Six Nations stadium rankings: Every ground ranked from worst to best
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The Six Nations is as much about iconic stadiums as it is about world-class rugby. These venues are steeped in history, buzzing with atmosphere, and uniquely tied to their host nations. But which one truly reigns supreme?
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We turned to TripAdvisor for the cold, hard verdict, pairing unbiased ratings with a bit of stadium backstory to give you the ultimate ranking. Here's everything you need to know about the Six Nations' homes – plus, cast your vote for your favourite at the end!
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6. Stadio Olimpico (Italy) – 4.09
Capacity: 70,634
Location: Rome, Italy
Opened: 1953
The bio: Italy's national stadium wasn't originally designed for rugby – its primary purpose was athletics and football. But since Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000, the Stadio Olimpico has been its home, offering fans the chance to watch rugby under the shadow of Rome's stunning architecture. Despite its historic charm, the stadium's track and distance from the pitch have drawn criticism for hindering the atmosphere.
GOOD REVIEW: "Came here for the rugby, my first international game and I was not disappointed. Lovely stadium, lots of entertainment outside and inside the stadium, not ripped off for food and drinks, everyone was friendly, and the atmosphere was electrifying."
BAD REVIEW: "It’s unbelievable that this is the main stadium in Rome. It’s old, dirty, and uncomfortable, and even 3rd division clubs in the UK have better facilities."
5. Stade de France (France) – 4.24
Capacity: 81,338
Location: Saint-Denis, Paris, France
Opened: 1998
The bio: Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in the Six Nations and hosts both football and rugby. Known for its impressive size and acoustics, it's an intimidating fortress when Les Bleus are on form. However, some fans feel the sheer size of the stadium and hostile atmosphere for visiting supporters detract from its charm.
GOOD REVIEW: "I'm an American, and some of the reviews for this stadium, in my opinion, do not do it justice. It is as good as some of the best US sports stadiums. I thought it was great."
BAD REVIEW: "This venue is not suitable for visiting fans. The atmosphere is hostile to say the least and therefore particularly unsuitable for families."
4. Twickenham (England) – 4.33
Capacity: 82,000
Location: London, England
Opened: 1909
The bio: Known as the “Home of Rugby,” Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world. It oozes tradition, with its iconic rose emblem and world-class matches dating back over a century. Its close proximity to London makes it easy to reach, but outdated seating and catering facilities have led to criticism in recent years.
GOOD REVIEW: "We go every year to the Army Navy Rugby, and it is amazing there. It has to be the best atmosphere anywhere in the world. If you ever get the chance to go… just do it!"
BAD REVIEW: "Uncomfortable seat, shoulder to shoulder – no leg room – really, really uncomfortable (paid £119 each – do better!). Poor catering facilities. Great if you live in 1907 but a disgrace in 2016."
3. Aviva Stadium (Ireland) – 4.39
Capacity: 51,711
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Opened: 2010
The bio: Sitting on the site of the old Lansdowne Road, the Aviva Stadium is a modern masterpiece. Its distinctive bowl shape and glass façade make it one of rugby's most visually striking venues. However, some feel its sleek design sacrifices a bit of the traditional charm rugby fans adore.
GOOD REVIEW: "I went to see a game, and it was awesome. Beer is good, the crowd is fun, and the home team won! Easy to get here by train."
BAD REVIEW: "Very disappointing for a modern stadium. Looks better from the outside."
2. Murrayfield (Scotland) – 4.40
Capacity: 67,144
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Opened: 1925
The bio: Scotland's rugby fortress is famed for its passionate crowd and pre-match traditions, including the iconic Flower of Scotland anthem. Its modernised facilities make it a fan favourite, though some have been less impressed with its external appearance and lack of permanent amenities.
GOOD REVIEW: "Fabulous stadium, great atmosphere, and reasonably good facilities."
BAD REVIEW: "Dismal ground with purple highlights. No bars, restaurants, etc. – just pop-up garbage outside. Time to knock it down and start again."
1. Principality Stadium (Wales) – 4.65
Capacity: 73,931
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Opened: 1999
The bio: Known for its iconic retractable roof, the Principality Stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) is a modern marvel with an atmosphere that's second to none. Located in the heart of Cardiff, it's the only Six Nations stadium where fans can walk straight from the pubs into the ground, adding to the electric matchday experience.
GOOD REVIEW: "Wales vs. Scotland 2016 Six Nations opener in Cardiff, 75,000 fans. Great singing and great rugby with great friends. Wonderful day made better by a Wales win."
BAD REVIEW: "Took 40 minutes to get into the stadium in heavy rain. Security poorly organised and shambolic. Bars
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- 40 Greatest England Rugby players in history: Ranked
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From Rugby World Cup champions to modern-day icons, we've compiled a definitive list celebrating England's finest players.
Get ready to relive the magic as we count down the top 40 English rugby legends.
#40. Wade Dooley – The 'Blackpool Tower'
Standing tall in England's second row, Dooley's height and physicality made him a linchpin during the late 1980s.
#39. Manu Tuilagi – The Human Bulldozer
Tuilagi's devastating ball-carrying and try-scoring ability have left defenders trembling for over a decade.
#38. Dylan Hartley – Captain Combative
England's fiery hooker and leader under Eddie Jones, Hartley's tenacity helped steer England to glory.
#37. Maggie Alphonsi – 'The Machine'
A trailblazer in women's rugby, Alphonsi's bone-crunching tackles and relentless energy inspired a generation.
#36. Trevor Woodman – Scrum Maestro
Part of the 2003 World Cup-winning pack, Woodman's technical prowess anchored England's scrum.
#35. Kyran Bracken – The Ice-Cold Scrum-Half
Bracken's sharp decision-making and calmness under pressure made him a standout in the late '90s.
#34. Billy Vunipola – The Powerhouse
England's go-to man for hard metres, Billy's ball-carrying has been a cornerstone of England's pack.
#33. Joe Marler – The Scrummaging Joker
With elite scrummaging skills and a larger-than-life personality, Marler has become a modern cult hero.
#32. Steve Thompson – The Relentless Hooker
Thompson's dynamic play was crucial in England's 2003 World Cup success, and he remains a legend of the game.
#31. Will Carling – The Nation's Leader
England's youngest-ever captain, Carling led his team to three Grand Slam titles in the '90s.
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