Rugby stars Jamie Roberts and Danny Care have both identified Wales’ Principality Stadium as a unique and special home of the game.

Welshman Roberts is used to the roar of the crowd at the stadium, often packed to capacity with 75,000 adoring Wales fans expressing on their approval.

The centre has won 91 caps for his country, scoring 13 tries in the process.

And now Roberts and Harlequins colleague Care have shared their wisdom 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.

“I think the main point about the Principality Stadium is its location,” said the 30-year-old.

“I don’t think any other stadium in the world has as close to city centre location as Cardiff.”

Care, meanwhile, has enjoyed many a hostile welcome in the Welsh capital during his time as an England scrum-half.

“Every time you go to Wales, you know you’re going to get a bit of stick, especially as an Englishman, and that drive through the streets is awesome,” said Care, a veteran of more than 70 caps for Eddie Jones’ side.

“I’ve seen old grannies sticking fingers up at us, I’ve also seen someone try and headbutt the bus – the bus won! But that’s the Welsh for you, they give you a hell of a welcome.

“It’s an amazing place to go, you see how passionate they are, and obviously when you come out with the right result, it’s nice, but I’ve had a fair few losses there as well.”

Care and Roberts were among four world-class rugby players – alongside Scotland’s 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.”