Pubs in Twickenham "could be asked to close early so Rugby World Cup fans do not disturb residents," according to the London EVENING STANDARD. Landlords "have told of their concern after the Met Police asked pubs not to admit customers after 10pm" following Saturday’s England vs. France warm-up rugby match. There are fears the plans to curb celebrations after evening games could turn Twickenham into a "ghost town." An announcement "was made during Saturday’s game telling fans of the move despite landlords not agreeing to close early." Fuller’s Inns Managing Dir Jonathon Swaine said, "Pub operators never agreed to that or suggested that. We were planning to open our doors to everyone. ... We have spent time and money preparing all our pubs. It is not happening in Cardiff or other cities that are hosting World Cup matches. Why should it happen in Twickenham?" (EVENING STANDARD, 8/17).
FREE RIDE: In London, Sunni Upal wrote Twickenham officials "laid on free buses for spectators after England's clash against France in preparation for some late finishes during the Rugby World Cup." The QBE int'l on Saturday kicked off at 8pm, "the same time as three of England’s matches during the tournament including the opener" against Fiji on Sept. 18. Twickenham "used the game against France as a dry run for the World Cup, and one measure introduced was the introduction of free buses to take supporters out of the area and back into central London" (DAILY MAIL, 8/16). The BBC reported Ryanair "launched a service between Cardiff and Dublin during the Rugby World Cup." The airline announced that "it will operate more than 25 return flights in September and October." Ryanair said the seasonal flights have been "scheduled especially for the World Cup" (BBC, 8/17).
