Watch a rugby game in Cape Town: 10 must knows

Watch rugby in Cape Town

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Live the excitement of a live rugby game on the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point!

Rugby isn’t just a sport in South Africa; it’s a way of life. The national team, the Springboks, holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans, and attending a rugby match offers a glimpse into the country’s culture and history.

1. Cape Town DHL rugby stadium

The Cape Town Stadium, also known as DHL Stadium, caters for everything from the arts to sports, music and milestone events. It is is an association football (soccer) and rugby union stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

The Cape Town Stadium serves as the home ground for WP Rugby and the DHL Stormers since 2021. Additionally, it hosts Premier Soccer League clubs Cape Town Spurs since 2010 and Cape Town City since 2016.

The stadium has been the venue for the South Africa Sevens rugby tournament since 2015 and was honored to host the Rugby 7s World Cup in 2022.

The stadium had a seating capacity of 58,309.

DHL Cape Town Stadium - Watch rugby

a. The DHL Stormers: home team

The Stormers are a professional rugby union team based in Cape Town.

DHL Stormers

2. How to get to the DHL stadium?

The stadium sits nestled in Green Point, bordered by Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, in close proximity to both the bustling Cape Town city center and the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

a. Address

Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, Cape Town

b. How to get there?

  • By UBER / BOLT: from the city centre “Civic Centre” it will take you about 10 minutes to get to Newlands Rugby Stadium and will cost you around $ 85 ZAR = $ 7 USD. Also, consider that if there is a match the entrance will most probably be crowded so try to leave earlier to be on time.
  • By bus: you can take the My Citi bus 109 or 118 to get to the stadium. From the Upper Portswood stop you need to walk for another 9 minutes.

3. Where to buy rugby tickets

Tickets are available through TicketPro and also from Checkers stores and the DHL Stadium during match weeks.

a. Online Purchase

Websites like TicketPro or team-specific platforms facilitate online ticket sales, allowing fans to select seats in advance.

b. On-Site Purchase

Tickets are also available at stadium ticket booths on match days.

c. Checkers stores

4. Rugby ticket prices

Tickets typically range from 60 to 1,900 Rands for regular matches. You can get a good view for 260 Rands.

Prices may increase for high-profile games or premium seating options.

DHL Stadium Rugby ticket prices

5. Rugby Leagues: Seasons and competitions

Rugby in Cape Town encompasses various leagues and competitions held throughout the year.

a. Super Rugby

Runs from February to July, featuring teams from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Japan.

b. Currie Cup 

Typically held from July to September, showcasing provincial teams from across South Africa.

c. Vodacom United Rugby Championship 

The Championship originated in 1999 when the Welsh and Scottish unions created a competition for their teams, and in 2001 four Irish provinces were added to create the Celtic League.

d. International Matches

 Occasional international fixtures featuring the South African national team, the Springboks, occur during the year.

6. Game day experience

Attending a rugby match in Cape Town offers an immersive experience filled with excitement and tradition.

  • Pre-Match Atmosphere: Enjoy live music, food stalls, and fan activities outside the stadium before the game.

  • Stadium Facilities: Modern amenities including concession stands and merchandise stores are available for fans.

  • Match Etiquette: Join in the passionate chants and cheers, respecting the traditions of the sport and fellow spectators.

7. Food, drinks, and traditions

Rugby matches in South Africa are more than just sporting events; they’re social gatherings. Enjoy the lively atmosphere by sampling traditional South African snacks and drinks, such as boerewors rolls and locally brewed beer. Embrace the unique traditions, including singing the national anthem and cheering alongside passionate fans.

8. What to wear and bring

Opt for comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as you may be standing or walking throughout the game.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket, as Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable.

A Springbox or Stormers shirt would be awesome. You can easily buy one at the V&A Waterfront which is a big shopping center nearby.

DHL Stormers shirt - Watch rugby in Cape Town

9. After the game: exploring Cape Town’s nightlife

After the final whistle blows, continue the excitement by exploring Cape Town’s vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you prefer trendy bars, live music venues, or bustling restaurants, the city has something for everyone to enjoy.

I personally always go to “El Burro” in Green point, it’s walking distance from the stadium and has super delicious Mexican food.

10. Understanding Rugby: overview of the sport and its rules

Rugby is a dynamic contact sport played between two teams aiming to score points by carrying, passing, kicking, or grounding the ball over the opponent’s goal line. Key rules include:

  • Objective: Score more points than the opposing team by scoring tries (touching the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area) and kicking goals.
  • Basic Gameplay: Players pass the ball backward and can run with it, but they cannot pass it forward. Tackling opponents to stop their progress is a fundamental defensive tactic.
  • Scoring: Tries are worth five points, with conversion kicks adding two points. Penalty kicks and drop goals also contribute to the score.
  • Structure: Rugby matches consist of two halves, each lasting 40 minutes, with a halftime break.
  • Positions: Players are assigned specific positions based on their skills and physical attributes, including forwards (who primarily engage in set pieces) and backs (who focus on attacking and scoring).

Whether you’re a seasoned rugby enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, attending a match in Cape Town promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your tickets, don your team colors, and get ready to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of rugby in the Mother City!

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#thelifestylehunter #pilarnoriega The Lifestyle Hunter by Pilar Noriega #Travel : rugby game, sports, sport, play rugby, rugby in cape town, the stormers, newlands rugby stadium, Green Point Stadium, the dhl stormers, the dhl wp, the dhl western province, stormers vs blues, Cape town, Ultimate cape town guide, south africa, Sea Point, Table Mountain, Devils Peak, Lions Head, Kruger safari, Stellensbosh, Hermanus, Cape Point, Garden Route, Groot Constantia, Kristenbosch botanical garden, Boulders Beach, Boo-Kaap, Clifton Beach, V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay

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1 Comment

  1. 06/11/2020 / 1:18 AM

    You looks beautiful.it will take you about 15 minutes to get to Newlands Rugby Stadium and will cost you around. I ever watched in my life. I loved the energy of the people at the stadium, the nice beer and boerewors hot dog I ate and the awesome time I spent with my friends.

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