When I first landed in Manila, aside from the initial adjustments, slight culture shock and getting all the usual stuff organized, my first moment of panic was when I discovered it was not possible to watch rugby on TV here, not even on cable.

And this was a World Cup Year. Would we really have to travel to Hong Kong every weekend to see the games?!

Initially I tried streaming the games on the internet.... Rubbish! The video couldn’t keep up with the sound. The internet speeds were just not up to it.

Then by chance through some expat connections, we came across a small but dedicated group of rugby fans, players and followers. They would surely hold the key.

Firstly, we found that rugby could be watched at selected venues via a satellite or internet connection to Hong Kong. Phew! However, the weather could disrupt the signal and sometimes the quality was sketchy.

Finally, common sense prevailed and we found out that the rights for the World Cup were awarded to a cable channel supported by the local provider, so we could even watch the games at home.

By this time, we had found our crew we liked to watch with and we had already sorted out our favourite venues. For the games, we needed something close to home – there was Union Jacks Tavern in Festival Mall in Alabang. But for the real crowd atmosphere, nothing went pass Handle Bar in Makati.

For the uninitiated, Handle Bar could be described as an up market biker bar, frequented by expats. It has large screen TVs, often dedicated to Rugby Union but also showed Rugby League, motor sports, soccer and sometimes even Australian Rules Football.

This became the unofficial home of the Rugby World Cup for many of us involved in the rugby community here in Manila. We not only saw a majority of games there and drank a lot of San Miguels; we were on first name basis with the staff and developed some enduring friendships – although maybe we didn’t quite remember the names of our new best friends when we were sober.

As with all good things, they must come to an end. And so did the Rugby World Cup. We watched the finals between France and New Zealand at Handle Bar. The bar was overflowing with people and we had to jostle for position. It was standing room only. There was a strong and noisy French contingent near us. The game was close and New Zealand ended up hanging on for a one point victory.

But we were all winners in a way. At the end of 7 weeks of rugby matches, we had affirmed rugby friendships. We had many memories and many beers, and a venue that gave us a feeling of home.

Photos used with permission from Michelle Moutin, Manila Santos, Heather Stone Detrick and Susan Konstanty.