Picture this: It’s early 2026, and you’re settling into your motorhome at Diamond Ground in Cardiff. The buzz of arriving members fills the air, your national colours are ready to go, and one of rugby’s greatest fixtures awaits. This isn’t just another weekend away—it’s where proper rugby atmosphere meets everything we love about van life.
We’ve organised the Six Nations Rugby Rally (6th-8th February 2026) to bring together sport, music, and brilliant company at one of the most practical venues we’ve found near a major rugby city. Whether you’re rugby obsessed or simply fancy a sociable weekend with live entertainment, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this rally.
Why Diamond Ground Works Perfectly for This Rally
Finding a venue that combines proper facilities with easy city access isn’t always straightforward, particularly during major sporting events. Diamond Ground at Cardiff Harlequins RFC ticks every practical box whilst giving us exclusive use of spaces that matter.
The facilities cover all the essentials:
- Clean toilets and showers
- Fresh drinking water on site
- Elsan disposal point
- Spacious grounds for relaxed parking
We’ve made certain the site welcomes everyone. Families with children will find plenty of space for kids to play safely. Dogs are welcome too, so your four-legged travel companions won’t miss out. The layout gives everyone room to breathe whilst keeping that friendly rally atmosphere we’re known for.
For couples seeking a relaxed sports weekend or solo travellers wanting to meet new faces, you’ll find this setup strikes the right balance between comfort and community.
Friday Evening: Live Music and Settling In
Most members arrive gradually throughout Friday, and we know that first evening sets the tone for the whole weekend. That’s why we’re hosting live music in our exclusive function room to help everyone unwind after the journey.
There’s something special about sharing those first few hours—swapping travel stories, making introductions, and getting into the weekend spirit together. The music creates a natural gathering point where friendships often begin.
Important access note: The function room sits on the first floor without lift access. We want members with mobility considerations to plan accordingly. If stairs present challenges, you’ll still enjoy the full weekend experience from Saturday onwards when the ground-level clubhouse becomes our main hub.
Saturday’s Main Event: England vs Wales at 4:40pm
This is what we’ve all gathered for. England versus Wales carries weight beyond the scoreboard—it’s history, rivalry, and sporting theatre rolled into one magnificent fixture. The 4:40pm kick-off gives everyone time to enjoy the day before settling in for the match.
Our theme for Saturday: Wear Your National Colours
Dig out that rugby shirt, grab your scarf, or go the whole way with face paint and wigs. We’re encouraging everyone to dress proudly in their chosen nation’s colours. The visual spectacle of a room full of committed fans—red dragons mixing with English roses—adds enormously to the atmosphere.
The clubhouse opens Saturday afternoon, providing the perfect environment to experience the match together. You’ll feel the tension of close plays, celebrate tries with fellow supporters, and enjoy the friendly banter that makes rugby culture so special. Win or lose, these shared moments create memories that last well beyond the final whistle.
After the game wraps up, there’s no rush. Stay, chat, decompress with other members, and savour that post-match feeling together.
Cardiff City Centre: Just 17 Minutes by Bus
One major advantage of this venue is the 17-minute bus connection straight into Cardiff’s heart. You won’t need to move your motorhome or worry about city parking.
Fancy soaking up match-day atmosphere in Cardiff’s pubs? Want to grab dinner somewhere special? Curious about the city’s shopping or historical sites? The option exists without any vehicle hassle. Some members prefer staying at base whilst others love exploring—both choices work perfectly from Diamond Ground.
What Makes This Rally Different
We could simply stream the match from our own motorhomes scattered across various sites. But that misses the point entirely. This rally combines multiple elements that make vanlife weekends genuinely special:
Live entertainment kicks things off properly on Friday, setting a sociable tone before the rugby even begins. Shared sporting passion brings intensity and excitement that you simply can’t replicate alone. Excellent facilities mean everyone stays comfortable throughout. Friendly faces surround you—people who understand the vanlife appeal and share your enthusiasm for adventures.
You’ll experience camaraderie that goes beyond supporting the same team. We’ve seen members who arrived as strangers leave as genuine friends after rallies like this. There’s laughter, shared celebration (or commiseration), and that unmistakable feeling of belonging to something worthwhile.
Whether your team triumphs or falls short, whether you’re rugby mad or just love the social buzz, this represents exactly what we’re about at The Van Club.
Practical Details for Your Planning
Dates: 6th-8th February 2026
Check-in time: From 12:00 noon
Cost: Starting at £50.00
Location: Cardiff Harlequins RFC, The Diamond Ground, Cardiff CF14 7JN
Booking opens through our events page, where you’ll find full joining instructions and any updates as we get closer to the date.
We recommend booking early, particularly for fixtures of this magnitude. February in Cardiff during Six Nations weekend attracts crowds, and whilst we’ve secured this fantastic venue, spaces naturally have limits.
Getting Rally-Ready: Our Top Tips
Pack your colours boldly – this isn’t the moment for subtle support. Go big with your national pride.
Arrive Friday if possible – you’ll maximise the weekend and enjoy the live music session that helps everyone settle in together.
Bring outdoor seating – whilst the clubhouse hosts the match, you’ll want comfortable spots around your motorhome for morning coffee, evening chats, and general socialising.
Check your provisions – Cardiff offers shops and restaurants nearby, but having your favourite snacks and drinks on board means you’re sorted whatever happens.
Plan your city visits strategically – if you’re exploring Cardiff, morning or early afternoon Saturday works brilliantly before returning for the 4:40pm kick-off.
Join Us for This Memorable Weekend
Rugby brings something unique to rally life. The sporting drama, passionate support, and shared emotional journey create bonds quickly. Add in live music, proper facilities, and our welcoming member community, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an outstanding February weekend.
We’re genuinely excited about this one. The venue works beautifully, the timing couldn’t be better, and the England-Wales fixture guarantees atmosphere regardless of form or league positions.
Whether you’re there to roar your team home, enjoy the social weekend, or simply fancy a February adventure with good company, we’d love to see you at Diamond Ground. This is exactly the type of rally that reminds us why we started The Van Club—bringing people together around shared passions and unforgettable experiences.
Ready to secure your spot? Head to our Six Nations Rugby Rally page and get yourself booked in. We’ll see you there with your colours flying high.