How To Plan the Perfect, Sports-ish Rugby World Cup Watch Party
The women’s rugby World Cup kicked off on Sunday in England with a welcome ceremony before the first game between the USA and England on Friday, August 22nd, so you might be wondering how exactly you should throw a watch party for a World Cup game and plan it all in just four days. Luckily, we’ve got the inside scoop on what to wear and where to get it, some great party snacks, and even a backup plan. As long as you enjoy watching the Rugby World Cup, that’s what matters. Still, we’ve got your back.
The Perfect Outfit
Rugby athletes and fan bases have put in the work in recent years to have rugby-themed merch that’s cute and trendy, but still tough and reflective of their team’s aesthetic. If you’re going to throw a watch party, you need to be on theme.
World Rugby Shop always has amazing sale deals around the time of the World Cup, so whether you want a Black Ferns replica jersey, a Team Canada t-shirt, or a vintage USA Rugby hat, they’ll be able to get you right at a reasonable price.
England’s Red Roses recently debuted a Barbie x Red Roses collab line in time for the RWC, another option if you loved the Barbie movie’s message and want to continue your support of women’s sports past just watching.
Also recently launched is “Below the Shoulder,” a clothing brand opened by women’s rugby players, using fun and scandalous takes on some common rugby phrases and turning them into baby tees. They are too cute, and would be an awesome but subtle way to show your support during the RWC.
Snacks
Rugby is a sport known partially for the camaraderie at social events after the game. You tackle hard on the field, and crack a cold one with your mark afterwards - it’s all just part of the fun. That being said, a good beer (enjoyed responsibly) at your watch party is very on brand for rugby. Also appropriate would be a big hearty meal like burgers, or a roast, or a cultural food of whatever country you’re rooting for. Anything works, really, as long as you’re fueled and ready for 80 minutes of pure excitement.
Where to Watch
You’ll be able to watch the Rugby World Cup in a variety of places. Make sure that when your guests come to watch, you’ve got either Paramount+ +, CBS Sports, or Fubo at the ready for when the game starts.
Who To Invite
Speaking of guests, who should you invite? The short answer is everyone!
Rugby is known as a game inclusive of everyone due to the variety of positions and body types needed for those positions, so why shouldn’t everyone come watch as well? Invite your family, friends, cousins, cousins’ dog, neighbours, whoever. You might even be the one to introduce your friend to rugby as a new sport in their life and be responsible for the creation of a new rugby fan. Good work!
Activities
Some super fun activities to try at your RWC party are some of the classic rugby moves. Safely try out a line-out, practice your passing lines, get down into a scrum, and make sure you’ve perfected your backwards pass.
If your group isn’t exactly the play outside type, there are still some super fun interactive activities you can have ready for them. Try out a rugby bingo card of things that might happen in the game with team-themed prizes, play some rugby-themed pictionary, or guess the final score of the game for each team and whoever gets the closest wins.
If You’re Still Unsure - Find A Club Watch Party!
We get it - party planning just isn’t everyone’s thing. If you’re still not convinced that you should throw a RWC watch party with all of our tips and tricks, another great option is to find your local rugby team and see if they’re hosting any events with sponsors at local bars or a team clubhouse. We can’t guarantee that they won’t try to recruit you to the team, but they’ll definitely be able to answer any lingering questions about what’s even going on during the game.