He’s played in stadiums all over the world but Twickenham will always hold a special place for Danny Care, with the scrum-half lifting the lid on what makes the home of English rugby so unique.

Since beginning his professional career with Leeds in 2004 and going on to make his international debut four years later, Care has played in some of rugby's biggest games.

That has included helping Harlequins to the Aviva Premiership crown in 2012, playing his part in seven different Six Nations campaigns and appearing at World Cup level.

Each stadium in which the no.9 has strutted his stuff has had its own positives, and drawbacks, to deal with.

And now Care has passed on his knowledge of what is important from a player's perspective both on and off the pitch, after teaming up with leading sports architecture firm HOK to capture what makes the perfect rugby stadium - highlighting Twickenham as an example.

“I think it’s an amazing rugby ground, it’s massive, 80,000 and it’s full every time you play there,” said Care, who has made over 70 appearances for the Red Rose.

“A big thing for me is that all the changing rooms are sound-proofed. You’re getting your heads on, it’s only when you get into that tunnel and you see a wall of white and you hear that roar, that’s one of my favourite things about Twickenham.

“I’m sure it’s not a great feeling for the opposition team, they probably know they’re going to get beat! But it’s one of the moments as a rugby player we’re very lucky to have.”

Care was one of four world-class rugby players – alongside Welshman Jamie Roberts, Scot Tim Visser and James Horwill of Australia – to discuss what they would like to see in rugby stadiums of the future.

Working alongside John Rhodes, director of HOK’s Sports + Recreation and Entertainment practice, the quartet of players shared their views, from the impact of fans on the game itself to the frustration of rival changing rooms.

The overriding consideration was the role of the crowd, with favoured grounds ones where the fans are closer while city-centre stadia also fared well.

Rhodes in turn shared innovative design solutions, including fibre-optic turf and glass roof seating that could soon be commonplace in stadia while discussions were had about standing areas in ‘red zones’ between the 22 and touch lines to increase noise and energy levels.

HOK’s Sports + Recreation and Entertainment practice has experience of design of stadiums, arena, training facilities and recreation centres including the renovation of Sun Life Stadium in Miami and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

“Any modern, iconic sports ground must provide an exceptional experience for fans,” said Rhodes, who is currently leading the design of the New Palau Blaugrana Arena for FC Barcelona.

“The unique passion of fans is fundamental to the sport and, as architects, we need to design stadiums that maximise this energy. Rugby fans are especially unique.

“They are sophisticated fans who know and have experienced a variety of venues, which elevates the standards for a rugby stadium.

“The players gave us exceptional insight into what affects elite athletes. As avid fans, they also provided an invaluable perspective. This has improved our understanding of how to design the best stadiums for both rugby fans and players.”