Pubs in the UK were reaping the benefits of last weekend's Rugby World Cup final, despite a disappointing performance from the English side.

According to the Morning Advertiser pubs across England recorded increased profits which could have been due to the punter-friendly kick off time of 20:00 BST.

Peter Linacre, managing director of pub operator The Massive Pub Company, said that despite England's 15-6 loss to South Africa the weekend had been a success.

"We are very pleased … all our top pubs did very well. It would be nice to have the Rugby World Cup every month."

"Now all we have to worry about is that the players with the round balls succeed and pay dividends in 2008," he added.

Mr Linacre reported that takings had increased by 10 per cent on the 2003 final where England recorded their legendary victory over Australia to take their first title. However the newspaper notes that this game was screened in the UK in the morning.

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