Where to watch rugby in Joburg

07 Nov 2022

Since their triumphant victory against England in 2019 at the Rugby World Cup, despite the challenges of managing extensive quarantines while on tour and playing a 2021 British Lions series behind closed doors, the mighty Springboks have maintained their position as one of the greatest rugby teams on the planet.

The Springboks claimed a 2-1 victory over Wales during the Welsh team's July 2022 tour of South Africa and the chances of an All Blacks defeat on South African soil look good too with the New Zealanders playing two matches against the Springboks in August 2022. Following their matches against the All Blacks, South Africa then jet off to Australia to play the Wallabies in two matches in late August. And don't forget that in September Cape Town hosts the Rugby 7s World Cup, taking place from September 9 to 11.

Kick-off times for the Springboks' August international matches are as follows:
Sat Aug 6 at 17:05 SA vs New Zealand
Sat Aug 13 at 17:05 SA vs New Zealand
Sat Aug 27 at 07:30 SA vs Australia
Sat Sep 3 at 11:35 SA vs Australia

If you are looking to join the fans in watching the rugby in Joburg, here are some good places for that:

011 Gin-Eatery, Rosebank

Rosebank's newest bar the 011 Gin Eatery at Oxford Parks has quickly established itself as the go-to place to watch sports in the neighbourhood with a big screen TV and copious drinks specials on match days. If you're bringing a crowd the bar has several large tables ideal for groups although bookings are recommended. Whatsapp +27 63 636 0530 to book a table.
Where: Oxford Parks, Rosebank

Founders at Giles, Craighall Park

With numerous TV screens, the atmospheric old-fashioned front bar area at this quiet neighbourhood pub in Craighall Park is a popular place to hang out and watch sports no matter the event. If you need to see the game on the big screen the large restaurant area to the rear also has a projector.
Where: 9 Grafton Ave, Craighall Park

Hogshead, Illovo

A suburban strip mall isn't the most inspiring venue for a pub, but it does afford lots of space. Seat yourself outside on the large terrace or in front of the bar inside – there are screens everywhere. This place has a boozy atmosphere and really fills up so expect things to get wild once the shooter girls with tequila bottles do the rounds. If there happens to be another sporting event you desperately need to watch at the same time as the rugby this is also a good option as the pub is one of few venues that can screen multiple matches at once.
Where: Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo

Matchday on the deck at Molly Malone's in Fourways

Molly Malones, Fourways

A popular option for those in the far northern suburbs, this Irish pub in Fourways always goes all out for Springbok match days. Expect plenty of specials on beers and a full house on the deck where the biggest screen is set up. Bookings are recommended as the venue typically fills to capacity on big match days. Book online at mollymalones.co.za
Where: Cnr Forest Rd and Sunset Blvd Pineslopes, Fourways

Milk Bar, Parkmore

The colourful, retro African-chic Milk Bar at George Lea Park in Parkmore became a staple venue for sports fans when it launched its pop-up rugby village in the Milk Shed venue serving up breakfast and rugby during World Cup 2019 in Japan. There's always a great atmosphere and plenty of spaces inside and out to sit – although table bookings are highly recommended. To get you in the stadium spirit in the suburbs they also have match day specials on quarts of beer.
Where: Sandton Sports Club, 11 Holt St, Parkmore

Pirates Rugby Club, Greenside

There are plenty of sports clubs dotted around Joburg's northern suburbs, although Pirates Rugby Club in Greenside like to claim they are the greatest in the city. Certainly, if you are looking for cheap beers you'll hardly find better bargains than this clubhouse. There are plenty of screens inside the bar although seating is limited. There are no bookings taken on match days so make sure to arrive early to get the best tables.
Where: 25 Braeside St (4th Ave), Greenside

The Troyeville Hotel, Troyeville

The bar at this historic hotel in Troyeville first opened its doors in 1939. In walking distance to Ellis Park Stadium (now Emirates Airline Park) the restaurant and bar is loved by hardcore rugby fans who usually like to drop by for pre and post-match beers when there are big matches on at the stadium. If you are searching for the company of serious rugby watchers with an encyclopedic knowledge of every player on the team, you'll most likely find them propping up the bar here.
Where: 1403 Albertina Sisulu Rd, Troyeville

Xai Xai, Melville

One of the oldest bars on Melville's famous 7th Street bar strip, the Mozambican bar Xai Xai may be a little rough around the edges, but special drinks offers on the classic brandy and coke and Springbok shooters plus a dedicated crowd of passionate rugby fans usually makes for a lively atmosphere.
Where: 3 7th St, Melville