Planning a Women's Six Nations away trip requires more than just a match ticket. Whether you're following the Red Roses, supporting Les Bleues, or cheering on the entire championship, this practical guide delivers day-by-day itineraries for the perfect rugby weekend.
How to Plan the Perfect Rugby Weekend
Booking Timeline
Early planning significantly improves your experience and saves money:
- 12 months ahead: Register for ticket ballots (especially England/France)
- 8-10 months ahead: Book flights and accommodation for popular fixtures
- 4-6 months ahead: Standard booking for most matches
- 2-3 months ahead: Finalise restaurant reservations
- 2 weeks ahead: Check transport schedules, print tickets
Train vs Plane
For European rugby trips, the train versus plane decision depends on your route:
- London ↔ Paris: Eurostar wins—city centre to city centre in 2h 15m
- London ↔ Edinburgh: Plane (1h 15m) or train (4h 30m)—train more comfortable
- London ↔ Cardiff: Train (2h) direct—faster and easier than flying
- Paris ↔ Rome: Flight (2h)—no practical overnight train option
- Dublin ↔ Edinburgh/London: Fly—cheapest and fastest
Pro tip: Book Eurostar and UK trains 3+ months ahead. Advance tickets can halve the price.
Budget Control Tips
- Match tickets: Buy directly from union websites—avoid resale markups
- Accommodation: Airbnb or apartment hotels work well for groups
- Food: Pre-match pubs usually serve substantial food; matchday stadium prices are high
- Drinks: Pre-match happy hours save significantly; stadiums charge premium
- Travel insurance: Book with coverage for trip cancellation—Six Nations tickets are non-refundable
London Rugby Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay
Best areas:
- Richmond: Near Twickenham, excellent pubs, riverside walks
- South Kensington: Central, good transport, tourist-friendly
- Waterloo/South Bank: Walk to Twickenham via Thames (1.5h) or quick train
Pre-Match Pubs
- The Kate Bryan: Richmond Road—legendary England supporters' pub
- The Dysart Arms: Near Twickenham, great atmosphere
- The Eagle: Shepherd's Bush—younger crowd, good food
Transport to Stadium
- From Central London: London Waterloo → Twickenham (20 min)
- From Richmond: Overground to Twickenham (10 min)
- On matchday: Extra trains run from Waterloo; expect crowds
Post-Match Activities
- Richmond: Continue the celebration in local pubs
- Central London: Head to Covent Garden or South Bank
- For families: Science Museum or Natural History Museum nearby
London 2-Day Estimated Cost
- Match ticket: £35-70
- Accommodation (1 night): £80-150
- Train (from UK): £30-60
- Food & drink: £50-80
- Transport: £10-20
- Total: £205-380
Dublin Rugby Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay
Best areas:
- Ballsbridge: Near Aviva Stadium, excellent pubs, upmarket feel
- Temple Bar: Tourist hub, convenient but pricey
- St Stephen's Green: Central, good transport connections
Pre-Match Pubs
- The Ballsbridge: Classic Irish pub near the stadium
- The Davy Byrnes: Famous literary pub, packed on matchdays
- The Stag's Head: Traditional, great Guinness, near Dame Street
Transport to Stadium
- From city centre: 20-minute walk to Aviva Stadium via Grand Canal
- From Temple Bar: Bus or taxi (10 minutes)
- From airport: Airlink 757 or taxi (25 minutes)
Post-Match Activities
- Temple Bar: Live music, celebrations
- Guinness Storehouse: Essential for beer lovers
- Traditional music sessions: Seek out lesser-known pubs for authentic sessions
Dublin 2-Day Estimated Cost
- Match ticket: €30-50
- Accommodation (1 night): €100-180
- Flights (from UK): £40-80
- Food & drink: €60-100
- Transport: €15-25
- Total: £280-450
Paris Rugby Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay
Best areas:
- Le Marais: Trendy, central, excellent restaurants
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic Parisian, literary history
- Saint-Denis: Near stadium, less touristy, cheaper
Pre-Match Pubs
- Nearby Saint-Denis: Authentic Parisian brasseries
- Canal Saint-Martin: Trendy pre-match drinks
- Le Marais: Bar crawl before heading to stadium
Transport to Stadium
- From central Paris: RER D to Stade de France-Saint-Denis (10-15 min)
- From Charles de Gaulle: RER B to Gare du Nord, then RER D
- Matchday crowds: Stadium exit can be chaotic—allow extra time
Post-Match Activities
- Montmartre: Night views, cabarets
- Latin Quarter: Student-friendly, good value
- Champs-Élysées: Celebratory stroll
Paris 2-Day Estimated Cost
- Match ticket: €35-60
- Accommodation (1 night): €120-200
- Eurostar (from London): £60-120
- Food & drink: €70-120
- Transport: €15-25
- Total: £320-520
5-Day Multi-City Rugby Tour: London → Paris → Rome
For the ultimate Six Nations experience, follow the championship across three iconic cities:
Day 1: London (Friday)
- Arrive in London, check into South Kensington or Richmond
- Evening: Pre-match dinner in Richmond
- Night: Early rest before matchday
Day 2: London (Saturday - Matchday)
- Morning: Train to Twickenham, arrive 2 hours before kick-off
- Match: England vs Wales/France/Italy
- Evening: Post-match celebration in Richmond, night train or flight to Paris
Day 3: Paris (Sunday)
- Morning: Arrive in Paris, check into Le Marais
- Afternoon: Explore, lunch near Canal Saint-Martin
- Evening: RER to Stade de France for evening match
Day 4: Paris to Rome (Monday)
- Morning: Eiffel Tower or Louvre visit
- Afternoon: Flight to Rome (2 hours)
- Evening: Trastevere dinner, explore neighbourhood
Day 5: Rome (Tuesday - Matchday)
- Morning: Vatican City or Colosseum
- Afternoon: Stadio Olimpico for Italy match
- Evening: Final celebration, prepare for departure
5-Day Tour Estimated Cost
- 3 match tickets: £100-180
- Accommodation (4 nights): £300-500
- Transport (Eurostar + flights): £200-350
- Food & drink: £200-300
- Total: £800-1,330
Packing Checklist
Spring Weather Essentials
- Layers: British/Irish weather is unpredictable—pack base layers, mid-layers, outer shells
- Waterproof jacket: Essential for outdoor stadiums
- Comfortable shoes: Lots of standing and walking
- Sunglasses: For afternoon matches
- Beanie/hat: Evening matches can be chilly
Stadium Essentials
- Ticket (printed + digital backup): Essential
- Photo ID: May be required for ticket collection
- Small bag: Most stadiums have strict size limits
- Power bank: Keep your phone charged for photos and transport
- Cash and card: Stadium bars often have cash-only queues
- Earplugs: For those sensitive to noise
Rugby Fan Essentials
- Team scarf or jersey: Wear your colours with pride
- Singing voice: Learn the anthems and chants
- Friendship bracelets: Make new connections
- Patience: Transport will be busy—go with the flow
Book Early for the Best Experience
The Women's Six Nations continues to grow in popularity. Early booking ensures:
- Better match tickets: Best seats sell first
- Cheaper transport: Advance rail and air fares
- Hotel choice: Central locations available
- Peace of mind: Travel insurance protects your investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book early?
Yes, significantly. Train tickets booked 3-6 months ahead can be 50% cheaper than walk-up prices. Accommodation in popular cities doubles or triples during championship weekends. Flights to Cardiff or Dublin for Wales/Ireland matches reach premium pricing.
Can you follow your team across multiple countries?
Absolutely—many dedicated supporters follow their team throughout the championship. This is particularly popular with England, France, and Wales fans. Planning a 5-day tour covering multiple matches requires careful coordination but delivers an unforgettable experience.
Are trains reliable for rugby trips?
Generally yes. UK and French rail networks are reliable, though engineering works occasionally cause disruption. Always check National Rail and SNCF websites before traveling. Have a backup plan for getting to the stadium if trains are disrupted.
What's the best city for a first-time rugby away day?
Cardiff offers the ultimate atmosphere for newcomers. The Principality Stadium is relatively easy to reach, the city is compact, and locals are incredibly welcoming to away fans. Dublin is a close second for Irish rugby's famous hospitality.
What should I wear to matchday?
Dress practically for the weather in your team colours. Avoid expensive jewelry or watches—stadiums are crowded. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be standing/walking a lot. Layers are essential.
Can I bring food into the stadium?
Most Six Nations stadiums allow small snacks but not outside drinks. Check the specific stadium's terms—some are stricter than others. Budget for stadium food prices, which are typically expensive.
Your Rugby Adventure Awaits
Whether you choose a single spectacular weekend or a multi-city championship tour, Women's Six Nations away days deliver unforgettable experiences. The rugby is excellent, the stadiums are iconic, and the fellow supporters become instant friends.
Start planning now—book your tickets, reserve your accommodation, and prepare for the ultimate rugby adventure.
For comprehensive stadium guides and match information, see our full Women's Six Nations 2026 Travel Guide.