Rugby World Cup 2023 preparations begin in earnest

Planning for Rugby World Cup 2023 has begun in earnest with the first official coordination meetings between World Rugby and the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) in Paris this week. Planning for Rugby World Cup 2023 has begun in earnest with the first official coordination meetings between World Rugby and the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) in Paris this week.

A World Rugby delegation, led by Chief Executive Brett Gosper and Tournament Director Alan Gilpin, met with FFR President Bernard Laporte and leading officials of the FFR to further key areas of delivery within the initial establishment phase, including:

• Establishment of the organising committee that will run the delivery of rugby’s showcase event in full partnership with World Rugby
• Confirmation of key planning milestones and timelines for activities in 2018 and 2019
• Establishment of communication channels between stakeholders, including government

Underscoring the strength of the comprehsive and ground-breaking host selection process, for the first time key tournament provisions were secured prior to awarding, including all guarantee and financial provisions, stadia and rights protection obligations.
Gosper said: “We enjoyed two days of highly-productive meetings with our friends and colleagues at the FFR to begin the process of converting a comprehensive, exciting and strong bid into action and start Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting preparations in earnest.

“Global major events, including Rugby World Cup, cannot be successfully delivered without partnership and a common vision and it is exciting that the FFR’s vision and roadmap for delivery comes with the full support of the French government and is fully aligned with our strategic goal to further a strong and sustainable global game for all.”

Laporte added: “Less than two months after the World Rugby Council decision to award the hosting rights for Rugby World Cup 2023 to France, we are already hard at work in collaboration with our partners and friends at World Rugby to deliver what we hope will be the best tournament ever.”

(Source: World Rugby Media Release)