In a year packed full of incredible sporting entertainment, November has been no different and even surpassed what seemed impossible with the major talking point of the year finally arriving – the controversial Qatar World Cup and the opening game did not disappoint in bringing with it incredible decisions leading to continued discussions of incompetence and, at worst, corruption.

So, how did this crazy month start?

hasta were delighted to launch our latest venture up at Murrayfield, The First XV Suite, which saw its debut as Scotland hosted Australia in the first of their Autumn international series. The game itself lived up to the hype as Scotland carried on their recent competitiveness narrowly losing out 15-16. The story was up in the First XV Suite, however, as guests were joined by rugby royalty, included 16 of the Scotland matchday squad, before and after the game, Australian players Henry Speight and Joe Tomane, Australia forwards coach Petrus Du Plessis, podcaster and former Scotland International Jim Hamilton, and the famous “Three B’s” John Barclay, Johnnie Beatie, and Kelly Brown all ably hosted by former Scotland Captain Rory Lawson. It was a festival of rugby as the good and great of rugby met some of the lucky dignitaries and, as usual, rugby was the winner on the day.

The Autumn Internationals continued to entertain throughout as New Zealand, far from the all-conquering force they have been for the last 15 years, showed some semblance of a revival culminating in a 25-all draw at Twickenham. Kieran Reid predicted a good showing at the hasta Autumn Preview Lunch where he was joined by Francois Louw, George Kruis and Juan Figallo, the latter rightly predicting that his native Argentina would cause more than a couple of upsets, the biggest surely when they opened their account by beating England at Twickenham for the first time.

England’s women’s rugby side were desperately unlucky to see their record winning streak come to an end on the biggest stage as they were narrowly defeated by New Zealand in the World Cup final, an unfortunate red card proving too large a hurdle for them to overcome. Regardless, a huge achievement and bodes well for the future of the ladies’ game.

In other news, Max Verstappen was almost inevitably crowned F1 champion whilst George Russel went from rookie to race winner capping an incredible first couple of years in the championship. Whilst the title became something of a progression, it’s been another huge year for F1 as the popularity of the sport continues to spike.

England opened their World Cup account against Iran with a pleasing 6-2 victory. Jordan Pickford has had his well-publicised difficulties keeping clean sheets in 90 minutes so one must have sympathy when asked to keep the ball out of the net for 125 minutes as the theme of the World Cup so far seems to be unheard of levels of injury time. This played into the hands of another of the home nations, however, as Wales profited from a late penalty to salvage a draw from the jaws of defeat at the hands of the USA. As the competition continues, whisper it quietly, but England have looked by far the most competent, dispatching their sub-par opposition without much fuss and really without getting out of 3^rd gear. 

And finally, The Curling Club opened their doors on the South Bank with a huge launch party and fast becoming the go to activity bar this winter in the Capital. Soon to open will be the sister venue in Twickenham as they takeover The Shack 68. Opened for all sports occasions including the football World Cup, there is really no better place to head this winter for all your social needs!