Why the Six Nations Belongs in the Pub

Was the Six Nations championship specifically invented with pubs in mind? Or was it vice versa? Either way they go together as perfectly as a pie and a pint. Actually, make that a pie and two pints. If you’re in London, you might bump into a visiting Welsh supporter who looks like he needs cheering up.

Welcome to the annual rugby fiesta that refreshes parts other tournaments cannot reach. Often there is no better place to enjoy its convivial essence than down at the local with old friends ­– or new ones you haven’t met yet. It’s cheaper than sitting in the stadiums and potentially more fun. We still laugh about the night in Edinburgh after a famous Scotland victory over France when fans of all nationalities were up on the tables singing in delirious unison and the bar ran out of beer by 9pm.

Some will instantly counter that a weekend in Dublin is better craic than Edinburgh, Paris and Rome combined. Or insist that London’s array of historic taverns still top the league. But after a couple of drinks everyone usually agrees on one thing: there is nothing quite like the Six Nations, regardless of your nationality, colour or creed.

If you’re new to it all, here are a couple of tips. Make sure you arrive early, for starters. Key to the experience is the crackle of pre-match expectation and the emotion on the players’ faces during the anthems. Don’t be put off, either, by the guy behind you in the cockerel onesie singing La Marseillaise. You’ll probably be best mates by the final whistle.

Don’t worry, either, if you’re unsure of the difference between a scrum and a maul. The nice woman over there wearing the Red Roses T-shirt will fill you in. Soon enough you’ll look around and realise you’ve stumbled across a unique phenomenon. Good luck and fingers crossed for a brilliant tournament. If anyone asks, tell them we sent you.