20 international teams. 9 host cities. 1 coveted championship.
The Rugby World Cup is headed to France in 2023. Across two months, four pools of teams will compete in 48 matches to see which team is the best of the best.
Why watch the action from home when you can immerse yourself in Rugby World Cup fever? Fly over to France this fall and see the action in person.
Everything You Need To Know About The Rugby World Cup 2023
When is the Rugby World Cup 2023?
The Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place throughout France during September and October. The world cup of rugby kicks off with France versus New Zealand on Friday, September 8th, and ends with the championship match on Saturday, October 28th.
What countries are participating in the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
Twenty countries from around the globe will be represented at the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
In order of world ranking:
|
Ireland (1st) |
France (2nd) |
New Zealand (3rd) |
South Africa (4th) |
Scotland (5th) |
|
England (6th) |
Australia (7th) |
Argentina (8th) |
Wales (9th) |
Japan (10th) |
|
Georgia (11th) |
Samoa (12th) |
Fiji (13th) |
Italy (14th) |
Tonga (15th) |
|
Portugal (16th) |
Uruguay (17th) |
Romania (19th) |
Namibia (21st) |
Chile (22nd) |
What are the Rugby World Cup host cities for 2023?
Nine French cities will play host to Rugby World Cup matches this fall: Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Saint-Etienne, Saint-Denis, and Toulouse.
You read that right. Some of the dreamiest destinations in France will stage multiple matches, giving you the opportunity to see the best of the RWC and the country.
Best Way to Get Between Host Cities in France
France is quite large: it’s around 50,000 square miles bigger than California and nearly 50,000 miles smaller than Texas.
Thankfully, getting around France by train is quite convenient. Between the SNCF trains running throughout the country and inner city metro like the one in Paris, you can get from one host city to another in the same day.
If you’re arriving in Paris for the Rugby World Cup, get to these host stadiums with ease by train:
- Paris to Bordeaux: ~ 2 hours
- Paris to Lille: ~ 1 hour from Gare du Nord
- Paris to Lyon: ~ 2 hours
- Paris to Marseille: ~ 3.5 hours
- Paris to Nantes: ~ 2.5 hours
- Paris to Nice: ~ 6 hours
- Paris to Saint-Etienne: ~ 7 hours
- Paris to Saint-Denis: ~ 20 minutes from Gare du Nord
- Paris to Toulouse: ~ 5.5 hours
We love French trains because there’s no hassle trying to get to and from airports (or through airport security). On-board amenities like WiFi access, onboard dining options, and more flexible luggage allowances beat flying any day of the week. Plus, SNCF first-class trains have quieter coaches and roomier seats to make the journey more enjoyable.
Other 2023 Sporting Events in Europe
Prefer to watch the Rugby World Cup at home but still want to catch a sporting event when you visit Europe? From the golf course to the gridiron, 2023 is shaping up to be a winning year to be a sports fan abroad.
Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix: Monte Carlo, Monaco, May 26 - May 28
The legendary street track will host another classic race this spring. If you’re already visiting the French Riviera in May, speed over to Monte Carlo for the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix in minutes thanks to a fast and cheap train from Nice.
Wimbledon 2023: London, England, July 3 - July 16
The iconic Grand Slam tournament returns to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London this summer. See the 2023 Wimbledon Championships live and still fit in a quick trip to France with a fast train ride from London to Paris.
NFL England/Germany Games: TBA
The NFL is tossing the pigskin across the pond once again. This year, the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots will play in England and Germany. London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium, as well as yet to be announced stadiums in Germany, will host games.
Ryder Cup 2023: Rome, Italy, Sept 25 - Oct 1
What wonderful timing: you can catch a Ryder Cup match and a Rugby World Cup match in the same week this year. Watch France take on New Zealand in Lyon on Friday, September 29, then make pit stops in Geneva and Milan on a leisurely trip to Rome for Ryder Cup’s final matches on Sunday.
Download the Trainline app today to start planning your journey or take a peek into our playbook for some inspiration.