Worcester ready to be gripped by rugby fever (From Worcester News)

Worcester ready to be gripped by rugby fever

6:48am Friday 19th October 2007 in

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WORCESTER is set to be gripped by Rugby world cup final fever as England bids tomorrow to become the first side in the 20-year history of the competition to retain the Webb-Ellis trophy.

Pubs and clubs across the city, which plan to show the match on their large TV screens, are gearing up to pack in the fans as the big game between underdogs England and favourites South Africa kicks off in Paris at 8pm.

Worcester Rugby Club, home to the city's rugby, is offering any rugby fan the chance of joining a passionate atmosphere by watching the game with Warriors supporters on televisions at the club's bar.

Ben Mottram, Worcester Rugby Club spokesman, said a coachload of Warriors supporters were going to watch the team's match against Leicester Tigers on Saturday afternoon and as soon as the game was over the club would make sure the supporters got back on the coach so they would return in plenty of time to watch the World Cup final at Sixways.

"We are going to get our fans back for the match at 8pm so hopefully they can enjoy a double celebration that day. They should be back in time to get a few jars in and enjoy the game.

"Every fan in Worcester can come to the club and join us. As we are the home of rugby in the city we thought we would give people the chance to watch it here.

"We are optimistic about England's chances. Everybody in England will have their fingers crossed that they do it."

The club has also managed to obtain a limited supply of the official World Cup final programmes which will be on sale in the club shop at Sixways on Saturday, with any remaining on sale in the bar during the match.

"If anyone wants a memento we will have the programmes here at the club but there is only a limited stock," said Mr Mottram.

Sixways isn't the only place people will be watching the rugby, though.

Jo Gilby, manager of O'Neill's Irish Bar, St Nicholas Street, said: "I think we will be full about an hour before the match starts. We have been full for all the England and Ireland matches. We can take 250 people and I expect we'll have to turn away about 100 or so.

"I can't wait. I love the atmosphere in the pub as it is absolutely amazing."

Robert Smith manager of Rileys Snooker Club, Shrub Hill Road, said any rugby fans were welcome to go along and watch the game on their state-of-the-art eight foot projected TV screen.

"It is like being at the cinema. It's amazing," he said.