What are the best rugby stadiums in the world?

The Six Nations tournament not only showcases top rugby talent but also provides a glimpse into some of the world's best rugby stadiums. But, whether you’re a big fan of the tournament or you prefer supporting your local team in the league, which rugby stadiums around the world offer the best fan experience?

To find out, the sports team at Betway has analysed 60 stadiums in the UK and around the world, ranking them based on a range of metrics to determine which stadium will claim gold. The study looked at factors including Google review scores, stadium capacity, accessibility via public transport, and even the price of a pre-match McDonald's or equivalent.

On top of that, the research has also revealed which rugby stadiums in the UK and around the world offer the best value for money, so fans can plan their perfect rugby day out, without breaking the bank.

Taking the crown as the number one stadium for fans in the UK is Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, this world-famous venue is the national stadium of Wales and home to Welsh Rugby Union. Featuring the UK’s first fully-retractable roof, it was originally built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup and boasts a capacity of 74,500, making it the third-largest stadium in this year’s Six Nations Championship.

Principality Stadium’s Google review score of 4.7 out of 5 beats every other stadium in the UK (bar Ravenhill Stadium in Belfast), and it’s also very popular on social media, having racked up over 53,000 posts on Instagram.

On top of that, the stadium is easily accessible at just 0.2 miles’ walk from the closest train station. For those looking to make a weekend of it, an overnight stay post-match is also relatively affordable, with accommodation in Cardiff costing an average of just £65.17 per night.

Headingley Stadium in Leeds takes the top spot for value, with an average total cost of £79.26 for attending a game (not including ticket prices). Home of the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club since 1890, Headingley is one of the oldest rugby stadiums still in use today.

Nearby accommodation costs just £60.46 per night on average in the city — which is the cheapest night’s stay of all locations included in the study. Meanwhile, two one-way trips on public transport and a McMeal at McDonald's both cost just £4, so fans can travel to and from the game and enjoy a pre-match munch all for less than a tenner.

Stade de France in Saint-Denis has ranked as the best stadium for fans in the world. The national stadium of France, it originally opened in 1998 for the FIFA World Cup, and has since welcomed thousands of dedicated fans for the 1999, 2007 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

Its capacity of 81,338 makes it one of the biggest rugby stadiums in the world, and the atmosphere here on match day is often electric. It’s a clear winner on social media too, with 326,810 Instagram posts to its name.

While Saint-Denis itself is relatively small, fortunately, it sits on the outskirts of Paris, where fans can really celebrate in style after a win.

Boris Paichadze Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia is the best value rugby stadium in the world, with an average cost of just £44.07 to attend a game—not including a match ticket.

One night’s accommodation is as low as £19.63, on average, plus those travelling on public transport will be pleased to know that it costs just £0.58 for two one-way tickets. When it comes to fast food options, the price of a pre or post-match McDonald's meal is also only £6.45.

Georgia is considered one of the world’s fastest-growing rugby nations, and the stadium is the home of Georgia’s national rugby union team. It’s also the main ground of the country’s national football teams, and was even renamed in 1995 after one of Georgia’s most famous football players, Boris Paichadze.

Looking solely at Google reviews, three stadiums come in as the joint highest-rated stadiums in the world, each boasting a review score of 4.7 out of 5.

Given that Principality Stadium in Cardiff ranks as the best rugby stadium in the UK for fan experience, it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s one of the highest-rated in the world. Boris Paichadze Stadium in Tbilisi is another stadium that ranks on two lists, having also come in as the cheapest global stadium to visit. Maybe fans are more likely to leave a good review when their rugby weekend doesn’t break the bank!

Rounding off the top three joint highest-rated stadiums in the world is Ravenhill Stadium in Belfast, matching Principality and Boris Paichadze on their 4.7 Google review scores. Opened in 1923, Ravenhill is the home of Ulster Rugby, one of Ireland’s four professional rugby union teams.

So, where in the world will you be heading for your next rugby fixture?