The roar of the crowd, the clinking of cold drinks, and the collective panic when a kick drifts towards the touchline — watching rugby in Pretoria is rarely a quiet affair. This is a city that treats the sport as part of its identity, whether the Bulls are playing at Loftus or the Springboks are taking on the All Blacks thousands of kilometres away.
Whether you want a lively sports bar, a family-friendly club, or a relaxed neighbourhood pub, this guide lists some of the best places to watch the rugby in Pretoria. Match screenings, bookings, and specials can change at short notice, so confirm directly with your chosen venue before travelling.
Springbok Fixtures Still to Come in 2026
This year’s rugby fixtures are shaping up to be a wild ride. Think full stadiums, thundering tackles, nail-biting tries, and yes, plenty of beer spills from fans jumping in celebration. The remainder of the 2026 international season includes the highly anticipated Springboks–All Blacks series, a Test against Australia, and the European leg of the Nations Championship. But here’s the deal: not everyone can score a stadium ticket. That’s where Pretoria’s booming sports bar scene comes in. With dozens of vibrant venues, huge screens, cold drinks, and crowds buzzing with energy, you can catch every game-day moment like a true rugby royal, without ever leaving the city.
Upcoming fixtures include:
- South Africa vs New Zealand: 29 August | 17:10 SAST | DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- South Africa vs New Zealand: 5 September | 17:10 SAST | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- South Africa vs New Zealand: 12 September | 23:00 SAST | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
- South Africa vs Australia: 27 September | 09:45 SAST | Optus Stadium, Perth
- South Africa vs Italy: 7 November | 13:40 SAST | Estadio Camilo Cano, La Nucía
- South Africa vs France: 13 November | 22:10 SAST | Stade de France, Paris
- South Africa vs Ireland: 21 November | 18:40 SAST | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Nations Championship Finals Weekend: 27–29 November | Kick-off times TBC | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Fixture times remain subject to change, particularly for the Nations Championship Finals Weekend. Confirm the latest schedule through SA Rugby before making plans.
The Best Pretoria Venues for Live Rugby
Pretoria is packed with sports bars and buzzing spots that transform into rugby havens during match days. Whether you’re a table-thumping die-hard or just here for the drinks and vibes, these local legends are game-day gold.
The venues below regularly screen major rugby fixtures, although table availability, commentary, specials, and event arrangements may vary. Book early for Springbok Tests, Bulls matches, and other high-profile games.
The Goat & Co, Hazelwood
The Goat & Co has become one of Hazelwood’s most dependable places for big-screen sport. The pub has an outdoor courtyard, multiple viewing positions, cocktails, beer, and food supplied by neighbouring BAH. Its atmosphere leans lively and social, particularly during Springbok Tests. Expect cheering, music, and a crowd that is fully invested in the result. This is not the place for quietly analysing defensive structures over a glass of mineral water.
Reserved tables and big-screen booths are available with minimum-spend requirements, while ordinary walk-ins can take their chances on available seating. For major matches, reserve in advance or arrive well before kick-off.
Location: 14 Firwood Avenue, Hazelwood
Best for: Big-screen atmosphere, cocktails, groups, and after-match drinks
Eastwoods, Arcadia
Few Pretoria sports bars are as closely associated with Loftus as Eastwoods. Situated on Eastwood Street in Arcadia, the venue is a natural gathering point before and after Bulls matches and major Tests at the stadium. More than 20 screens make it easier to follow the match from different parts of the restaurant, while the menu covers grills, pizzas, pub meals, vegetarian options, and late-night food. The outdoor terrace provides additional space when the weather cooperates.
Eastwoods becomes exceptionally busy on Loftus match days, when stadium traffic and pre-game crowds converge on the area. Reserve for groups, arrive early, and avoid assuming you will find convenient roadside parking just before kick-off.
Location: 391 Eastwood Street, Arcadia
Best for: Loftus match days, multiple screens, large groups, and a traditional sports-bar atmosphere
CBC Old Boys Memorial Club, Groenkloof
CBC Old Boys offers a more relaxed, family-oriented alternative to a late-night sports bar. The club’s Pavilion Pub has previously hosted dedicated Springbok screenings with a big screen, children’s entertainment, food choices, drink specials, and ample parking. The venue is particularly well suited to afternoon Tests when families want space and a genuine club atmosphere.
Special screening arrangements are event-dependent, however, so do not assume every fixture will receive the full fan-zone treatment. Check the club’s events programme or contact the office to confirm the screen, booking process, admission charge, and family activities for a particular match.
Location: 78 George Storrar Drive, Groenkloof
Best for: Families, afternoon matches, big-screen events, and easy parking
Hogshead, Centurion
Hogshead at Mall@Reds offers a polished pub environment for supporters in Centurion and the southern parts of Pretoria. It combines live sport across five television screens with burgers, smokehouse dishes, craft beer, and a full bar. The venue is useful when your group wants a clear view of the game without committing to an enormous outdoor fan park. Its cosy interior also makes it a strong choice for cold evenings and the later European Tests in November.
Location: Mall@Reds, Centurion
Best for: Burgers, craft beer, smaller groups, and indoor viewing
Rafters Pub and Restaurant, Mooikloof Ridge
Rafters is an established Pretoria East pub and entertainment venue with large televisions for sporting events. The setting is casual, with pub food, drinks, live music, and the kind of regular crowd that gives major matches a local atmosphere. It is a good option for supporters who care more about cold drinks, a visible screen, and genuine match-day energy than carefully styled surroundings. Entertainment may follow the rugby on certain evenings, making it possible to turn the match into a longer night out.
Location: Corner of Garsfontein Road and Blesbok Street, Mooikloof Ridge
Best for: Pretoria East regulars, casual pub food, live sport, and post-match entertainment
MalHuis, Capital Park
MalHuis screens rugby on its big screen and leans enthusiastically into the green-and-gold atmosphere. Previous match-day promotions have included drink rewards for supporters wearing rugby jerseys, alongside food and beverage specials. The venue has a relaxed pub character and is a useful option for fans in Capital Park and the surrounding northern areas. Karaoke and other entertainment are also part of its programme, so the evening may continue well after the final whistle.
Location: 450 Myburgh Street, Capital Park
Best for: An informal local atmosphere, big-screen rugby, specials, and post-match entertainment
Wild Winds Pub & Grill, Kirkney
Wild Winds remains a casual option in Pretoria West for rugby, pub meals, draughts, and an outdoor atmosphere. The venue has previously screened Springbok matches on a large screen and tends to draw a crowd looking for a straightforward match-day experience. The menu includes familiar pub and grill dishes such as pizzas, burgers, chicken, and steaks. Its long trading hours make it useful for afternoon and evening fixtures, although Sunday hours may be shorter.
Location: 2401 Van der Hoff Road, Kirkney
Best for: Outdoor seating, draughts, and casual grill food
Die Eiland Pub & Grill, Derdepoort
Die Eiland offers a quieter, more family-friendly pub-and-grill environment in Derdepoort. Its large screens have been used for Springbok fixtures, while the outdoor seating, parking, children’s menu, and broad food selection make it suitable for groups with mixed ages. This is a useful alternative to the noisier central sports bars, particularly for an afternoon game. The atmosphere is still social, but the venue has enough space and restaurant structure to work for families.
Location: 301 Moepel Street, Derdepoort
Best for: Families, outdoor seating, accessible parking, and a relaxed neighbourhood setting
Rock@88, Lynnwood
Rock@88’s Lynnwood venue combines food, drinks, big-match screenings, and entertainment. It is a strong option for supporters who want to stay after the final whistle rather than heading home immediately. The venue has historically paired important rugby screenings with drink specials, snack baskets, music, and after-parties. Current promotions vary, so consult its website or social channels before visiting.
Location: Glen Gables Centre, corner of Lynnwood Road and January Masilela Drive, Lynnwood Ridge
Best for: Rugby followed by music, drinks, and a later night out
How to Choose the Right Rugby Venue
The best option depends on the group and the match.
For the loudest pub atmosphere, consider The Goat & Co or Eastwoods. Families may find CBC Old Boys or Die Eiland more practical, while Hogshead suits supporters who want burgers, craft beer, and indoor seating. Rock@88 works well when the plan includes an after-party, and special fan parks are the closest alternative to being inside the stadium.
Before booking, ask four questions:
- Will the match be shown with commentary?
- Can you reserve a table with a direct view of the screen?
- Is there an entrance fee or minimum spend?
- Will children be admitted for that particular screening?
For late kick-offs, also confirm whether the kitchen will remain open and whether the venue will trade until the match ends.
The Pretoria Vibe: Why Watching Rugby Here Feels So Right
Here’s the thing: Pretoria does not simply show rugby; it reorganises itself around it. When game day rolls around, the city transforms. Car radios blast match predictions, every other person wears green and gold, and the waiter at your local restaurant knows the starting lineup. You’ll see fans standing for the anthem, strangers becoming instant friends, and that one guy at the bar who swears he could coach better than the current staff. (There’s always one.) There’s a little magic in the way Pretoria fans rally.
The match is only part of the ritual. Arrive early, order food before the kitchen rush, and give yourself time to settle in. On major Test days, the best tables may be occupied hours before kick-off.
Whether the final whistle brings celebration or a lengthy discussion about refereeing decisions, Pretoria has no shortage of places willing to carry the rugby conversation into the evening.