Hotels for WXV Global Series: Red Roses v New Zealand

An afternoon international between two of the sport's fiercest rivals, with the black jersey always drawing the bigger crowd reaction on English soil. Saturday scheduling means families and travelling supporters fill out the concourses early, and the atmosphere builds well before kick-off. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest between two sides who rarely play each other outside major tournaments, so bragging rights carry further than usual. The women's game has grown fast, and fixtures like this now draw the kind of noise once reserved for the men's fifteens.

The home of English rugby, Twickenham is the sport's largest dedicated stadium and the thunderous backdrop to internationals and, in summer, major concerts. Its leafy southwest London setting is all Victorian streets, riverside pubs and the genteel calm of Richmond nearby. Mainline trains from Waterloo run to Twickenham station, a short walk from the ground, though matchdays bring famously heavy crowds. Booking a room locally lets you enjoy a proper pre-match pint and stroll back without battling for a rammed train.