Top Rugby Travel Destinations 2018
2018 is going to be a big year for rugby as players from all sides will be fighting to gain and keep places on their international squads ahead of the much anticipated Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019. Here are some
of the top destinations for rugby this year that will have you longing for a place on the plane to Osaka!Paris (Ireland) (Feb)
Paris is a top destination for rugby this year with Ireland’s opening game of the 2018 RBS Six Nations taking place in February. The Stade de France is sure to be a cauldron of noise as the French hope to get return the favour to Ireland following last year’s defeat.
Ireland will also look to put recent Paris trips to the back of their minds with their record there being less than impressive.
South Africa (Munster) (April)
With the Toyoya Cheetahs and the Southern Kings joining the Pro12 this year to make up a Pro14 we will all travel with great interest to South Africa to see how Munster fare in new territory.
George
George is the location for the Munster men’s first game in South Africa. This beautiful city, located on the Garden Route, has plenty to keep you entertained with Safari tours, historical museums and some gorgeous scenery to take in.
Bloemfontein
The following week the Red Army will march on the City of Roses, Bloemfontein to take on the Toyota Cheetahs. After two tough games against Ulster and Munster at the beginning of the season, the Cheetahs have settled into the Pro14 reasonably well with impressive wins over Leinster and the Scarlets.
There is a lot to do in Bloemfontein. The Free State Botanical Garden is a nice relaxing area to chill out and clear the mind. With plenty walking and hiking trails it is an ideal getaway. Enjoy a tasty Braai and a few beers by the setting sun and you will have the time of your life in this delightful city.
Australia (Ireland) (June)
Brisbane
Going to Australia is nearly like going home for the Irish now. There is a great opportunity to experience a unique atmosphere with Ireland’s three Test Summer Tour coming up in June. Brisbane is the first stop on this rugby tour and with beautiful parks, fantastic food, and the stunning river that meanders through it, there’s will be more to Brisbane than what happens on the field.
For an inexpensive way to see the city you can hop onto the CityCat ferry which operate seven days a week, with services every 15 minutes throughout the day and more frequent services during peak times. Why not stop at the South Bank and enjoy some culture at the National Museums and some great modern art galleries?
Melbourne
Being the second largest capital city in Australia, there will always be something going on in Melbourne.
If shopping is your thing then you just might have to pay baggage fees on the way home because you’ll be spoilt for choice in Melbourne Central and the Queen Victoria Market. AAMI Park in Melbourne is the location for the pivotal second test against the Aussies.
Sydney
Sydney has it all: awesome beaches, iconic landmarks, and deep blue harbour. What comes to mind when you think of Sydney? The Opera House. Even if you aren’t planning on going to see a show, walking around the Opera House to take in this wonderful piece of iconic architecture is a display of its own.
After why not grab the ferry to Kirribilli and walk back across the Sydney Harbour bridge? There are also bridge climbs if you are feeling brave. It is the ideal location for a sunset in Sydney. Also, you can’t go to this part of the world without making time to visit the famous Bondi Beach to top up your tan before the big game in the Allianz Stadium. You can download the Summer Tour Itinerary here.
San Francisco (Sevens WC) (July)
The Rugby World Cup Sevens travels to San Francisco this year and with Ireland having a senior mens and womens teams competing for the first time ever, all eyes will be on California in July. If you are planning on travelling to the tournament you can rest easy as all games are in the one venue which will give you plenty of time for sightseeing.
With some large shopping malls like the Ferry Building Marketplace and Union Square you will be spoilt for choice when looking for places to hold your wife’s handbag. If shopping isn’t your thing, Alcatraz Island is a phenomenal sight which can’t be missed. The Rock was once home to the notorious Al ‘Scarface’ Capone and has a lot of history within its high walls.
Bermuda (Rugby Classic) (NDA)
The World Rugby Classic has been running for 30 years in the tropical island paradise of Bermuda. From the early seventies Bermuda has played host to many of the world’s most famous international players and it all started with the Easter Classic which involved just one match on Easter Sunday: the Bermuda-Irish against Bermuda. Now a host of former internationals head to Bermuda each year to renew old friendships (and rivalries) in a wonderful exhibition game that is unlike any other. Register your interest in the Bermuda World Rugby Classic here to be notified for the 2018 trip.
Come Tour With Us
2018 is going to be an action packed year for rugby and we would love to bring you along. If you are interested in travelling to any of these locations or any of our other tours please get in touch to book your place now!
