RUGBY union fans in Huddersfield will be able to enjoy a pint of beer while watching early morning matches in the World Cup.

Town centre pub Lloyds No 1 has been granted a licence to serve alcoholic drinks to early risers wanting to watch matches - some starting as early as 5.30am.

Solicitor Steven Pollitt appeared before the town's magistrates to apply for the licence on behalf of the King Street pub.

He said the licence applied to all match days during the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in Australia a week tomorrow.

The time difference means many matches screened live will be shown at the crack of dawn.

Mr Pollitt, a partner at High Street law firm Eaton Smith, said: "The pub plans to open half an hour before kick-off and some of the matches are scheduled to start at 5.30am, 7.30am, 8.30am, 9am and 10.30am. The pub wants to open and serve bacon sandwiches and coffee.

"But if someone asks for beer they will be able to have one."

He added: "I can't imagine who would want to drink beer at 5.30am, but they will be able to do so if they so wish."

Lloyds No 1, owned by the Wetherspoon pub company, hopes to attract hundreds of fans for fixtures including England v Uruguay, New Zealand v Italy, France v Fiji and Australia v Romania.

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