Many of us would love an excuse to duck out of work early or even stay at home entirely on a Friday.

So take a bow, please, South West Trains.

The rail company has answered the prayers of many a weary worker by issuing special advice to avoid the office as the Rugby World Cup kicks off at Twickenham tonight.

Commuters have been warned to expect "exceptionally busy" trains as 82,000 spectators make their way to the tournament's opening match between England and Fiji.

A South West Trains statement said: "In light of this, we strongly advise that you make alternative arrangements such as working flexibly, staggering working hours to travel earlier, taking annual leave, and swap to walking or cycling where possible on Friday."

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It warned rail passengers stations including London Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Putney and Richmond "may have to wait for some time" to board trains during the Friday evening peak time from 4pm.

South West Trains advised spectators heading to the rugby to avoid travelling during peak time, which its services already operate at full capacity.

An estimated 2.2m people set to attend the Rugby World Cup, the third largest sporting event in the world, during its six weeks.