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Where to Watch the Springboks Play in the UK: Best Pubs & Venues
The definitive guide to watching Springboks rugby in the UK — the best South African-friendly pubs, what to expect on match day, and where to find fellow Bokke supporters.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ South African-friendly pubs create an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in the UK
- ✓ Most Springboks matches are broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports in the UK
- ✓ London has the most SA rugby pubs, but Manchester, Leeds, and Edinburgh have great options too
- ✓ Arrive 45-60 minutes early for big matches — SA pubs fill up fast
- ✓ Check the Saffas Connect Sports page for fixtures, UK kick-off times, and broadcast channels
There's nothing quite like watching the Springboks with a room full of South Africans. The singing, the banter, the shared nerves — it's the closest thing to being at home. Here's where to find that atmosphere across the UK.
London's Best South African Rugby Pubs
LONDON IS THE HEART OF SA RUGBY IN THE UK
The capital has the largest concentration of South African-friendly pubs, particularly in areas like Wimbledon, Putney, Fulham, and Ealing where many Saffas live.
- The Slug & Lettuce (Wimbledon): A popular chain pub that regularly hosts SA rugby fans, especially for big Springbok matches
- The Faltering Fullback (Finsbury Park): A quirky pub with a strong SA following and great screens
- The Ship (Wandsworth): Riverside pub that shows all major rugby and has a loyal SA crowd
- The White Horse (Parsons Green): Known as 'The Sloaney Pony' — shows all rugby and attracts a big SA crowd for Bokke matches
- The Princess of Wales (Chiswick): A local favourite with South African owners who show every Springbok game
WHAT TO EXPECT ON MATCH DAY
South African pubs go all out for big matches. Expect green and gold flags, biltong on the bar, and spontaneous singing of 'Shosholoza' and the national anthem. Most pubs don't take reservations for match days — it's first come, first served.
South African Rugby Pubs Outside London
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE IN LONDON
Major UK cities with large South African communities all have pubs that show Springboks matches. Here are the best options.
- The Sports Page (Manchester): A dedicated sports bar that shows all SA rugby
- The Dockers (Leeds): Popular with the large Yorkshire SA community
- The Three Sisters (Edinburgh): A sports pub in the city centre that welcomes SA fans
- The Holford (Birmingham): Shows all major rugby and has a regular SA crowd
- The Slug & Lettuce (Bristol): Known for its SA-friendly atmosphere on match days
CAN'T FIND A SA PUB NEAR YOU?
Most Wetherspoons and Walkabout venues show rugby on big screens. Walkabout is an Australian-themed bar chain that's surprisingly welcoming to South Africans and shows all major rugby. Use the Saffas Connect Business Directory to search for pubs showing rugby in your area.
Which Channels Broadcast Springboks Rugby in the UK?
KNOW YOUR BROADCAST RIGHTS
Springboks matches are split between several UK broadcasters depending on the competition. Here's the breakdown.
- Rugby Championship & Autumn Internationals: Sky Sports is the main broadcaster
- Six Nations: Shared between BBC and ITV (free-to-air)
- Summer Tours & July Tests: Sky Sports
- November Tests: Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports share coverage
- Currie Cup & United Rugby Championship: Viaplay (formerly Premier Sports)
FREE-TO-AIR OPTIONS
The BBC shows selected Six Nations matches and some Autumn Internationals. If you don't have Sky, check BBC iPlayer and ITVX — they stream matches for free with a TV licence.
Match Day Tips for South African Fans
MAKE THE MOST OF MATCH DAY
Watching the Bokke in a pub is a social event. Here's how to have the best experience.
- Arrive 45-60 minutes before kick-off for big matches — SA pubs fill up fast
- Wear your green and gold — it helps you find your tribe and the pub staff will look after you
- Bring cash — some pubs are card-only but smaller venues still prefer cash tips
- Learn the songs — 'Shosholoza', 'Olé Olé Olé', and 'Bokke Bokke Bokke' are match-day staples
- Be respectful of other patrons — not everyone in the pub is there for the rugby
- If your team loses, buy a round — it's the South African way
WATCHING AT HOME
If you can't make it to a pub, the Saffas Connect community groups often organise watch parties. Check the 'Social & Events' and 'General Chat' groups for meetups near you.
Pro Tips
Call ahead for big matches
For Rugby Championship and World Cup matches, call the pub a day before to ask if they're showing it and what time they open. Some pubs open early for morning kick-offs (SA time is 2 hours ahead of UK in summer).
Follow SA pub social media
Most SA-friendly pubs post their match schedule on Instagram and Facebook. Follow them to get early notice of which matches they're showing and any food or drink offers.
Bring biltong
Some SA pubs sell biltong behind the bar, but it sells out fast on match days. Bring your own — most pubs are happy for you to snack while you watch, as long as you're buying drinks.
Use the Saffas Connect Sports page
Our Sports page lists every Springboks and Proteas fixture with UK kick-off times and broadcast channels. Bookmark it so you never miss a match.
Action Points
Find a rugby pub near you
- 1.Go to the Saffas Connect Business Directory
- 2.Search for 'rugby' or filter by 'shows rugby'
- 3.Enter your postcode to find the nearest SA-friendly pub
- 4.Call ahead to confirm they're showing the next match
Check upcoming Springboks fixtures
- 1.Visit the Saffas Connect Sports page
- 2.See all upcoming SA rugby and cricket fixtures
- 3.Note the UK kick-off time and broadcast channel
- 4.Add it to your calendar so you don't miss it
✅ Quick Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Springboks matches kick off in UK time?
South Africa is 1-2 hours ahead of UK time depending on the season. Evening matches in SA (7pm) kick off at 5-6pm UK time. Afternoon matches (3pm SA) kick off at 1-2pm UK time. Check the Saffas Connect Sports page for exact UK times for each fixture.
Can I watch Springboks matches for free in the UK?
Selected matches are free-to-air on BBC and ITV, particularly Six Nations and some Autumn Internationals. Most Springboks matches (Rugby Championship, summer tours) are on Sky Sports, which requires a subscription. You can also stream via NOW TV day passes.
Do I need to book a table at SA pubs for rugby matches?
Most South African-friendly pubs don't take reservations for match days — it's first come, first served. For major matches like World Cup finals or Bokke vs All Blacks, arrive 60-90 minutes early to get a good spot with a view of the screen.
Are children allowed in UK pubs during rugby matches?
Yes, children are generally welcome in UK pubs until 9pm, especially in pub gardens and dining areas. However, for big rugby matches the atmosphere can get loud and crowded. Call ahead to check if the pub is family-friendly on match days.
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