The France 2023 Rugby Tour to start in Lille (France) on 21 July
From 21 July to 12 November, 2022, Rugby World Cup France 2023 will visit 51 cities in France, with a train aimed at connecting the French population to rugby. The journey throughout France, close to rugby clubs and fans, will cover 11,000 kilometres in four months.
Accessible to all, the four dedicated carriages of this exhibition train will bring Rugby World Cup France 2023 to life in French train stations through immersive experiences, information on the qualified teams and memorabilia from past Rugby World Cups. The Webb Ellis Cup, presented every four years to the champions, will also be on board for all to see.
Aware of its environmental impact, the France 2023 Organising Committee has created this rugby train with the SNCF Group, an Official Sponsor of RWC 2023, to reach out to the French population through an ecological means of transportation.
NINE RUGBY VILLAGES ORGANISED
Celebrations of rugby will not be restricted to the train stations. In 14 cities, photo exhibitions will be presented to shine a light on rugby in all its forms, including men’s, women’s, professional, grassroots and wheelchair rugby, in every region.
The 10 host cities will also welcome, for two days, Rugby Villages that will offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Rugby World Cup 2023’s partners will be present throughout the organisation of these animations which are open to all: augmented reality, precision passing, virtual images wall, and more. A temporary rugby pitch will welcome adults and children for introduction to rugby activities.
A special event will take place on 8 September in every host city, to celebrate the one year to go milestone before the first match of the tournament.
DEPARTURE ON 21 JULY
The first stop of the train will take place from 21-23 July in Lille, which will host five matches at Rugby World Cup 2023, as well as teams such as France, Uruguay, England, Scotland, Romania and Samoa. The train will arrive at Lille Flandres on 21 July and the first Rugby Village will be unveiled on 22-23 July.
The first photo exhibition will also be displayed in the Lille Europe station, starting on 13 July.
Claude Atcher, France 2023 CEO, said: “This train will bring rugby and French people together, and create a space of conviviality to connect the fans and the large public to our event. We invite every French person, wherever they are, to come on board and join this adventure! No matter where you live, the Rugby World Cup 2023 train will come close to you!”
Jean-Pierre Farandou, SNCF Group CEO and Chair, added: “I am happy to bring to life our engagement alongside Rugby World Cup France 2023 with the joint production of a promotional tour which will travel across every French region and will create moments of communion for French and international people. SNCF Group and its teams are putting all of their energy to make this project a true success.”
To know more about the France 2023 Rugby Tour, visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/train