Following the first round of Rugby World Cup matches, Andrew Binner takes a closer look at Brighton, the home of South Africa, Japan and Samoa and top away day for visiting fans.
– #360Rugby: Time for TMO to get a move on
– All Blacks: Sonny Bill expects improvement
– England: Haskell relishing critical Wales tie
– Interview: Burke – Aussies can go all the way
BRIGHTON — While Brighton will be remembered on the field for hosting one of the most exciting World Cup matches ever, the seaside town may also go down as one of the most hospitable cities away from the pitch.
Following Japan’s historic win over South Africa at the impressive Brighton Community Stadium, the Japanese players received a heroes’ welcome from the students of prestigious boarding school Brighton College, where the team are based for the tournament.
LOVE this footage:1200 @Brightoncollege kids welcome Japan for their final training session at school #RugbyWorldCup https://t.co/ZVucLxG1sk
— Dinah Hatch (@DinahHatch) September 21, 2015
Joining Japan in Brighton are beaten Pool B rivals the Springboks and Pacific Islanders Samoa – both of whom will be based at the futuristic-looking glass and steel University of Brighton.
While the Sussex town has clearly not been a happy place for South Africa so far, the Pacific Islanders have enjoyed their experience so much that they wish to stay.
One look at star flanker Faifili Levave’s Twitter feed would have you thinking that the Samoans are on a countryside retreat rather than preparing for the world’s most prestigious rugby tournament.
In a bid to spend as much time as possible outside of the team hotel, the Samoans have been mixing with other guests, posing for wedding photos and have even sung in church.
Day off so resting the body and feeding the mind Water bottle got me good #smartvai pic.twitter.com/c74DCRQjzI
— Faifili Levave (@FLevave) September 14, 2015
Winding cobbled streets containing boutique shops, family-owned restaurants and quirky pubs give Brighton a bohemian charm that is difficult not to fall in love with.
The laid-back East Sussex beachside, chalk cliffs and buzzing nightlife ensure that there is something for everyone.
Travelling down from London for the Japan game it was interesting to note how many hundreds of travelling fans stayed on the train as it rolled into Falmer Station – the stop for Brighton Community Stadium.
#LeManu @manusamoa‘s turn to be welcomed to #RWC2015 at the Brighton Dome #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/CYjTf3eaop
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 11, 2015
Just 50 miles south of the capital, these fans had no intention of cheering on their team at the ground but preferred to drink in the seaside atmosphere, and no doubt sample Brighton’s famous fish and chips.
The Brighton Community Stadium has seen its last action of this Rugby World Cup but with Japan, Samoa and South Africa set to continue training there, it will continue to be a great day out for fans and players alike on gameday.
Take your pick from any one of the hundreds of cafes and pubs to watch a game and you will be assured of a great crowd.
Who knows? You may even get to have a chat or sing-a-long with a friendly Samoan.