Ask any Capetonian for directions to Newlands Stadium and a reply will always be, “Which one? Rugby or Cricket?” This is because there are 2 stadiums with the same name in Cape Town, and in the same suburb, each offering rugby and cricket sports events. Although both grounds were opened in the same year, 1888, rugby is the more popular of the two sports and why Newlands Stadium is generally spoken of as the rugby venue.

Newlands Stadium is the oldest rugby stadium in the country and the 2nd oldest worldwide. Here, age-old traditions still apply and although the kit and a few rules changed over the years, fans have visited the stadium to watch their beloved Cape team for over a century. Rugby games generally happen on Saturday afternoons, fans dress up and arrive early to enjoy the music outside and be part of the festive atmosphere. Bars are open and those with contacts secure themselves box seats high up in the stands. Vendors sell non-alcoholic refreshments and snack foods while others sell hot fast foods to hungry crowds.

Soccer aside, rugby is the most popular sport in South Africa and in particular Cape Town, where both the Western Province provincial team and super rugby team The Stormers play their home games at Newlands Stadium. And touring national rugby teams can expect to play at least one test at Newlands Stadium.

For rugby players and supporters, watching games at Newlands Stadium is a major highlight during the year, and season-ticket holders have been known to convince friends and family to postpone or reschedule weddings to suit the Newlands rugby calendar.

Big name sponsors know where the money is at and clamber to sponsor the rugby teams at Newlands. For those who don’t understand rugby or aren’t fans, a visit to Newlands Stadium may just change your mind.