10 best rugby stadiums in the world ranked

bySteven Smith

Rugby has some of the most iconic sporting venues on the planet.

From the intimidating atmosphere of Ellis Park to the history of Eden Park and the noise generated under the roof in Cardiff, certain grounds simply feel different on a Test match day.

But which is the best?

We’ve ranked 10 of rugby’s greatest stadiums based on atmosphere, history, location and the overall matchday experience.

There are three South African grounds in the top 10, while England’s home at Twickenham might be lower than some supporters expect.

Here is the countdown.

10. King’s Park – Durban, South Africa

Known as the Shark Tank, King’s Park remains one of South African rugby’s most recognisable grounds.

The stands sit close to the action and Durban’s rugby culture can create a brilliant atmosphere when the Sharks or Springboks are in town.

It might not have the size of some venues on this list, but it has plenty of character.

9. Loftus Versfeld – Pretoria, South Africa

A proper rugby fortress.

Loftus combines altitude, history and a passionate fanbase to make life extremely difficult for visiting teams.

The famous Pretoria ground has been home to the Bulls for generations and regularly hosts the Springboks.

8. Twickenham – London, England

England’s home makes the list, but only just inside the top eight.

With a capacity of more than 80,000, Twickenham is one of rugby’s biggest venues and has staged countless famous Tests.

When England are involved in a major Six Nations fixture, the scale of the occasion is difficult to match.

However, when it comes purely to atmosphere, several grounds edge it.

7. Suncorp Stadium – Brisbane, Australia

Suncorp is one of the best-designed stadiums for creating noise.

The steep stands keep supporters close to the pitch, while Brisbane has hosted some unforgettable Wallabies and British & Irish Lions encounters.

It's also a venue that works brilliantly for both rugby union and rugby league.

6. Thomond Park – Limerick, Ireland

You don't need 80,000 supporters to create one of rugby's great atmospheres.

Munster's home has built its reputation through huge European nights and an incredibly passionate fanbase.

One of its most famous traditions comes before opposition kicks at goal, when thousands of Munster supporters fall almost completely silent.

5. Murrayfield – Edinburgh, Scotland

There aren't many better sights in rugby than a packed Murrayfield before Scotland face England.

More than 67,000 supporters can fill the Edinburgh ground, with Flower of Scotland providing one of the sport's great pre-match moments.

The Calcutta Cup has helped produce some particularly memorable afternoons here.

4. Stade Marcel-Michelin – Clermont-Ferrand, France

The smallest stadium in our top five might also be one of the loudest.

Clermont supporters transform the Marcel-Michelin into a wall of yellow on matchday.

Its tight stands and passionate fanbase give the ground an old-school feel that many larger modern stadiums struggle to recreate.

3. Ellis Park – Johannesburg, South Africa

Few rugby grounds carry more history.

Ellis Park was the setting for the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, when Nelson Mandela presented Francois Pienaar with the Webb Ellis Cup after South Africa defeated New Zealand.

It has remained one of the Springboks' most intimidating homes ever since.

When South Africa and the All Blacks meet in Johannesburg, the atmosphere can be extraordinary.

2. Eden Park – Auckland, New Zealand

The spiritual home of All Blacks rugby.

Eden Park has staged two Rugby World Cup finals and became one of the most intimidating away trips in international rugby.

New Zealand went more than three decades without losing a Test there following their defeat against France in 1994, underlining just how formidable the Auckland venue became.

History alone puts Eden Park close to the top.

But one stadium edges it.