Wales

Millennium Stadium (Cardiff): Newly constructed stadium from the ashes of the Cardiff Arms Park will play host to the World Cup Final. A capacity of 72,500 should guarantee a magnificent atmosphere. The stadium has been designed to last at least 50 years and boasts a retractable roof that opens or closes in just 20 minutes. Located in the heart of Cardiff.

Racecourse Ground (Wrexham): Got its name because it used to be a horse-racing and trap-racing circuit. If you are going, try and get a seat (11,000) and maybe take in some of the medieval castles in the area.

Stradey Park (Llanelli): Set deep in the heart of Welsh mining country and home to one of the best club sides in Wales. Llanelli famously beat the All Blacks 9-3 in 1972 and are among the most ardent rugby supporters. Main stand is close to the pitch and there is generally a raucous atmosphere.

England

Twickenham: Modern stadium is one of the best in the world thanks to a five-year refit. A capacity of 73,500 guarantees a tremendous atmosphere, although you do have to put up with the occasional rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot. Situated near Richmond, several rugby pubs are in close proximity.

McAlpine Stadium (Huddersfield): A versatile sports and leisure complex built in 1991. The 51-acre site contains a 24,000 seater stadium, a sports club, a 30 bay driving range, golf superstore and nine screen cinema. For those who like to party the night away after the game the Beyond Beach Babylon nightclub is one of the best in the north.

Welford Road (Leicester): One of the oldest grounds in England, it first opened its doors in 1892. Home of the Leicester Tigers, it is a tight ground where the passion of the local crowd creates a powerful din. The tradition in the stand above the dressingrooms is for the crowd to stamp their feet as the home team prepares to take the field.

Ashton Gate (Bristol): Home to both Bristol City football club and Bristol RFC. A well-appointed ground, the seating area is quite close to the pitch and with a capacity of 22,000 should provide plenty of noise for the New Zealand v Tonga match. Bristol itself is known for the Clifton Suspension bridge and, as a student town, is very lively.

Scotland

Murrayfield (Edinburgh): The strains of Flower of Scotland reverberating around this 67,000 capacity stadium make it one of the more enjoyable venues to visit, except if you are Irish because we never win there. In 1975, 103,000 people crammed into the venue to see a Scotland-Wales match but for safety reasons that capacity has been considerably reduced. Within (long) walking distance from Edinburgh's main thoroughfare, Princes Street.

Hampden Park (Glasgow): Scene of many famous soccer matches, Hampden Park is the subject of a £64 million redevelopment. There are 500 luxury lounges, a lecture theatre and it is also home to the Scottish National Football museum.

Netherdale (Galashiels): There are 15,000 inhabitants in the town of Netherdale and they would all fit into this Border area venue. Set in picturesque countryside, it will host the Spain-Uruguay Pool A match.

Ireland

Lansdowne Road (Dublin): The oldest and probably most dilapidated international rugby ground in the world. Badly in need of refurbishment and being dragged into the 20th century (before we reach the 21st). Great atmosphere and for the Irish the scene of one of the most heartbreaking failures in rugby history: Ireland lost 19-18 to Australia in the World Cup quarter-final of 1991.

Thomond Park (Limerick): Rugby capital of Ireland and a great venue for Australia-USA game. The locals should turn out in force, as they would do for nearly any ball sport in the city.

Ravenhill (Belfast): Scene of two memorable Ulster triumphs on their way to European Cup success last season. Can be a bit cavernous if the crowd is small, but a fine pitch in a lovely setting.

France

Stade De France (Paris): Set in the industrial area of Saint Denis, the stadium was constructed specifically to host the soccer World Cup Final, appropriately won by France. An 80,000 capacity and a wonderfully modern arena.

Stade Lescure (Bordeaux): Bigger capacity than Lansdowne Road (50,000), a very impressive stadium that is situated near 135,000 hectares of vineyards.

Stade Felix Bogart (Lens): Completely revamped for the soccer World Cup, it can now house 42,000 fans and Irish supporters will be hoping to see it for themselves in the quarter-final play-offs.

Stade Municipal (Toulouse): The rugby capital of France by virtue of the success enjoyed by the local team.

Stade Mediterranee (Beziers): Ninety minutes from Toulouse, this 20,000 capacity stadium will play host to the Fiji-Namibia and France-Canada games.