The first fortnight of the Rugby World Cup 2023 has seen some exciting play in the group stages, and these are set to continue this week and weekend.

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 has been replacing Farrell following his red card ban, mirrored in the England game against Argentina earlier this month.

In their first match, Steve Borthwick's team enjoyed a victory over Argentina, the final score resting at 27 - 10.

On Sunday, they faced Japan, winning with a convincing score of 34 - 12, after what fans considered a rocky start. This puts England at the top of their Pool ahead of this week's games.

Games will take place across the week this week, from Wednesday 20 until Sunday 24 September - continuing until 28 October, when the final will take place in Paris's Stade de France.

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

This week's games will take place:

Wednesday 20:

Italy v Uruguay 16:45

Thursday 21:

France v Namibia 20:00

Friday 22:

Argentina v Samoa 16:45

Saturday 23:

13:00 Georgia v Portugal

16:45 England v Chile

20:00 South Africa v Ireland

Sunday 24:

16:45 Scotland v Tonga

20:00 Wales v Australia

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 show games.

The Fox and Hounds in Knossington will also be showing the matches. Call 01664 452129 to book a table - or to preorder the new fish and chip takeaway option available from the venue.

Alternatively, head to The Plough this weekend as the team host the 2023 Plough Beer Fest - with live screenings of the games taking place in their marquee across the weekend!

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].