Where to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Beijing

The world's best rugby players are flocking to Japan for the Rugby World Cup 2019, which runs today until Nov 2. Taking place every four years, the event is considered the most important rugby championship in the world.

It is the first time an Asian country has ever hosted the games, with 48 matches scheduled to take place in 12 stadiums across Japan.

Having won the previous two World Cups, New Zealand is once again considered the favorite to take this year's title. However, 2019 looks to be one of the most open showings ever, with at least half of the qualified teams standing a decent chance of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. 

The beauty of it being held in Japan is that there's a minimal time difference for local fans. The opening ceremony begins at 5.30pm Beijing time on Friday and is followed by the first game of the match: hosts Japan versus Russia at 6.45pm.

See all the match times here (subtract an hour for Beijing time kickoff), as well as all the best places in town to watch the action unfold below.

Beersmith

Every weekend (11am-7pm) between now and the final on Nov 2, Beersmith will discount all of their beers to RMB 35 and broadcast every match on 10-plus screens dotted throughout the venue.

Caravan

As well as showing the games, Guanghua Lu Moroccan restaurant and rum purveyors Caravan lures rugby fans in with RMB 30 pints of Vedett White. Management suggests that you check ahead to see if they're playing your match.

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors will also be showing the "important" matches, including the opening match. No deals, however.

Home Plate BBQ Sanlitun

Home Plate will show every game at their Sanlitun venue as well offer all three of their Boxing Cat draft beers for RMB 30 a pop during live screenings.

Paddy O'Shea's

Surprise, surprise, Paddy's will also show every game live. Expect a sizeable turnout for the big games, so turn up early if you want a table. Again, no deals.

Q Mex CBD

Q Mex will show this year's World Cup at their newest venue, which officially opened in World City just this week. For the occasion, they're offering RMB 35 pints of Slow Boat's Monkey's Fist as well as four bottles of Stone Boat Pilsner for RMB 100.

Side Street

Side Street has also teamed up with Slow Boat to offer pints of Slow Boat Monkey's Fist IPA and Zombie Pirate Pale Ale for RMB 35 each. Head over to watch on their big screen.

Xian

You'll never guess, but Xian has also teamed up with Slow Boat this Rugby World Cup! This time it's for a hefty 50 percent off their Stone Boat Pilsner, Honey Ale, and Zombie's Pale Ale during the games, which will be shown inside and ou, the latter on their massive LED screen.

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Images: Wikipedia, courtesy of the venues