Top 5: Fixture Venues

posted on 03 October 2011

One of the greatest experiences of any tour can be testing yourselves in battle against a team who may as well be from another world. Different languages & different styles of play, makes it a fantastic event. Sometimes though it is nice to leave behind that old, damp, muddy training paddock, and walk out onto something that really slaps you in the face like a Scottish Borders Openside.

In the first of our 'Top-5' stories, we take a look at some of the best venues that you can experience while on tour with Sky High Sports.

1. AS RUGBY LECCO

While on tour to Lake Como, a fixture or training session at AS Rugby Lecco is one of those things that must be done. The club's main pitch is located next to the stunning lake, and is surrounded on all sides by the Pre-Alpi mountains. On an early Spring Tour, the mountains are snow-capped, making this one of the most dramatic back-drops to a venue we know.

2. EDINBURGH ACADEMICALS RFC

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh City, this venue may not have the majestic backdrop of Lecco, however, the history of this hallowed turf will have the hairs on your neck standing on their tip-toes as you cross the white-wash ahead of your game against the Accies. It was at Raeburn Place, Stockbridge on 27th March 1871 that the first ever Rugby International was contested by Scotland and the Auld Enemy, England. Scotland won this match, and continued to play their home internationals here until the Scottish Rugby Union purchased Murray's Field from Edinburgh Polo Club in the 1920's.

3. TYNEDALE RFC

John Inverdale, the esteemed BBC Rugby Pundit described the Northumbrian home of National Division One Club Tynedale as a serious contender for the most idyllic sporting venue in the country. Described by Inverdale as 'spectacular' the club was the venue for the first ever 7-a-side Rugby Tournament to be held outside of Scotland, and a few miles to the west of the club, you have the geographical centre of Britain - yes, Scotland really is that big. Games at Tynedale would make up a vital part of a tour to Newcastle.

4. CAPITOLINA RFC

One of the oldest and most famous of Italian Clubs, this Rome based outfit have a fantastic history and equally impressive base. Situated in the northern suburbs of Rome, Capitolina turned their back on professionalism at the height of their success to return to the simpler ways of amateur Rugby. At the time, the club were competing in Italy's Top 10 division, now, things are a little different as they compete in the Lazo Region Serie C. Via Flaminia, the grounds name, boasts an immaculate main grass pitch which owes it's condition to the all-weather 3G pitch that runs alongside. The clubhouse is filled with Rugby regalia from down the years and doubles up as a fantastic Ristorante Italiano which makes a fantastic post-match venue for any celebration and hospitality.

5. STADE YVES DU MANOIR

In April 2011, Mold RFC from North Wales travelled to Paris for their U16 Tour. In their last act ahead of the move into Colts and Senior Rugby, the team had the opportunity to finish on a high, with a game against Racing Metro '92. The game took place at the home of the Top 14 moneyspinners, and saw the Welsh boys lift their game to beat one of the top teams in Northern France. A fantastic achievement in a fantastic surrounding.