Fans are hit by booze ban

England rugby fans will not be able to enjoy a post-match drink after Saturday's clash with South Africa or the Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge on 12 December.

It is understood that the Rugby Football Union will not apply for a one hour post-match drinking license for bars within the stadium as it has been made clear local police will again oppose the move.

The police, backed by the local council, successfully blocked RFU moves to open the bars for the recent wins over Australia and Argentina.

As a result, the RFU are expected to put together further evidence to back their belief that local residents do not object to post-match drinking and that it helps the departure of supporters from the stadium.

That evidence will form the basis of new license applications for Six Nations home games in the New Year.

There were horrendous problems immediately after England's win over Australia on 18 November when a capacity 75,000 crowd had to leave the area at the same time. Some roads were still grid-locked two hours after the final whistle.

The situation was eased last Saturday thanks to a lower attendance for the win over Argentina when a 50,000 crowd braved the driving wind and rain.

However, the game with South Africa has been sold out for weeks, and police tactics for controlling the surge in spectators leaving Twickenham, will come under the spotlight again.

Chief Superintendent Derek Cook, the divisional commander, supports a ban on after match drinking and the RFU will now wait until the New Year to apply for licenses to cover the Six Nations home