To be honest this wasn’t always the case having grown up with a cricket playing father my early years were spent watching the men in white.
However when we moved to South Africa back in the eighties Rugby featured as much as cricket so it was there that my love for the game blossomed.
Back in 1995 when team captain Francois Pienaar lifted the coveted Webb Ellis Trophy at Ellis Stadium the whole country went wild and it will be a day I’ll never forget.
That dramatic drop goal by Joel Stransky had everyone on the edge of their seats even Nelson Mandela, who bought the country together during the event with his wearing of the Springbok jersey.
So it is with that same anticipation that I’m looking forward to a great 6 weeks of rugby.
Where will you be watching? There are some great venues around Lichfield that are supporting the event so get some mates together and pay a visit I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric.
First up it’s got to be the Lichfield Rugby Club with their newly installed ‘Big’ Screens they will be screening all the matches.
The Feathers in Beacon Street will be showing all games when they don’t have a music event on.
If you prefer to watch it in a quieter environment why not try the Cathedral Lodge Hotel? They will be showing it in their bar/lounge.
The Bowling Green are offering you four pints of Guinness for £12, all day every day until 31st October. Or try their special rugby beers – on tap for the tournament.
According to their website, opening on Thursday 24th September WalkAbout in Bird Street will also be showing all the games but be careful they may just be a little bit biased!
You really will be spoilt for choice wherever you decide to watch the glorious game, here's to a fabulous tournament and of course come on England and all the home nations (and South Africa of course!)
