A NORTH Yorkshire brewery is celebrating the arrival of the Rugby World Cup with the launch of a special new seasonal ale.

The Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery has produced its new beer, Blind Side, from an all-English pack of eight hops varieties.

The 4.3 per cent ruby cask ale will be available in shops throughout the tournament as it unfolds during September and October.

It has been developed in the company’s microbrewery plant, which allows for greater experimentation and creativity from the award-winning brewing team.

Sales director Jo Theakston said: “The Rugby World Cup coming to England and Wales is a once in a generation event, so we are all very excited at the prospect.

“We’ve got plenty of ex-rugby players at the brewery who were mad keen to brew a celebratory beer to mark the occasion.”

He added: “As well as appealing to rugby fans and beer lovers alike, we are hoping the full flavour of Blind Side will also score some conversions among drinkers who are looking to enter into the rugby spirit and try an ale for the first time.”

He added they had chosen an all-English pack of hops to reflect the brewery’s support of the England team.