Tri Nations is looming large …

Photo © SA Rugby

As a nation, South Africans are pretty much sports crazy and the Tri Nations* is looming large once again. Drinking beer, eating biltong and watching rugby go hand in hand so we thought it appropriate to give a few options of great rugby watching venues.  If you haven’t been lucky enough to get a test match ticket then watching the action surrounded by friends in a pub is the next best thing!

Johannesburg has a great number of venues on offer.  The Keg and Filly on Rivonia Road in Sunninghill (+27 (0)11 807-5590) is a popular watering hole for many, so it might be advisable to book a table ahead of schedule. If you live in Bryanston, what about trying The Baron Bryanston (+27 (0)11 706-0632), located on the corner of Main Road and Post House Road?  The Baron has a traditional bar but the new look Manhattan Grill promises a delicious dinner after the game …

For those in the Fourways area, Molly Malone’s Pub in the Pineslopes Lifestyle Centre always promises to entertain and fun will continue long after the final whistle has blown … in fact the fun will probably only start after the final whistle has blown!

Photo © SA Rugby

For Southern Suburb Capetonians, the Forresters Arms (fondly known as Forries) is a firm favourite (+27 (0)21 689-5949). The combination of great pizzas and log fires make for a wonderful atmosphere and the superb service means you don’t miss half the game standing at the bar!

Also in the Southern Suburbs, Oblivion Wine Bar & Restaurant in Harfield Village (corner of Chichester Road and 3rd Avenue) is a great venue with big screen projectors. Serving possibly the best pizza in Cape Town and offering a “bucket” special on beers (buy 6 get 1 free), this venue is very popular with rugby fans, so book early (+27 (0)21 671-8522). Win or lose, partying on the dancefloor (or for the brave … on the tables) afterwards is great fun!

Not a ‘traditional’ rugby venue, but a great spot nonetheless, Rick’s Café off Kloof Street (+27 (0)21 424 1100) in Gardens has a plasma TV upstairs with comfy couches tucked under the eaves! Booking a seating area is a good idea and with waiters popping upstairs on a regular basis you can ensure you drink will not run dry.  Head to the restaurant and bar downstairs after the game – you will not be disappointed!

Photo © SA Rugby

Good spots in eTekweni are Joe Cool’s, Billy the Bums and Cotton Fields.  Located at North Beach, you could combine a morning on the beach with an afternoon at the recently renovated Joe Cool’s (+27 (0)31 332-9697). 

Well known for their great food and party atmosphere, Joe Cool’s has been entertaining Durbanites for years – After being voted the no 1 place to watch Rugby (out of the stadium) by 5fm listeners after the rugby world cup, Joe Cools will have a marquee specialized for all live rugby matches and special sporting  events that are to come with a new sound system and big screen T.V. Worth checking it out!

Billy the Bums, also a firm Durban favourite, is located in Widermere Road (+27 (0)31 303-1988) – You will need to try one of the famous Billy’s cocktails as you cheer on the Springboks.  There are tables and chairs positioned outside should you need to get a breath of fresh air! For those who live in Umhlanga, Cotton Fields on Lagoon Drive (+27 (0)31 561-2744) is the place to be! A sports and entertainment bistro, Cotton Fields is well rehearsed in serving up great entertainment.  Three big screens and 10 TVs mean you won’t miss out and the large menu will cater for all tastes.

All that is left to do now is concentrate on cheering the Boks on to victory!

If you know of other great places to watch the Tri Nations Rugby at, or feel we’ve left out some great places, please share your suggestion in the comments below!

* The Tri Nations is an international rugby union competition played annually between the three heavy weights of Southern Hemisphere rugby, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Useful Links:
South Africa Events
Things to Do in South Africa
South Africa Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation
South African Rugby (Official Home of the Springboks)