people, but Owens reckons Dusautoir was the best captain he ever refereed. The former France flanker was a tackling machine, famously making 38 tackles in one game against New Zealand in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
A leader by example, Dusautoir never backed down from a challenge and inspired those around him with his relentless work ethic.
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career – recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup – led by example and understood the game very well."
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You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
