When England’s rugby team faced Australia in the rugby world cup final 20 years ago, there was one place in Southampton that was always going to prove the most popular to watch the match in – Walkabout.

Many pubs, bars and clubs across Hampshire opened early, as Southampton’s popular Aussie bar even experienced a change of identity when supporters with painted faces and flags of St George took over.

Hundreds had queued in pouring rain from 7am to reserve a space with a view of the city’s biggest TV screen to see the historic moment when Martin Johnson became the first Englishman in 37 years to get his hands on a world cup.


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The pub erupted in jubilant celebrations when victory over Australia was clinched.

Daily Echo: