A look at where the 20 teams at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France will set up base camp for the tournament. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
COUNTDOWN: Exactly one year until 2023 Rugby World Cup
There is exactly one year to go until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France when the Springboks will seek to defend their title.
A look at where the 20 teams at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France will set up base camp for the tournament. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
Today, 8 September 2022, signifies a one-year countdown to the next World Cup, with this milestone being celebrated across the rugby world.
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The 10th edition of the biggest global gathering in rugby falls within rugby’s 200th birthday year. The tournament is on track to set new standards on and off the field, with a record demand for tickets as sales are set to resume on 13 and 15 September.
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On the pitch, Rugby World Cup 2023 is expected to be the most open and competitive Rugby World Cup. Results during northern and southern international windows and the resulting changes to the World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered are pointing to more nations than ever having a genuine chance of reaching the knockout phase and lifting the Webb Ellis Cup on 28 October, 2023.
It is also the first time that the men’s edition welcomes a new team since RWC 2011 with Chile’s first participation embodying rugby’s development worldwide.
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Speaking ahead of the milestone, World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “With a year to go, we are really excited. There are steps forward with every tournament, but Rugby World Cup 2023 is certainly taking a giant leap for rugby. I have no doubt that it will be a transformative and spectacular event for fans with superb stadia, hugely engaged host cities and a celebratory feel as we mark 200 years of rugby.
“I also can’t remember a more competitive period of men’s test matches and that certainly whets the appetite, while Chile’s qualification for the first time reflects a sport that is experiencing rapid growth and they will be a fantastic story.
“Speaking as Chairman of World Rugby, but also as a fan, I believe that Rugby World Cup France 2023 will raise the bar and that is testament to all involved. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us and it is important that the tournament’s impact is deeper than unforgettable moments on the field. That is very much our focus working with the Organising Committee.”
New standards in fan experience, sustainability and player welfare will characterise not only a tournament that seeks to have players and fans at heart, but that aims to leave a tangible legacy on France, rugby and society.
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According to organisers, the tournament now enters its operational delivery phase focusing on event readiness and with one objective in mind: being ready for an opening game between France and New Zealand – a match-up already rich with Rugby World Cup history – on 8 September, 2023.
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