Rugby World Cup 2023: Hundreds of fans flock to Kiwi bar in Paris

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Hundreds of Kiwi rugby fans are expected to flock to Paris’ one and only New Zealand-owned and themed bar this weekend to watch the All Blacks play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final.

The Black Sheep Society, owned by Wellignton-born Duncan Paterson, offers Kiwis a taste of home, from feijoa vodka cocktails to steak and cheese pies to just some good old New Zealand banter behind the bar.

“And a lot of people come in here and say to me ‘oh, it’s so nice to hear Kiwi accents again!” Paterson told Beyond the Game.

“It’s really nice to feel that warmth and that oneness with New Zealand.”

The Black Sheep Society bar in Paris.

Paterson has struggled to keep up with demand on game nights.

More than 150 fans squeezed in for the World Cup opener and he expects up to 200 to show up on Saturday.

“There were people coming and going because it was so full, it was like sardines,” he said.

“I did take out a lot of tables and we crushed people in for that first game. We’ve had lessons and I’ve left most of the tables there and I’m taking out some of the chairs.

“We’ve even had parents of All Blacks coming in here.. they were so happy and came back three nights in a row.”

Speaking to Beyond the Game earlier this week, fans at the bar said it provided a great atmosphere.

“The screens are great and it just hums when there’s a game on, we saw the sign out there and it said pies so we were in!” one fan from Mount Maunganui said.

“You know it sort of attracts New Zealanders and it’s nice to sort of talk to each other about the week ahead as well,” said another who had travelled from Whangamatā.

The All Blacks play South Africa at 8am Sunday morning (NZT).