1. LONDON
Fixtures: England vs Wales Internationals 29 May 2016
Address: Whitton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7BA
Twickenham Stadium, Capacity 82,000
One hundred years old in 2010, this is the largest ground in the world solely devoted to rugby union. The atmosphere can go a bit flat when things are not going England’s way, but let the boys be victorious and the place can seriously rock.
To its credit, the stadium has good transport links and when inside, even if you find yourself in the heavens, the stands are so steep you are never too far away from the pitch. The venue has good refreshment facilities to make up for a lack of watering holes around the ground.
For a French gastronomic experience try
Le Salon Prive. The classic French restaurant quickly became popular among the discerning Twickenham and Richmond locals with its mouth-watering menus and fine wines. Their divine steak and fish specials will tantalise the taste buds. Reservation is a must.
2. CAPE TOWN
Fixtures: South Africa vs Ireland 11 June 2016
Address: 14 Campground Rd, Newlands 7780 Cape Town
Newlands Stadium, Capacity 51,900
You can't beat Newlands, South Africa’s oldest rugby union ground. If the action on the pitch fails to grip your attention, the backdrop of Table Mountain looming seemingly out of the top of the stands provides a stunning distraction.
While in the area visit the
Creamery Cafe Newlands. They make and sell natural ice cream, from ingredients they purchase from local family farms. This Dessert Café is not to be missed for a pre-match sugar kick. They go to a lot of effort to source ingredients that are grown and produced in a way that is kind to the environment and to animals, as well as in season. Which all results in ice cream that is pretty incredible. Ask for a special flavour from their ‘hall of fame flavours’, and sample the Apple Crumble, Lemon Cheese or Melktert. You won’t be disappointed.
Another hidden gem is
Mamma Roma, a little piece of Northern Italy in Newlands. Both owners are first generation South Africans, both of Italian parents and they have not lost their flair for fine food and for creating a great dining experience.
Romano is the architect and creator of the food, while Cristina pampers the guests. Romano is an absolute perfectionist in the kitchen, as well as being passionate and creative about his cuisine. Such innovations as fish carpaccio, zuppe du pesci and Russian steak are delicious examples of his culinary style.
3. BARCELONA
Fixtures: Top 14 Final 2016 24 June 2016
Address: Nou Camp, C. Aristides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Nou Camp, Capacity 99,354
FC Barcelona's emblematic stadium, the Camp Nou, makes history by staging its first rugby match – and does it in style by hosting the final of the French rugby league season. Not only is Barcelona easy to reach for travelling supporters, but this city is one of Europe’s most popular tourism destinations.
Barcelona hosts world-class museums, festivals and galleries, and one of the stand out features of the city is in the beauty and diversity of its architecture. The culinary experience is as varied as the architecture, boasting some of the trendiest Catalan restaurants and bars.
Opened by the Sans family in 1919,
Café El Magnífico is a treasure trove of single-origin coffees from every corner of the world, from Ethiopia, Kenya and Java to Nicaragua, Colombia and India. Here you will find the most experienced coffee roaster in all of Barcelona. El Magnífico toasts small batches of beans and grinds them to order for maximum freshness. It also stocks a range of espresso pots, cafetières and coffee filters. Beans come from sustainable plantations - many certified organic - and growers are guaranteed a fair wage and access to clean water, safe housing and education.
For authentic tapas try
Lizzarran, known for pincho style tapas on a stick, that arrive in an innovative combination of flavours and international fusions. The mixture of the traditional cuisine of northern Spain and the friendly relaxed atmosphere makes this restaurant the ideal venue for reuniting with friends, business breakfast meetings or entertaining family meals. Perfect for pre or post-match drinks.
Insider tips: Try their chicken pinchos on a stick and their peppers wrapped with tuna (
Source USA today 10 best).
4. PARIS
Fixtures: France vs Australia Rugby Union Internationals 19 November 2016
Address: Stade de France, 93216 Saint-Denis Paris
Stade de France, Capacity 81,338
The customary rugby road is Rue Princesse, also known as the ‘rue de la soif’ (loosely translated as ‘Thirsty street’), which boasts three hearty establishments. The Frog & Princess pub is part of a chain of English pubs, the Little Temple Bar is Irish-themed and The Eden Park, which was established by a group of players from the Racing Club de France in 1992.
All supporters assemble around the Grands Boulevards, where places such as Corcoran’s and
Café Oz broadcast all the sporting games on their big screens.
Café Oz, is truly Australian, boasting decor containing solid wood furniture, surfboards, giant crocodiles, didgeridoo and aboriginal paintings. They offer a wide selection of beers imported from Australia and New Zealand. With a variety of guest DJs during the week and on weekends, live bands and open mic sessions, this venue is always full of energy.
5. MONACO
Fixtures: Men’s 7’s Olympic Qualifiers 18 – 19 June 2016
Address: Address: 7 Avenue des Castelans 3, 98000 Monaco
Stade Louis II, Capacity 18,480
The principality of Monaco and Dublin, Ireland, will host the final Olympic Sevens qualification tournaments in June. World Rugby has set the dates for the men on 18th – 19th June at Stade Louis II in Monaco and the women a week later on 25th - 26th June at the UCD Bowl in Dublin.
A total of 16 teams will compete in Monaco for the one remaining place in the Olympic Sevens men’s competition, which takes place in August 2016.
For those wanting to soak up the atmosphere in the vicinity of the Port, try
Stars 'n' Bars a three story entertainment complex, ideal for a real big screen experience. With an American style service, they offer the best steaks and burgers in the Principality.
For a relaxed French feel, located in the heart of La Condamine walkway, not far from the superyachts, try the picturesque
Le Mystic. Each day the chef prepares fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of French flair. The outdoor terrace is the ideal place to relax with one of their wide selection of cocktails, the perfect post game hangout.
