Australian rugby fans overseas were warned today to beware of potential terror attacks when gathering in bars and clubs across the globe to watch Saturday's Rugby World Cup final between Australia and England.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said there was no doubt that terrorists were targeting Westerners, with bomb attacks on the British consulate and offices of London-based HSBC bank in Istanbul in Turkey on Thursday killing at least 27 people.
"Australians are urged to exercise particular caution when gathering in large numbers with other Australians or Western nationals to celebrate sporting or other events such as the Rugby World Cup final," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Up to 90,000 people are expected to attend the final of the World Cup at Sydney's Olympic Stadium on Saturday but millions of others will gather at pubs or other public places around the world to watch the Wallabies take on favourites England.