St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground, Swansea
Saint Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground, commonly known as Saint Helen's Ground, is a historic sports venue in Swansea. Owned and operated by the City and County of Swansea Council, it has been a prominent site for rugby union and cricket since it opened its gates in 1873. The ground has been home to Swansea RFC and Swansea Cricket Club for around 150 years.
In the realm of rugby union, Saint Helen's holds a special place in Welsh sports history, as it was the site of the first-ever home match for the Wales national rugby team in 1882. The ground was a regular venue for Wales’ home fixtures, particularly during the Five Nations Championship, until 1954. While its use for full internationals has since waned, Saint Helen's did host a rare match in 1997. More recently, the ground has also been a base for the Wales women’s rugby team.
Cricket also has a rich history at Saint Helen's. Glamorgan County Cricket Club used the venue as an outground from 1921 until 2019, and it was the stage for two memorable One Day Internationals: England versus New Zealand in 1973 and a 1983 World Cup clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ground also witnessed a historic moment in first-class cricket when Sir Garfield Sobers hit six sixes in a single over, the first time this feat had ever been achieved.
Saint Helen's isn’t just limited to rugby and cricket; it has hosted international matches in other sports too. Between 1945 and 1978, Wales played thirteen rugby league matches here, two of which were part of the 1975 World Cup. Additionally, the ground was the venue for a football international between Wales and Ireland in 1894.
In 2024, it was announced that the Swansea Ospreys rugby union team would return to Saint Helen's for the 2025/26 season. This move will bring significant changes, with cricket infrastructure being replaced by new stands for the rugby team. As a result, Swansea Cricket Club, which has called the ground home since its opening, will vacate after nearly 150 years of history.
In the realm of rugby union, Saint Helen's holds a special place in Welsh sports history, as it was the site of the first-ever home match for the Wales national rugby team in 1882. The ground was a regular venue for Wales’ home fixtures, particularly during the Five Nations Championship, until 1954. While its use for full internationals has since waned, Saint Helen's did host a rare match in 1997. More recently, the ground has also been a base for the Wales women’s rugby team.
Cricket also has a rich history at Saint Helen's. Glamorgan County Cricket Club used the venue as an outground from 1921 until 2019, and it was the stage for two memorable One Day Internationals: England versus New Zealand in 1973 and a 1983 World Cup clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ground also witnessed a historic moment in first-class cricket when Sir Garfield Sobers hit six sixes in a single over, the first time this feat had ever been achieved.
Saint Helen's isn’t just limited to rugby and cricket; it has hosted international matches in other sports too. Between 1945 and 1978, Wales played thirteen rugby league matches here, two of which were part of the 1975 World Cup. Additionally, the ground was the venue for a football international between Wales and Ireland in 1894.
In 2024, it was announced that the Swansea Ospreys rugby union team would return to Saint Helen's for the 2025/26 season. This move will bring significant changes, with cricket infrastructure being replaced by new stands for the rugby team. As a result, Swansea Cricket Club, which has called the ground home since its opening, will vacate after nearly 150 years of history.
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St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground on Map
Sight Name: St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Swansea, Wales
Create Your Own Walk in Swansea
Creating your own self-guided walk in Swansea is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dylan Thomas Trail
The Dylan Thomas Trail in Swansea is a captivating journey that celebrates the life and works of one of Wales' most famous literary figures. This trail guides visitors through a series of landmarks intimately connected to the poet and writer native of Swansea, providing a deep dive into the environments that influenced his work.
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Swansea Introduction Walking Tour
Swansea, the city on the southwest coast of Wales, is the country's second-largest. Its original name in Welsh – Abertawe – means 'mouth of the Tawe' and hints at its geographic location and historical ties to the River Tawe.
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles