
The Rugby World Cup returns after four years and it’s set to be an epic tournament. Taking place from September 8 right until October 28, rugby fans have almost two whole months of exciting matches to watch – but why not watch all the action on the big screen? If you weren’t lucky enough to nab some tickets to the live matches in France do not fear as plenty of Manchester venues have got you covered so you won’t miss a try. So go on, grab your mates, get the pints in and scrum on down to one of these spots in Manchester bursting with atmosphere to watch the Rugby World Cup 2023.
1. Freight Island

Popular Manchester street food and entertainment hub Freight Island is getting in on the rugby action by screening all of the Rugby World Cup games up at their sports bar in a dedicated fan zone. Doors open at 4pm on Fridays and from 12pm on the weekend, giving you plenty of time to grab some food and drinks pre-match from Freight Island’s many vendors. Or why not book a cracking carvery for the Sunday games? Nothing beats a bit of comfort food, whether you’re team is winning or losing. Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, M1 2PZ.
2. Brickhouse Social

From terrace to taproom, pool hall to plates and beats from the Brickhouse Social basement, this venue has it all. And some of rugby on the big screen too! The bar features an impressive rooftop terrace, a selection of pool tables, seven large screens set across three floors as well as a bottomless brunch menu on a Saturday. The venue also has a pizza menu available seven days a week, which makes for perfect scran whilst watching the rugby. Brickhouse Social, 11-13 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP.
3. The Wishing Well

Didsbury based pub, The Wishing Well has announced they will be screening all of the Rugby World Cup games. The modern country pub has a selection of TV screens in their bar area providing uninterrupted coverage for local rugby fans. Serving a freshly prepared menu alongside a fully stocked bar including a selection of cocktails, wine and beers, it’s a top spot to enjoy the Rugby World Cup in the heart of Didsbury Village. The Wishing Well, 1d School Lane, Didsbury, M20 6SA.
4. Walkabout

Rugby fans will be able to retreat to Walkabout this September and October to watch the World Cup games, with the Manchester Printworks venue serving beer in two pint-sized glasses. If that wasn’t all, you can grab yourself a burger and pre-book a bucket of Asahi beers for you and your mates to enjoy with your chosen Six Nations match. Walkabout, Dantzic St, M4 2AD.
5. BOX

Sports bar on Deansgate, BOX, will be screening the Rugby World Cup – with every match available to watch live. Plus, you won’t go hungry here as there’s an extensive menu filled with the likes of pre-match kick-off snacks, sharers, wraps, subs, pizzas, kebabs, burgers and loaded fries. There’s even a ‘champion’s platter’ to get stuck into featuring honey and sriracha chicken wings, mini shawarma kebabs, crispy popcorn chicken, mini cheeseburgers, mozzarella fries, nachos and dips. BOX, 125 Deansgate, M3 2BY.
6. Bierkeller

One of the Printworks’ thriving venues, the Manchester Bierkeller will most definitely be showing the Rugby World Cup matches – with over twenty screens, three projector screens and a massive LED superscreen to watch the action on, the only decision you need to make is what drink to have. Enjoy cold beers, steins and pitchers, as well as 8-pint beer towers, stein cocktails and more. Manchester Bierkeller, The Printworks, Withy Grove, M4 2BS.
7. The Director’s Box

Screening all Rugby World Cup games this autumn, The Director’s Box will be providing quite a luxe, laid-back space for guests to enjoy the matches – with craft beer, along with a range of small plates, sharing dishes and hearty grub as well as a bottomless brunch offering. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a banging brunch with slap-up dishes and free-flowing drinks for two hours followed by some riveting rugby? Make a day of it, why don’t you. The Director’s Box, 37 Booth St, M2 4AA.