Marston’s pub group hopes for Rugby World Cup boost after wet July and August

It came as the company also cut a number of head office jobs in order to help save £5m amid pressure from rising costs. Bosses at the company said sales rebounded in recent weeks amid improved weather and resilient consumer spending. Andrew Andrea, chief executive of the group, told the PA news agency that its Welsh business, which includes Brains pubs it bought in 2020, has been strong as rugby matches have helped trade.

“We’ve seen a particular boost from the rugby at our 200 pubs in Wales,” he said.

“This weekend should be strong across the board too. We’ll expect to do well from the Wales match and hopefully will see people at those pubs stay to watch the Ireland-All Blacks game afterwards.”