The World Rugby Chairman, and other important people met in Paris on Monday. They met four days before the Rugby World Cup 2023 starts in France at the Stade de France.
The French Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin, Jacques Rivoal, Chairman of Rugby World Cup France 2023, and Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) president Florian Grill also attended the opening conference.
France did a great job hosting the tournament in 2007, and Beaumont is sure they can do it again for the sport’s 200th anniversary. He said that rugby was born 200 years ago, and celebrating its birthday in France is perfect. He believes that France will be an excellent host, not just in Paris but all over the country because the nation loves big events and rugby.”
We believe that Rugby World Cup 2023 will be a fantastic celebration of unity. Because we’ve got tremendous support from everyone, from top leaders to small towns. No country has ever been so prepared and excited to host this event.
We’re expecting a huge number of international fans – around 600,000 fans are coming to enjoy rugby and France.
Teams have been given amazing welcomes. For example, 12,000 people welcomed Ireland in Tours. I personally experienced the incredible hospitality in Versailles, Paris, and Lyon. It was unbelievable, and the local communities are very supportive.
Everything is ready, and now it’s up to the teams to show their skills. The matches will be intense, spectacular, and full of surprises.
This event will also have some ‘firsts.’ We’re welcoming Chile for the first time, and it’s the first time we’ve had three South American teams. Portugal is making their first appearance since they last played in France in 2007.”
Creating a legacy
t also praised how everyone worked together to make Rugby World Cup 2023 the biggest and best one yet. He also confirmed the rules for teams to qualify for the 2027 tournament in Australia.
It should reflect our values, make a positive impact on society, and inspire new players and fans,” he said.
He congratulated the organizing committee, the FFR, and the government for their efforts under the Rugby Accord banner. He also announced the launch of the We Are Rugby promotion, highlighting the sport’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.
In the future, they plan to work with partners to create a sustainable and fair global schedule. They’ve confirmed that the top three teams from each group in this tournament will directly qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
They’re committed to working with unions and partners to ensure more nations have opportunities to participate in the Rugby World Cup. They’ll provide more details as the tournament goes on.
Beaumont thanked the French government, host cities, FFR, France 2023 organizing committee, and especially the fans and the French public for their support in making this Rugby World Cup special.
Now, everything is set, the teams are ready, and France is prepared. Let’s start this fantastic Rugby World Cup!”
Eagerly anticipated
The Rugby World Cup 2023 is highly anticipated and marks the start of an exciting year for sports in France, followed by the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2024.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer, said, ‘I’ve been to many of these events, but I’ve never seen such eagerness and excitement, not only in France but also worldwide, for a Rugby World Cup. This event is generating more interest than ever before.’
He believes that this tournament will have the highest level of engagement in rugby history. This presents a great opportunity to promote the sport and encourage more people, including boys and girls, men, and women, to enjoy rugby, both as spectators and players.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 is highly anticipated and marks the start of an exciting year for sports in France, followed by the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2024.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby’s Chief Executive Officer, said, ‘I’ve been to many of these events, but I’ve never seen such eagerness and excitement, not only in France but also worldwide, for a Rugby World Cup. This event is generating more interest than ever before.’
He believes that this tournament will have the highest level of engagement in rugby history.
We also want to revive rugby in France’s ‘rugby regions,’ especially in the Overseas Territories, where at least five players on the French teams come from. We aim to restart rugby from the grassroots level.
Building women’s changing rooms will make it easier for more clubs to offer women’s rugby. This is a significant goal for the future of French rugby.”
