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Rugby · Interesting Facts

Chapter 4: Clubs & Grounds

10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 28 October 2026 · markdown

Clubs and the places they play: Harlequins, Leicester's letters, Bath's Rec, Welsh clubs against the All Blacks, French traditions, Ireland's provincial homes, New Zealand's and South Africa's grounds, English nicknames and grounds with a story.

4.41Harlequins

Quartered shirts, a famous name change and a Christmas game for 80,000.

Test 1HarlequinsTake a test

  1. The club took the name Harlequin in 1870.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  2. The new name had to begin with H, so the club's monogram could stay.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  3. Light blue, magenta, chocolate, French grey, black and light green.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  4. Stoop played for and later ran the club; the ground was named after him.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  5. It fills Twickenham with more than 80,000 fans.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  6. It let a specialist kicker return in a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  7. The club was fined and its physio and wing were banned too.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  8. 1866, 1870, 2008 and April 2009.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  9. 1866, 1867 and 1876.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · recall

  10. The national stadium, a short walk from the Stoop.

    Source: Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 2009 · applied

4.42Leicester's Letters

A club that wore letters instead of numbers for seventy years.

Test 1Leicester's lettersTake a test

  1. At first only the forwards had them.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  2. The whole team wore letters by 1931.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  3. Leicester had copied New Zealand's 2-3-2 formation.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  4. Professional, televised rugby wanted standard numbers on every team.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  5. For nearly 90 years the Barbarians game was the biggest day of the club's calendar.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  6. They beat Stade Français in Paris and then Munster in Cardiff.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  7. Leicester won 15-9 at the Millennium Stadium.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  8. 1926, 1931, 1998 and the 2010s.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  9. 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2007.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · recall

  10. Five years after the forwards first wore them.

    Source: Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records · applied

4.43Bath and the Rec

A ground beside a river and a club that ruled English rugby.

Test 1Bath and the RecTake a test

  1. The Rec sits in the middle of the city, on the river bank.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  2. Bath is one of England's oldest clubs.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  3. They won the final in Bordeaux.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  4. Brive were the holders.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  5. The final was played at the Stade Lescure.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  6. Covenants keep the Recreation Ground open for the public's recreation.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  7. Guscott played his whole club career at Bath.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  8. 1865, 1996 and 1998.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  9. 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2004.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · recall

  10. The Recreation Ground lies on the river Avon in Bath.

    Source: Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records · applied

4.44Welsh Clubs Against the All Blacks

Club sides that beat New Zealand, and the songs and saucepans that went with them.

Test 1Welsh clubs against the All BlacksTake a test

  1. The day was later sung about: 'and the pubs ran dry'.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  2. The song is called '9-3'.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  3. 'Sosban fach' means 'little saucepan'.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  4. A drop goal won it at Rodney Parade.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  5. Cardiff won at the Arms Park in November 1953.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  6. Neath wear black jerseys with a white Maltese cross.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  7. Graham Price, Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  8. 1935, 1953, 1963 and 1972.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  9. Faulkner at loosehead, Windsor at hooker, Price at tighthead.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · recall

  10. Llanelli's old home, before Parc y Scarlets.

    Source: Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records · applied

4.45French Club Traditions

Michelin men, pink shirts, bow ties and a song that shakes a stadium.

Test 1French club traditionsTake a test

  1. Montferrand is the part of Clermont-Ferrand where the club began.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  2. They finally won against Perpignan.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  3. The Stade Marcel-Michelin.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  4. President Max Guazzini launched both in the early 2000s.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  5. They won the final against Agen.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  6. It is a war cry of the club's fans.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  7. Paris La Défense Arena is one of Europe's largest indoor arenas.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  8. 1911, 1990, 2010 and 2017.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  9. 1992, 2001 and 2015.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · recall

  10. The radio boss turned club president also made pink the club's colour.

    Source: LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories · applied

4.46Ireland's Provincial Homes

A showground, a greyhound track and a famous night in Limerick.

Test 1Ireland's provincial homesTake a test

  1. A famous night at Thomond Park in Limerick.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  2. Alan English later wrote a book on the same match, 'Stand Up and Fight'.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  3. The RDS is a showground used for horse shows too.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  4. Greyhounds race on a track round the pitch.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  5. Ulster beat Colomiers at Lansdowne Road.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  6. Ulster won 21-6 in Dublin.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  7. They won the Pro12 final in Edinburgh.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  8. 1978, 1999 and 2016.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  9. 1999, 2006 and 2009.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · recall

  10. The Sportsground, home of Connacht.

    Source: IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records · applied

4.47New Zealand's Grounds

A cake tin, a house of pain and grass that grows under a roof.

Test 1New Zealand's groundsTake a test

  1. It replaced windy Athletic Park as Wellington's test ground.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  2. It closed in 2011.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  3. It was built for the 2011 World Cup.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  4. Its clear roof lets in enough light for a natural turf pitch.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  5. The February 2011 earthquake ruined the ground.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  6. The Cake Tin opened the next year.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  7. It was finished just in time.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  8. 1999, 2000, early 2011 and August 2011.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  9. From the North Island down to Otago.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · recall

  10. Forsyth Barr Stadium, opened in 2011.

    Source: New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park) · applied

4.48South Africa's Grounds

A shark tank, a ground named after a sports pioneer and Newlands' long goodbye.

Test 1South Africa's groundsTake a test

  1. Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld set up sport in the city.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  2. A fitting name for the Sharks' ground.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  3. Newlands hosted tests from 1891.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  4. They moved to the Cape Town Stadium.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  5. The stadium was built for the 2010 football World Cup.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  6. Pretoria's Blue Bulls.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  7. The Free State side.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  8. The Bulls, the Cheetahs, the Sharks and Western Province.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  9. 1891, 2010 and 2021.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · recall

  10. Newlands lies below Table Mountain in Cape Town.

    Source: SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories · applied

4.49English Club Nicknames

Saints, cherry and whites, sharks and bears: where the names came from.

Test 1English club nicknamesTake a test

  1. The Rev. Samuel Wathen Wigg founded it as Northampton St James.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  2. Fans called them the 'Jimmies' before 'Saints' stuck.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  3. Gloucester wear cherry and white hoops.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  4. The school stood in Marylebone, London.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  5. Like many clubs, Sale added a nickname in the professional era.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  6. Bristol Rugby became Bristol Bears.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  7. The club kept the name Chiefs but dropped the image.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  8. 1867, 1876 and 1880.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  9. 1999, 2018 and 2022.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · recall

  10. Kingsholm's home side.

    Source: The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps) · applied

4.50Grounds With a Story

A singer's gift, a hotel's name, an indoor pitch and a plastic one.

Test 1Grounds with a storyTake a test

  1. Mayol paid for the land and gave it to the club.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  2. Toulon is the base of the French navy in the Mediterranean.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  3. The Cardiff Arms Hotel owned the land.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  4. Saracens moved into Allianz Park in Barnet.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  5. Matches are played indoors.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  6. The Sapporo Dome has a pitch that slides in and out.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  7. The pitch moves out of the dome so the grass gets sunlight.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  8. The 1870s, 1920, 2001 and 2017.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  9. Fame in Paris, the land deal, and the ground's opening in 1920.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · recall

  10. Stade Mayol is on the port of Toulon.

    Source: RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground · applied

Sources

Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: World Rugby and its Hall of Fame and records, the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham, the unions' own histories (RFU, WRU, SRU, IRFU, FFR, NZR, SA Rugby, Rugby Australia), Rugby School, the clubs' and competitions' own histories, the IOC, Guinness World Records and named reputable media.

  • Harlequin Football Club history (quins.co.uk); RFU and EPCR records; ERC disciplinary findings, 200910
  • Leicester Tigers, 'Tigers ABC to Z: L is for letters' and 'Letters return to Leicester Tigers shirts' (leicestertigers.com); EPCR records10
  • Bath Rugby history (bathrugby.com); EPCR, 1998 Heineken Cup final; RFU league records10
  • Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs' histories (Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Pontypool); New Zealand Rugby tour records10
  • LNR and FFR records of French finals; ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris, Racing 92 and RC Toulon club histories10
  • IRFU and the provinces' histories (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht); EPCR, 1999 final; URC records10
  • New Zealand Rugby and the stadiums' own histories (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Sky Stadium Wellington, Carisbrook, Lancaster Park)10
  • SA Rugby and the provincial unions' histories (Blue Bulls, Western Province, Sharks); Loftus Versfeld and Newlands histories10
  • The clubs' own histories (Northampton Saints, Gloucester Rugby, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Wasps)10
  • RC Toulon on Stade Mayol; Cardiff Rugby on the Arms Park; Racing 92 on Paris La Défense Arena; Connacht Rugby on the Sportsground10