Pubs bank on weekend Rugby World Cup matches

Pubs are banking on some big matches to kick start customer interest in the Rugby World Cup.

As the tournament moves into the quarter final stage this weekend (November 8/9), the trade is hoping that the action from Australia will encourage customers to consider a morning session at the pub.

Some pubs, especially those which already cater for a die-hard rugby crowd, have already seen an uplift. Mark Pennington, licensee of the Nags Head in Nottinghamshire, said: "We're taking part in the Guinness Up and Under promotion and quickly went through two kegs of Guinness during a recent England match. The Rugby World Cup has been great for business, with people staying in the pub longer and making a full day of it."

However, some outlets which arranged early starts have been disappointed by the response. At the Settle Inn in South London, which laid on breakfasts for weekend games, the manageress said the games so far had not inspired large numbers to make the early start.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is monitoring trade during the tournament to help develop the trade's case for extended opening hours during major sporting tournaments. Spokesman Mark Hastings said: "We're certainly expecting the big matches to generate increased interest."

Saturday, Nov 8, sees Scotland take on Australia, with a 10am kick off, while England meet Wales at 10am on Sunday, November 9. The semi finals start at 9am on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday November 16.

Unique Pub Company has seen 2000 of its licensees snap up promotional kits for the tournament. David Rollason, trade marketing manager at Unique said: "From both a commercial and personal point of view, we want the home nations to go as far as possible in the tournament and hope to see the northern hemisphere represented all the way through to the final on November 22."