From Italy’s tricky moves to Scotland’s show of strength, we think any good sports performance deserves an equally strong dish to match it.  Whether you’re playing or watching, rugby requires serious food fuel. These dishes shine through when combined with your couch and a good game.

Exemplary English

Reigning champs deserve an equally strong nutritious showing. Step up your game with a protein packed grill order. Smokey Tail’s rich Smoked Pork Spare Ribs are amongst the best out there. Or try Manoush for a full Lebanese spread—lean grilled meats, endurance boosting flat-breads, and their famously creamy hummus.

French Flair

The French finesse surfaces its head frequently enough to remind us that the French definitely have it in them to win. As tempting as it may be to suggest an excellent but temperamental souffle, we’ll stick to something a little more reliable. For perfectly roasted whole chickens, Rotisserie Bute Street will bring it to the table. Add on their huge Gratin Dauphinois tray, with enough potatoes to feed the first XV, or at least eight of them. For victory of the cheese kind, opt for Cheezelo.  Fit for a French rugbyman, tartiflette is unsurprisingly a favourite, containing large quantities of reblochon cheese, bacon and cream. Those unsure of their alliances can opt for the British cheese platter.

Inventive Italian

Recent matches have seen some unconventional moves. Italian cuisine on the other hand isn’t known to be unconventional, but we’ve seen delicious tweaks on the classics amongst our Italian lineup. We’re thinking along the likes of Wedge Issue Pizza and Pickles of London. The Chelsea Pizza, Dalston ‘n’ Cheese and Hoxton Hot are deliciously London-ised pizza options these pizzerias offer, sprinkling on more unusual toppings to melt amongst the mozzarella. If you really want to get in a pizza-styled scrum, tap Crazy Pedros: Fried Chicken & Waffle Pizza and The Curry Mile Pizza are waiting to be tackled.

Invigorating Irish

The men in green, they might not be so keen on salad, but even the heartiest of eaters can be won over if a sufficiently meat packed version turns up at their door.  Expect a shining green-fueled performance from Kichn’s Smoked Jerk Chicken and Tabbouleh Salad, while at Simple Health Kitchen you’re well within boundaries when adding a stack of the Turkey and Cranberry Burger patties to their Broccoli with Peas Salad.

Wieldy Welsh

With a backline of mighty proportions, the Welsh team is one that doesn’t lack for size. For a meal of similar magnitude, try Rub Smokehouse’s #Epicfood selection. A taster of what you’re in for: the 51st State burger is ‘the size of an American state,’ and the Rub Dog Millionaire involves a half metre hotdog. Fuel for the sprint to the try line, or fodder for a post-match siesta!

Scottish Stalwarts

The Scottish strength has been shining through. While haggis and Irn Bru might be hard to come by, good fish and chips, or a flaky, meat packed pie can be considered of the same league. Renowned purveyors of all things golden and battered: Poppies and Faulkners are two fail safe options. Hefty fillets of fish are battered for the perfect crunch alongside fluffy chips. The Pie line-up isn’t shabby either, with chunky steak pies to see you through to full-time.