Two tournaments. Nine pubs. One cheat sheet.

If you've been seeing rugby everywhere lately and wondering what's going on, you're not imagining it. The Six Nations is in full swing, and it might just be the most dramatic sporting tournament you're not watching yet. 

Wait, what even is rugby?

Think of it as a bit like American Football. Two teams of 15 try to get the ball over the opponent's try line, but here's the catch: you can only pass backwards. The ball can be kicked forwards, but your teammates have to chase it down. 

In a match, the scoring goes like this: a try (touching the ball down over the line) is worth 5 points, and the attacking team then gets a conversion kick for 2 more. Penalty kicks and drop goals are each worth 3 points. You'll have it down by the end of the first half.

So what's the Six Nations?

Every February-March and April-May, the men's and women’s national teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales go head-to-head in a round-robin tournament: each team plays the other five once. The Men’s Six Nations is the oldest international rugby tournament in the world, dating back to 1883 when it started as a four-team Home Nations Championship. Historically, England and Wales are the most decorated sides: both have 39 titles to their name. Since Italy joined in 2000, however, only two teams have never won it: Italy and Scotland.

How does the scoring work?

Four points for a win, two for a draw. You can also earn bonus points: one for scoring four or more tries in a match, and one for losing by seven points or fewer. 

There are also a few special prizes within the tournament. The Grand Slam goes to any team that wins all five of their matches while the Triple Crown is a separate honour available only to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales: it goes to whichever Home Nation beats all three of the other Home Nations. And the Wooden Spoon? That's the rather brutal consolation prize for finishing last: in the Men's Italy has claimed it more times than anyone since the current configuration of the competition.

Womens 6 Nations

On the Women's side, the tournament starts 11 April and runs to 17 May in a new format: four "Super Saturday" rounds of triple-headers, culminating in a "Super Sunday" finale on 17 May. England have won 21 of the 30 editions, but the competition is growing fast, and this year's format is designed to give it the spotlight it deserves. 

Whether you're in it for the drama of Super Saturday, or just want to understand why everyone around you suddenly has opinions about rugby, now is the perfect time to tune in.

Where to Watch Near LSE & Halls

The Hercules Pillars, Holborn: 

A top-notch venue for catching rugby with a huge projector screen and buzzing atmosphere, right in Holborn! It is the closest option being a 5 minute walk from CKK.

Near LSE📍18 Great Queen St, London WC2B

The White Hart, Southwark

Long-established as one of the finest pubs in Southwark, The White Hart blends 18th century heritage with smart modern style. It is only a 5 minute walk from Bankside that makes you pass Tesco and Sainsbury's to remind you to get your groceries.

Near Bankside House📍22 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0UG

Exmouth Arms

A Victorian bar in Clerkenwell with a green-tiled facade, stained-glass windows, seasonal meals, beer on tap, and a nice atmosphere. Plus there is a hidden upstairs cocktail bar if you want to make a night of it. Just down the road, it's a 5 minute walk.

Near Rosebery 📍23 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL

The Jeremy Bentham

A cosy, lively pub perfect for student nights out, actively taking Six Nations reservations. Lively and welcoming with a blend of traditional and modern decor. Plus there’s a £5 Tennent’s lager deal for sports viewing.

Near Passfield Hall📍31 University St, London WC1E 6JL

The Court

A laidback central London amidst the bustle of Tottenham Court Road with large screens showing key sporting events, including rugby. It is competitively priced and popular with students. It's a 5 minute walk from Carr-Saunders and a 10 minute walk from Passfield Hall.

Near Carr-Saunders & Passfield Hall 📍108a Tottenham Ct Rd, Greater, London W1T 5AA

The Roebuck

A great place to watch rugby, all Six Nations matches shown on the big screen upstairs. One of Borough’s prettiest pubs, in an attractive Victorian building with a great atmosphere. Just a 3 minute walk from Sidney Webb!

Near Sidney Webb House 📍50 Great Dover St, London SE1 4YG

Extra

Not finding the area you want? Young’s Pub has an immense amount of pubs showing Six Nations and even has some Six Nations themed deals!

Not feeling like going out? All matches are free-to-air: Men's on ITV and BBC, Women's on BBC (no subscription needed).