SINGAPORE, Oct. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The past couple of
months have seen rugby superfans on the edge of their seats with
anticipation as they support their favourite national teams,
playing the world's largest rugby tournament in stadiums across
Japan. As we hunker down to
witness the final eight tussle for the title, Agoda presents some
ideas to keep the rugby fever in play in the months ahead. Dig deep
into the roots of rugby across the United
Kingdom, join the haka in New
Zealand, or tour the grounds of the greats across
Australia, South Africa, France and Japan.
1. New
Zealand
Destination: Auckland
Even strangers to rugby might be familiar with the New Zealand
All Blacks and their pre-match haka. For rugby fans visiting
New Zealand, absolute must-dos
include taking a guided tour around the legendary grounds of Eden
Park in Auckland. Visitors on a
Saturday have the chance to participate in an authentic Māori haka
experience; where they literally get to learn the haka within the
changing room before performing it on the field like the All
Blacks.
Stay at this nearby Agoda Homes property in the iconic Old
Farmers Building, right in the heart of Auckland, close to the city's main attractions
and with stunning views to boot.
2. Ireland
Destination: Dublin
In Ireland, The Ballsbridge
Hotel or The Sandymount Hotel in Ballsbridge are choice stays
offering unbeatable proximity to almost all things rugby in
Dublin, including several famed
stadiums.
Take a tour around the grounds of Aviva Stadium, which is home
to the Irish national rugby team, or even catch a match if you're
lucky. After the game, grab a pint at the iconic Guinness
Storehouse or the bars along Temple Bar, which are also nearby.
3. England
Destinations: London and Warwickshire
It's impossible to talk about rugby without mentioning what is
perhaps every superfan's dream destination – Twickenham in England. The sport continues to be a point of
obsession across the country, so it comes as no surprise that three
teams originating from the United
Kingdom are hot contenders for the title of in this world
class rugby event.
Just southwest of London lies Twickenham, home to the English Rugby Union
and Twickenham Stadium – the world's largest rugby arena. Via
Agoda.com, visitors can sign up to explore the grounds on an
exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, get a bird's eye view from the
top of a stand and imagine the roar of the crowd as they run out of
the players' tunnel to pitch side. The same tour also grants access
into the World Rugby Museum, an immersive and interactive
experience of rugby around the world.
Feeling a little tired from all the exploring? Book the
luxurious Hilton London Syon Park or
DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston upon
Thames, and enjoy a sweet respite. Both hotels still place you near
London's key sights, making it easy to do some sightseeing in
between rugby geek-outs.
For a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of London, head
straight to quaint Warwickshire
instead. The town is widely known as the birthplace of rugby and is
a must-stop on every superfan's travel bucket list.
Check-in at Glebe Hotel or the Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall
for a cosy, tranquil stay that's quiet but isn't too removed from
all the action. The Rugby School offers a great experiential tour,
which covers the history of the game as well as a tour around its
old world grounds, entry into the one and only World Rugby Hall of
Fame, and a walk around the William Webb Ellis Football Museum.
4. South
Africa
Destination: Cape Town
Rugby is hugely popular across
South Africa; for the ultimate
Cape Town weekend, splash out for
a suite and be spoiled at the beautiful POD Camps Bay Hotel,
located right on the Camps Bay beachfront. Then take a trip up to
the Cape Winelands, where you will be able to tour the
cellars and witness the making of a specialty Cape champagne, or
complete your rugby trip with an epic Rugby Wine Tour, which
specializes in wines associated with the nation's Springbok
players.
5. Wales
Destination: Cardiff
Four words: Rugby. Cardiff.
Principality Stadium. There's nothing quite like catching a Welsh
game on home ground; the atmosphere is electric with passionate
Welsh fans cheering and singing to support their team. Wales will play host to internationals in
2020, which are set to be the next hot matches to watch, so be sure
to book tickets early.
The Hotel Indigo Cardiff makes
for a superb stay – less than a kilometre away from Principality
Stadium, and within reach of most Cardiff hotspots, like the
Cardiff Castle. Agoda.com offers various tours around the city;
book a customized private tour with local guides (known as
Lokafyers), or hop-on and off a bus tour for a speedier way to see
the city.
6. Australia
Destination: Sydney
Rugby has enjoyed a long,
illustrious 150 years of history in Australia. The team plays at various stadiums
around the country, but it was the Sydney Cricket Ground that was
the venue for the first ever Australian international in 1899.
Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour on Agoda.com to tread the
path of champions, before checking into the InterContinental
Sydney for a five-star stay. The
hotel offers stunning views of Darling Harbour, is located within
walking distance to the iconic Sydney Opera House and is just a short drive
away from Bondi and Manly beaches should travelers fancy some
surfing lessons.
7. France
Destination: Paris
The Blues (or Les Blues) have won
an impressive 17 championships against their European competitors
and a trip to Paris for an
respectable rugby fan would include a trip to Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, which can be toured via Agoda.com. This
Agoda Homes loft makes for a perfect abode near the stadium, or
stay at the exceptional Hotel Mathis, a classic within walking
distance of all of the city's main sights.
8. Japan
Destination: Yokohama
The world class rugby event is being held in Japan for the first time since its
inauguration 32 years ago, and for good reason. Japan is widely known as the rugby powerhouse
of Asia, and the Brave Blossoms
have caused quite a stir among rugby fans after swiftly defeating
the Irish team at Pool A, heralding a new chapter in Japanese
rugby.
Rugby fans heading to soak up
the excitement in Japan shouldn't
miss the picturesque changing of leaves as fall blankets the nation
right during finals season in Yokohama. Head to Yokohama Park (right next to
the finals stadium) and Sankeien Gardens for the best viewing
points, and the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel and Hotel Associa
Shin-Yokohama make for exceptional stays.
About Agoda
Agoda is one of the world's fastest growing online travel
booking platforms. From its beginnings as an e-commerce start-up
based in Singapore in 2005, Agoda
has grown to offer a global network of over 2.5 million properties
in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, offering
travelers easy access to a wide choice of luxury and budget hotels,
apartments, homes and villas to suit all budgets and travel
occasions.
Headquartered in Singapore,
Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more
than 5,000 staff across 67 cities in more than 30 countries.
Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 38
languages.
For more information, please contact press@agoda.com.
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