RWC 2023

Rugby World Cup 2023 organising committee inaugurated

Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting preparation has marked a significant milestone with the official establishment of the France 2023 organising committee.

Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting preparation has marked a significant milestone with the official establishment of the France 2023 organising committee.

The inauguration took place in Paris before the France versus England match on Saturday in the form of a ceremonial signing between Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) President Bernard Laporte and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. The ceremony was attended by World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont and Chief Executive Brett Gosper. 

The France 2023 organising committee comprises three partners: the FFR (62 per cent), the state (37 per cent) and Le Comité National Olympique et Sportif Français (CNOSF) (one per cent), with the following objectives:

  • Prepare, finance, organise and deliver an outstanding event in sporting, technical, legal and financial terms;
  • Promote Rugby World Cup 2023 in France and around the world;
  • Project the image of France internationally;
  • Co-develop the Rugby World Cup legacy programme before, during and after the event

Underscoring the strength of the comprehensive and ground-breaking host selection process, for the first time key tournament provisions were secured prior to awarding the 2023 host, including all guarantee and financial provisions, stadia and rights protection obligations.

Beaumont said: “The establishment of the organising committee represents a significant milestone in the already advanced planning for Rugby World Cup 2023. Global major events cannot be successfully delivered without a common vision and strong partnership and that is certainly evident in the joint commitment between the FFR, the French government, CNOSF and World Rugby to ensure an outstanding Rugby World Cup for France and the global game.” 

Laporte added: “The establishment of the Rugby World Cup 2023 organising committee is the real kick-off of tournament preparation and today the scene and foundations are set for the delivery of an outstanding event. I am delighted to welcome the Prime Minister and Bill Beaumont, who represent the interests and support of the state and international rugby in this project. I would also like to thank the CNOSF, the public authorities and, of course, the people of France who will collaborate to deliver a very successful France 2023.”

Prime Minister Philippe said: “France is back to being the home to large sporting events, because we hold it dear to our hearts and we have the know-how. France knows how to host and to give these events their global dimension. Engaging moments, fair play, intensity, and ethics: this is what we aim to create with Rugby World Cup 2023.”

 Photo credit: FFR/I.PICAREL