RUGBY stars popped into a Northwich restaurant for the start of the World Cup.

That South African Place in Barons Quay hosted a pair of Sale Sharks players on Sunday (September 10) as the Springboks kicked off their campaign.

Alex Groves and new signing Ernst van Rhyn joined staff to watch South Africa dominate Scotland 18-3 in their Rugby World Cup opener.

The restaurant’s owners Lynika and Rayner Müller said: “It is fantastic that we are attracting the Sale Sharks players here.

“From Nick Schonert, Cobus Wiese and more recently Ernst van Rhyn and Alex Groves who visited us on Sunday for the World Cup Game against Scotland.

“Rugby is a big thing for us as South Africans so we are showing all World Cup rugby games and welcome supporters of any team to experience our lekker vibes, food and drink.”

Northwich Guardian: Ernst van Rhyn, who joined Sale this summer, signs the wallErnst van Rhyn, who joined Sale this summer, signs the wall (Image: That South African Place)

As part of the Rugby World Cup celebrations That South African Place, also known as Culinary Concept, will be selling ‘Bomb Squad Lager Draught’.

They will be the first venue in the UK to sell the drink, which has been created by the Bomb Squad, a name given to South Africa’s forwards replacements.

“I think we stand out so much with our colourful venue, art on the walls, happy staff, lekker food and kak lekker vibes,” added Lynika and Rayner.

“We are just a husband and wife with three young boys who put our all into creating a happy place for people to come to.”

Northwich Guardian: Alex Groves signs the wallAlex Groves signs the wall (Image: That South African Place)