France celebrated the 100-day countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2023 this week, which is expected to be the most watched competition in the sport’s history.
- The Webb Ellis Cup was delivered to the hosts France by champion South Africa on an Emirates A380 with a custom Rugby World Cup 2023 livery.
- With nearly 2.5-million tickets sold to date and 600’000 traveling supporters anticipated to take part in rugby’s biggest-ever celebration of unity, Rugby World Cup 2023 has been announced as the edition with the fastest ticket sales.
- The medals, made from recycled phones as part of a grassroots rugby effort, were unveiled.
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France marked the 100-day countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2023, which is expected to be the most watched competition in the sport’s history. Final preparations are being made for rugby’s 200th birthday celebration, which promises to highlight the sport’s ability to unite people and communities, with just under three months until the greatest players in the world gather in France.
The Webb Ellis Cup was transferred from world champions South Africa to hosts France as an indication that the countdown has officially begun before a spectacular light show that transformed the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Webb Ellis Cup arrived in Paris on an Emirates A380 with custom Rugby World Cup 2023 livery.
The medals for the competition will also be unveiled; they were made exclusively from recycled cell phones that rugby teams and fans had given, signifying the tournament’s special relationship with France and its players and spectators. Additionally, they demonstrate rugby’s dedication to long-term environmental sustainability.
With 100 days to go, we are confident that Rugby World Cup 2023 is excellently placed to be the greatest celebration of rugby and togetherness, a fitting way to mark 200 years of rugby. Across the 10 host cities and around the world, excitement is at fever pitch. From ticket sales to international visitors, records are tumbling and there is a genuine air of expectation as to which nation will ultimately lift the biggest prize in men’s rugby, the Webb Ellis Cup. I can’t wait!
// World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont
Underpinning what promises to be a compelling and competitive tournament, organisers have left no stone unturned in ensuring an environment for the 20 teams to perform to their best.
The last four years have passed by at a rapid pace and it is almost surreal that we are 100 days out from Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Given the meticulous planning by the organisers and the fantastic stadiums and facilities in the host cities, we believe it will be a memorable Rugby World Cup for the participating teams and fans attending the event. The competition among the top sides in the world is intense, and we know that we need to be at our best in each match to be in contention to defend the title.
// South Africa Head Coach, Jacques Nienaber
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