Rugby World Cup 2023: Everything You Need to Know

By Halal Trip | 11, Sep, 2023
Rugby World Cup 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Bonjour, rugby fans!

The Rugby World Cup is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated sporting events in the world. As the pinnacle tournament of international rugby union, it brings together the finest teams from around the globe to compete for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. 

The 10th edition of the international men's rugby union world championship will be hosted by France from 8th September to 28th October 2023. It will be contested by 20 teams from around the globe.

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In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023. From the participating teams to the host country, France, and its magnificent venues, we will explore the tournament format and the legacy it leaves behind. Whether you're a die-hard rugby fan or a newcomer to the sport, this guide will ensure you're well-equipped to immerse yourself in the excitement and drama of the Rugby World Cup 2023.

 

Muslims Traveling to France

Before going into the event, for Muslim travelers looking to visit France for the Rugby World Cup 2023, you can find numerous Halal restaurants and Mosques for prayer in cities that have a significant Muslim population, especially in cities like Paris.

 

Host Country: France

The honor of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2023 goes to the beautiful nation of France. Famous for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and stylish fashion, France adds its own flair to the tournament. As hosts, the French are known for their hospitality, and rest assured, fans will be treated to an unforgettable rugby experience.

 

Defending Champions: South Africa
South Africa Rugby World Cup 2019

Image Credit: Springboks on X

The defending champions are South Africa, who won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. South Africa is one of the favorites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Other favorites include New Zealand, England, and France.

 

Which nations qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

The 20 teams that have qualified have been divided into four groups, where they will play each other in a round-robin format.

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia.
Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania.
Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal.
Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals that will. The winners of each pool face a runner-up from another pool in the quarter-finals with the winners progressing to the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners contest the final for the right to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, while the losing teams meet in the bronze final.

 

Selection of Venues and Stadiums
Stade de France

Image Credit: DarthvadrouwCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The matches of the Rugby World Cup 2023 will be held across nine stunning venues in France. From the iconic Stade de France in Paris to other world-class stadiums spread across the country, each venue has been carefully chosen to create an electrifying atmosphere and ensure a fabulous spectacle for fans and players alike.

  • Stade de France, Saint-Denis (Capacity - 80,023)
  • Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse (Capacity - 33,103)
  • Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes (Capacity - 35,520)
  • Stade de Marseille, Marseille (Capacity - 67,847)
  • Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne (Capacity - 41,965)
  • Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille (Capacity - 50,096)
  • OL Stadium, Lyon (Capacity - 58,883)
  • Stade de Nice, Nice (Capacity - 35,983)
  • Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux (Capacity - 42,060)

The opening match and final of the tournament will be held at the Stade de France.

 

The Rugby World Cup Legacy
Webb Ellis Cup RWC2023

Image Credit: Rugby World Cup France 2023 on X

The Rugby World Cup, sometimes known as the RWC, has a long history dating back to its commencement in 1987. This quadrennial event, founded by the International Rugby Board (now known as World Rugby), has become one of the most prominent competitions in the world of rugby. With a tradition of sporting greatness and a global fanbase, each Rugby World Cup leaves an unmistakable stamp on the sport.

Here are some of the things to look out for at the 2023 Rugby World Cup:

  • The return of South Africa: South Africa is the defending champion and will be looking to win their third title in 2023.
  • The rise of Japan: Japan is the host nation and will be looking to improve on their performance in 2019, when they reached the quarterfinals.
  • The emergence of new teams: Several teams, such as Chile and Portugal, are making their Rugby World Cup debut in 2023. They will be looking to make an impact on the tournament.
  • The excitement of the knockout stages: The knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup are always unpredictable and full of excitement. The 2023 tournament is sure to be no different.

 

Transportation
SNCF

Image Credit: Antoine Schibler on Unsplash

In line with Rugby World Cup 2023's CSR ambition of minimising the tournament’s carbon footprint, train is the preferred option for travelling between host cities.

French railway operator SNCF is an Official Sponsor of RWC 2023 and offers high speed connections between cities:

  • Paris (Inner City or CDG Airport) - Marseille : 3 hours
  • Paris (Inner City or CDG Airport ) - Bordeaux 2 hours
  • Paris (Inner City or CDG Airport) - Lyon 2 hours
  • Paris / Lille - London 2:30/1:30
  • Paris (inner City) - Saint Etienne - 2:40 hours
  • Paris (Inner City or CDG Airport ) - Lille - 1 hour
  • Paris (inner City) - Toulouse 4:15 hours
  • Paris - Nice - 5:15 hours

Individual reservations: SNCF Connect

 

Conclusion

As France prepares to host this prestigious tournament, the world will be watching eagerly. From the legacy it leaves behind to the impact on the host country, the Rugby World Cup 2023 is set to make history. So mark your calendars, get your jerseys ready, and prepare for a month-long celebration of rugby excellence. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the greatest rugby tournament on earth.

 

FAQs

1. How many teams will be participating in the Rugby World Cup 2023?

The Rugby World Cup 2023 will feature a total of 20 participating teams from around the world.

2. How can I purchase tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023?

To purchase tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023, you can visit the official tournament website or authorized ticketing platforms.

3. Where will the Rugby World Cup 2023 be held?

The Rugby World Cup 2023 will be hosted by France. Matches will be held across various venues and stadiums throughout the country.

4. How can I stay updated on the latest news and updates about the Rugby World Cup 2023?

To stay updated on the Rugby World Cup 2023, you can follow official tournament website for the latest news, match schedules, player updates, and more.

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