Principality Stadium has best atmosphere in world rugby – All Blacks legend
Nation.Cymru staff
One of rugby’s greatest ever players has spoken about the stadiums that left a lasting impression on him – and the one stadium he rates the best is the Principality Stadium.
The former New Zealand national rugby union team captain Richie McCaw who guided his side to two Rugby World Cup triumphs, played in almost every iconic rugby venue across the globe, but a select few still stand out above the rest.
Speaking to Ruck.co.uk, McCaw’s chose the Welsh venue as the best for atmosphere – chiefly for its electric vibe when the roof is closed.
McCaw fondly remembered the energy of the crowd that surged through the 74,000-seat arena.
“It is great to be playing with the roof closed as that creates both a great atmosphere and a dry ball,” he said. The indoor setting makes the venue unique, creating a cauldron-like effect where sound bounces around, making it incredibly loud. Whether you’re Welsh or not, the cheers (and jeers) surround you from all angles.”
Despite the deafening noise, McCaw loved the challenge.
“It can be extremely noisy but then it is the same for both sides and you just have to do your best to get your messages over to your mates.”
This stadium, originally known as the Millennium Stadium, is nestled in the heart of Cardiff and is as iconic for its retractable roof as for the history it holds. From World Cup finals to Six Nations clashes, it’s a venue that every player wants to experience.
For McCaw, the stadium is in a league of its own.
“It is certainly one of my favourite places,” he said. And who can blame him? The All Blacks are undefeated in Cardiff, so no wonder he loved it!
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He’s not the first to claim as much, and it’s certainly the greatest I’ve been to. Although I’ve refused to attend the site since they changed the name to “Principality” almost a decade ago. I understand it has that name due to the Building Society, which currently sponsors the stadium, but that doesn’t make it a less idiotic name; it just means both share the same idiotic name. As much as I’d love to use Building Society from Cymru, and as much as Rugby is a passion of mine. I draw a line while either of them still carries that… Read more »
Correct. We are not a Principality as we are not governed by an English prince, even his investiture was cancelled and his fathers extortion days here are also numbered. From a rugby perspective, the building society was guilty of involvement in the 2023 takeover that has brough the current failed leadership. They could not find a proper stadium sponsor this year so just told the Principality they can keep it for a few more years. When we do get correct leadership we need to publicly announce the end of the deal by stating that any mention of a Principality should… Read more »
I haven’t gone as far as refusing to attend due to the name (although after the last time I went, I would refuse to go again after the behaviour of our so called fans), but I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets wound up by the name. The fact some people (some Welsh people included) still refer to us as a Principality is not only wrong but infuriating.
Why can’t people accept that the stadium is named after its sponsos,they would do better asking the building society to change its name
You’d think the building society would have rebranded by now as any connection to the royals is toxic after the prince Andrew scandal.
Don’t let the WRU see this item as they’ll probably slap another tenner on the admittance price!