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Rugby World Cup final: The best places in Kent to watch England vs South Africa

After a commanding victory over the All Blacks, England have made it into their first Rugby World Cup final for 12 years.

They've only won it once before, when Jonny Wilkinson struck his famed drop goal in extra time to topple hosts Australia in 2003, but this year's crop of players have impressed throughout the tournament and will be favourites going in to the clash with South Africa.

Martin Johnson lifts the trophy in 2003 Picture : Action Images / Andrew Budd..Livepic
Martin Johnson lifts the trophy in 2003 Picture : Action Images / Andrew Budd..Livepic

Whatever the result it will certainly be an eventful Saturday morning and here are the best places to watch Eddie Jones' men (hopefully) lift the trophy for the second time.

Canterbury

If you fancy a taste of luxury Canterbury Rugby Club will be offering a free glass of prosecco (or orange juice) to those watching the game at its clubhouse.

It will open its doors to fans, who will also be able to have a full English breakfast, at 8am.

Entry to the club, which is in Merton Lane North, will cost £7.50 for adults and £5 for children.

Folkestone Harbour Arm's Harbour Screen

Folkestone's Harbour Screen
Folkestone's Harbour Screen

Watching the match in the great outdoors will really let you soak in the atmosphere.

If you fancy braving Autumnal chills head to Folkestone's Harbour Arm.

The game will be played on the Harbour Screen, which has shown films and other sport, including the cricket, throughout the summer.

Entry is completely free, and breakfast will be available across the sites from a range of venues.

Seating will be set up or sports fans can bring a blanket and pitch up in front of the huge screen.

Organisers said: "The Folkestone Harbour Screen is set to be one of the very few outdoor screens in the UK showing the Rugby World Cup final.

"It's being reported that there is a massive lack of outdoor screens showing it, which we think is a real shame, which is why we’re so delighted to be screening it for free on the Harbour Screen.

"The RFU has been advising fans to back England in pubs and clubs, but screening historic sporting events on a large, outdoor screen is very different.

"This will also be the final use of the incredibly popular Folkestone Harbour Screen in 2019, which will return in 2020."

Medway

Performing the haka - Tom Beaumont 1st XV captain with the New Zealanders
Performing the haka - Tom Beaumont 1st XV captain with the New Zealanders

Pubs across Medway will be opening their doors early on Saturday morning so punters can enjoy a piece of the action but if you fancy rubbing shoulders with someone with more of a link than most to the team head to Medway Rugby Club.

It's England centre Piers Francis' dad's club and as always they'll be showing the game in their newly-refurbished club house.

Mark Marriott, from Medway Rugby Football Club, said the atmosphere at the venue in Priestfields, Rochester, for the semis was “wonderful”.

He said: “We even had three Maoris perform the Haka in all their finery, which drew three cheers from everyone. We wished them good luck and at the end of it they said ‘well done’ in the true spirit of the game.

“We are expecting more people on Saturday, members and non-members. Football is still king in this country but an occasion like this gives us a fillip and hopefully attracts more to the sport.

“It’s also good to talk about something different from Brexit.”

Maidstone

Fans can enjoy a free bacon or sausage butty and a pint for just £1.50 at Maidstone's Source Bar on Saturday, where the match will be shown outdoors, on a massive 130-inch screen, and indoors on an even bigger 160-inch version.

Doors open at 8am. Meanwhile, the Gallagher Stadium, usually home to the County Town's football fans, will be opening its Spitfire Lounge at 8.30am to broadcast the game on a big HD screen as well as three others around the lounge.

Jonny Wilkinson kicks a penalty
Jonny Wilkinson kicks a penalty

Sheppey

It might be a different-shaped ball but the golfers are still up for an early start.

Sheerness Golf Club, off Power Station Road, Halfway, Sheppey, will be televising the final and the bar will be open, with a buffet-style cooked breakfast available for £5. Non-members welcome.

Coverage starts from 7am on ITV1 and kick off is at 9am (6pm local time at the 73,000-seater Yokohama Stadium).

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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