The 2023 Rugby World Cup has seen some exciting play in the group stages, and these are set to continue this week and weekend ahead of the quartet finals - which are lining up to be incredibly exciting!

Lucky for the rugby fans among us, Oakham brags a range of top local sports bars where you can catch the games.

The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams.

The tournament is administered by World Rugby, the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game.

England last won the tournament in 2003, when Jonny Wilkinson kicked England to victory against Australia - something that George Ford, who replaced Farrell following his red card ban, mirrored in the England game against Argentina earlier this month.

Now that Farrell has returned, it is all to play for amongst the England players and international teams alike.

A number of Leicester Tigers players were selected for the world cup. Image credit: Nub News.

This week's games will take place:

Thursday 5 October:

NZ v Uruguay - 8pm

Friday 6 October:

France v Italy - 8pm

Saturday 7 October:

Wales v Georgia - 2pm

England v Samoa - 4:45pm

Ireland v Scotland - 8pm

Sunday 8 October:

Japan v Argentina - 12pm

Tonga v Romania - 4:45pm

Fiji v Protugal - 8pm

You can watch the upcoming games with a cold beer, Guinness or soft drink at The Crown Tavern, Crown Walk, Oakham, LE15 8BZ. Call Lindsay on 07769 680641 to book a table. 

Alternatively, Bill's Bar on Oakham High Street, who are offering two beers for £7 during all Six Nations matches, and The Grainstore by Oakham Station, Station Approach also shows games.

Ovation on Gaol Street will also be showing the games all weekend.

Finally, the Fox and Hounds in Knossington will also be showing the matches. Call 01664 452129 to book a table, especially if you want to indulge in some season food from the varied menu.

Enjoy a nice cold pint with the game at The Fox and Hounds, Knossington. Image credit: Nub News.

Alternatively, head to our What's On page to find out the times and dates of the fixtures, also being shown at Ovation Wine & Spirit Bar on Gaol Street.

Do you have any alternative spots to catch up with local and national sport?

Get in touch and let us know by emailing [email protected].