Winger Tim Visser is used to having more than 60,000 Scotland fans scream his name as he races down the side of the Murrayfield pitch.

And the flyer believes it is the uncomfortable nature of the dressing rooms at the ground that make it all the more difficult for opposition.
Visser has scored 13 tries in 31 Scotland appearances since grabbing a brace on his debut against Fiji in 2012.

And now Visser has shared his 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.

He revealed a quirk in the away team’s dressing room at Murrayfield that makes life uncomfortable for Scotland’s rivals on matchday.

“The way stadiums are going nowadays, changing rooms are becoming nicer and nicer, almost football-esque,” said the Dutch-born star.

“It’s great for an away team to go into a nice, cosy changing room. But if you come to Murrayfield, one of the old Scotland coaches has put a pillar right in the middle of the changing room, which means that coach can’t stand at any certain point in the changing room and talk to the whole team.

“It’s just an annoying thing, and hopefully it will throw [opponents] off [their] game.”

Visser was one of four world-class rugby players – alongside Welshman Jamie Roberts, England’s Danny Care 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.”