Following rugby around the world has taken us on unforgettable adventures—travel, sport, and lifelong memories in every destination.
By Sandra Jensen
Following the Game Around the Globe
Where It All Started
My love for travel began with vacations for myself and my clients — but it grew deeper when it became wrapped up with a shared passion for live sports. In particular, rugby. It all started back in 2006, when I planned a trip to Europe around the FIFA World Cup. While scoring tickets was a gamble, we built our itinerary around the possibility — and that spontaneous mindset is what’s fueled many of our best travel memories.
Rugby Becomes the Main Event
Soon after, rugby became the real star of our travel adventures. We’ve followed the All Blacks (New Zealand’s national rugby team) to games around the world — in France, the UK, New Zealand, and beyond.
Some of our favorite memories include:
- Watching the All Blacks play in Cardiff’s electric stadium packed with fans
- Seeing the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, complete with local friends and incredible hospitality
- Cheering on Canada (quietly, since we were in a Kiwi crowd) at a live match in Wellington
- Following the All Blacks to future finals in England and Japan
Traveling for sports has a unique kind of energy — it combines the thrill of new places with the shared joy of cheering from the stands. It’s the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new.
Celebrating the Wins (and Booking the Next Adventure)
Whether we’re watching from a pub in Dunedin or a stadium in Twickenham, the friendships, banter, and memories we’ve made through rugby have made every trip unforgettable. Sometimes we planned well in advance; other times we were buying tickets on the street and hoping for the best.
But that’s the magic — the travel is the goal, and the game is the bonus.
It’s Not Just About Rugby
While rugby is at the heart of many of our trips, we’ve also made incredible memories attending Rugby Sevens tournaments in Vancouver, experiencing local traditions, and taking in the beauty of each destination we visit.
It’s not always about the game. Sometimes it’s about the food. The people. The moments in between matches. And sometimes, it’s about celebrating a win with strangers who become lifelong friends.
What’s Next?
There’s always another match. Another destination. Another memory to make.
We’re already dreaming of the next big tournament — and maybe a return to France, where we hope to cheer on the All Blacks once again. Wherever rugby takes us, it’s always worth the journey.