Rugby may not be as universal as football, but there are pockets of the world where fans live and breathe the sport; and their enthusiasm is infectious.
Whether you’re a longtime connoisseur of the game or don’t know your props from your wingers, watching a match in one of these destinations makes for a memorable night out. Dramatic, hard-fought matches unfold under the floodlights of fabled stadiums, and passionate local supporters create a convivial atmosphere in the stands. From Tokyo to San Diego, here are seven amazing cities to watch rugby around the world.
Tokyo, Japan
Japanese fans proved themselves to be some of the best in rugby when they hosted the World Cup in 2019. There are high-quality games on offer year-round in the Tokyo club scene. Japanese Top League teams have a habit of signing up legends of the game, like New Zealander Dan Carter and Aussie Matt Giteau, after they retire from international rugby, and several sides are based in the capital.
Many matches are played at the iconic Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, a 15-minute metro journey from the neon thrills of Shibuya Crossing – the world’s busiest intersection. For delicious post-match food and a taste of Tokyo’s quirky side, make the short walk to Genki Sushi, a seafood spot where dishes are delivered to customers via automated trains.
Scoring tickets: Tickets for Top League games cost between ¥1,500 and ¥3,000 and can usually be bought at the door or on the Japanese Rugby Football Union website.
Cardiff, Wales
Rugby is the national sport of Wales, with Cardiff at its heart. Visit the city when the national team is playing at home and you will find the Welsh fans in full voice, with Max Boyce’s Hymns and Arias reverberating through the streets as fans surge out of city-centre pubs into the Principality Stadium, uniquely located slap bang in the centre of town.
However, it’s not all about the international game here. In the shadow of the Principality is the characterful Cardiff Arms Park, where both the Cardiff Blues’ men and women’s teams play throughout the year.
Mingle with fans in nearby boozers before kick-off. Head to Tiny Rebel for craft beer or City Arms for classic offerings. Then make a reservation at the charming Italian restaurant Casanova following the final whistle, or enjoy something less formal at The Grazing Shed, known for its exceptional meat and veggie burgers.
Scoring tickets: Wales plays in the Six Nations in February and March and usually hosts internationals in November too. Prices start at £60, and tickets can be purchased on the Welsh Rugby Union website. Cardiff Blues compete from October to May, where an adult ticket costs £26, available on their website.
Wellington, New Zealand
If you want to watch rugby while traveling, you might as well see the best in the world. The All Blacks are one of the most legendary teams in sport and are even harder to beat on home turf.
The city of Wellington typically hosts an international match every year, but you can also watch some of the New Zealand team in action for their clubs here. The Super Rugby side Hurricanes play their matches at Westpac Stadium, just a walking distance from the city centre. The stadium also hosts the Wellington Lions in the Mitre 10 cup and, in the women’s game, Wellington Pride (with tickets sometimes available as a double header).
After the game, stroll along Waterloo Quay to The Green Man Pub – a fan favorite for beers and burgers. Alternatively, for a quieter atmosphere, seafood restaurant Whitebait is a more upscale option.
Scoring tickets: Tickets for Hurricanes games start at around $60, available on the Hurricanes website. Tickets to watch the All Blacks are about $70; keep an eye on the Westpac Stadium rugby events page for upcoming matches. Wellington games also sell tickets via the Westpac Stadium website.
Clermont, France
Most of the time, Clermont, in central France, is a historic university town. However, on weekends, it comes alive as the home of Les Jaunards, better known as ASM Clermont Auvergne. The team plays in the Top 14, France’s finest league, and their fans are unparalleled. Match days draw thousands of blue-and-yellow-clad supporters to the city’s Place de Jaude to watch the action unfold on a huge screen, typically under the French sun.
If you prefer being in the stands rather than with the crowds in the square, then head for the Marcel Michelin Stadium. This lovely atmospheric ground is located within walking distance of the city center. Arrive early to take in the immersive ASM Experience, an interactive rugby exhibition. After the game, choose one of the bars lining Place de la Victoire and take advantage of Clermont’s famously cheap beers.
Scoring tickets: Tickets are around €30 and can be purchased on the club’s ticketing website.
Cape Town, South Africa
In the shadow of Table Mountain, southeast of Cape Town city centre, lies Newlands Stadium, one of the oldest rugby stadiums in the world. With its heritage and magnificent setting, watching a game here is a unique experience and a must-do for rugby enthusiasts. The ground is home to the Super Rugby side Stormers, featuring many South African internationals.
If it is a late kick-off, earn your matchday beers with a morning walk up the emblematic mountain, or mingle with friendly fellow fans at Cape Town institution, Fireman’s Arms. After the game, enjoy a plethora of pubs in the area, or to celebrate a home win in style, consider making a reservation at Shortmarket Club in the city center for locally-sourced food served by white-jacketed waiters – quite fancy! Although the city’s award-winning Springbok Experience Rugby Museum sadly closed in early 2019, the passionate fan base remains strong.
Scoring tickets: Tickets start at R160 for Stormers games and can be purchased on the club website. Both the men’s and women’s South Africa national teams also play matches at Newlands Stadium, with tickets available through the SA Rugby website.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina may not be the most decorated rugby nation, but that doesn’t diminish the enthusiasm of Argentinian fans. Expect singing, jumping, and shirts twirled above heads if you attend a game in the country’s capital, Buenos Aires. Several Argentine internationals play for Super Rugby side Jaguares, whose home games are held at the Jose Amalfitani Stadium.
The stadium is located on the edge of the city but is easily accessible by train (via Liniers station) from all central neighborhoods. After the match, head back into the city to experience the vibrant Palermo nightlife or the hip, less touristy vibe of Villa Crespo. If in doubt, follow the Argentinian fans because they are likely to continue the party post-match, especially if the home team wins.
Scoring tickets: Tickets for Jaguares games are affordable, starting at AR$300, and can be purchased on the club website or at several sales points around the city, details of which can be found on their website.
San Diego, USA
Rugby in America?! Admittedly, California’s sunny, beach-lined city of San Diego is more associated with surfing than egg-chasing. However, some dedicated fans are fostering a growing love for the sport in the city. This growth is aided by the addition of nearby Los Angeles as a host city for world sevens, a faster and arguably more enjoyable form of rugby, which creates a lively party atmosphere in the stands.
If you’re interested in XVs games, you can watch Major League Rugby side San Diego Legion play in the California sunshine at the quaint and intimate Torero Stadium, which also hosted matches for the international Women’s Rugby Super Series in 2019.
The venue often features an array of San Diego’s finest food vendors, complemented by live music and a DJ, plus plenty of beer. Consequently, you have everything you need all in one place – that’s rugby done the American way!
Scoring tickets: World sevens typically take place in Los Angeles at the end of February, with tickets starting at $120 for both days of the tournament. For more details, check the LA sevens rugby website. Tickets for San Diego Legion games can be found on the club’s website, starting as low as $22.
