PASSIONS were running high as the Rugby Union World Cup finally kicked off today - and about a dozen pubs across the city were celebrating after winning early licences to screen the games.

Paul and Georgia Clarey, the brother-and-sister team running the Rose And Crown Pub in York, were also celebrating their Australian roots as the first match kicked off.

Paul, 35, said: "We are rugby fans, particularly where Australia are concerned, and it will be great to have the matches on here. There's also a great atmosphere with rugby. It's always relaxed and fun, people coming along and enjoying the games.

"We have had a lot of interest, and will be showing what we can."

About a dozen pubs were yesterday granted early licences for morning kick-offs at Brewster's Sessions in York.

"The precedent was set with last year's football World Cup," said licensing officer PC David Boag.

"Applications have not been on the same scale as last year, and we did not have any objections, so hopefully it will be a successful and well-run event."

Pubs granted early licences are The Micklegate on Micklegate, the Nag's Head on Micklegate, the Old White Swan on Goodramgate, the Red Lion in Haxby, the Priory in Micklegate, Windmill in Blossom Street, O'Neills in Ousegate, Keystones in Monkgate, Cross Keys in Goodramgate, Deramore Arms in Heslington, Charles XII in Heslington and Ainsty Hotel in Boroughbridge Road.

The pubs have all applied for separate licences for each individual event.

This weekend, for example, The Old White Swan can open from 4.30am on Saturday before Ireland's clash with Romania at 9am.

On Sunday, the day of England's opener against Georgia at 1pm and Scotland v Japan at 11am, it will open its doors at 8am, as will the Red Lion, in Haxby, and The Priory, in Micklegate.

Updated: 10:46 Friday, October 10, 2003