Rugby World Cup 2023 France: Everything You Need to Know
As the calendar approaches September, a historic event looms big on the horizon: the 10th Rugby World Cup, which will be held in France. From September 8 to October 28, global attention will be fixated on this unparalleled event where 20 nations will compete in 48 thrilling matches for the most coveted title in rugby.
Will current holders South Africa defend their crown? Or will three-time world champions New Zealand add yet another triumph? Or perhaps the hosts France will benefit from their home support and go all the way?
It's more than simply a competition; it's a celebration of the sport.
In this Insight:
The Matches
A total of 48 games will take place during the tournament, spread across the nine designated World Cup stadiums, as well as in the lively "Rugby Villages," fan zones and various public venues where the matches will be screened. With no tickets required, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere at the fan zones and experience the raw emotions of the game.
The Grand Opening Gala, set to take place at Stade de France will have spectators witness the spectacular kick-off as France, the frontrunners, face off against New Zealand, three-time world champions.
Dates & Venues
For the third time, France is set to host the world-renowned sporting event that provokes the enthusiasm of fans the world over, transforming stadiums into places of fervor and emotion. The 20 participating nations will compete in the nine host stadiums in France. The mythical pitch of the Stade de France, surrounded by 81,300 fans, will be the setting for the opening match of this 10th World Cup on September 8, with a match worthy of a final: France vs New Zealand.
The Stade de France will host nine other matches, including the two semi-finals, the bronze medal and the final. As for the other venues, six matches, including two quarter-finals, will take place at the Stade de Marseille (67,847 seats), while four stadiums will host five matches: the Stade de Bordeaux (42,060 seats), the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille (50,096 seats), the Stadium de Toulouse (33,103 seats) and the OL Stadium in Lyon (58,883 seats). And three other stadiums will host four matches: Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes (35,520 seats), Stade de Nice (35,983 seats) and Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Étienne (42,152 seats).
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generated during the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
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people watched the Rugby World Cup Final in 2019.
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invested in rugby development between 2020-23.
Broadcasting
The World Cup is set to air in 182 countries. As per the press release, the event will be streamed live on the Rugby World Cup website in regions without a local broadcasting option. In France, viewers can catch the action on TF1, M6, and France Télévisions.
Fan Support
Hosting the Rugby World Cup provides the French team with substantial crowd support for every match, which could prove crucial in their pursuit of victory. Rugby fans in France can immerse themselves in the sport at the Rugby Village in Place de la Concorde, a mecca for rugby enthusiasts. The Paris Rugby Hub is intended to become a primary gathering place for fans to celebrate and watch matches together. It is poised to serve as the center of the tournament's avid fan base, with an expected arrival of more than 30,000 people for the first match.
Record-Breaking Numbers
More than five million tickets have been sold in France in 2023, including numerous hospitality offers and almost 600,000 foreign fans are expected on French soil to witness the 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup. In the nine previous editions, stadiums in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and Japan have seen huge crowds.
The growing presence of the public is further proof of the dimension that the sport of rugby is taking. In particular, the previous 2019 edition in Japan was watched by more than 3.5 billion people. The final match between South Africa and England set new standards and was the most watched final of a Rugby World Cup worldwide, with an average of 44.9 million viewers. Could this edition break the previous records?
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Exploring New Frontiers in Sports Marketing
The Rugby World Cup is more than simply a competition; it serves as a model for the sports marketing sector. The marketing world seizes an unprecedented opportunity as 20 nations compete for gold on the field. Brands have a large canvas to exhibit their stories, align with the excitement of fans, and raise their market presence with broadcasting rights spanning to 182 countries. The World Cup promotes an environment where sports and marketing collide to fascinate global audiences, from intriguing sponsorships to creative campaigns.
Rugby Leaves Its Mark on History and Commerce
For France, a country rooted in rugby history, hosting the World Cup for the third time means more than just a sporting event. It is a cultural event that speaks to the heart of the country. Aside from the try lines and scrums, the event promotes economic vibrancy. The arrival of almost 600,000 foreign fans and the sale of millions of tickets illustrate rugby's capacity to boost tourism, local businesses, and the nation's image. This event exemplifies how athletics, nationalism, and commerce can thrive jointly.
