France, the birthplace of rugby, served as the perfect stage to celebrate the sport’s 200th birthday during the spectacular opening ceremony of Rugby World Cup 2023, according to World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.
The grand festivities unfolded at the iconic Stade de France on Friday, marking the commencement of Rugby World Cup 2023, hosted by France. The celebration was held just before the tournament’s inaugural match, where the French team, fueled by their passionate home crowd, faced off against three-time champions New Zealand.
During the ceremony, Sir Bill Beaumont delivered a speech to honor this significant milestone in rugby’s history. He expressed, “Two centuries ago, our beloved sport came into existence, and there couldn’t be a more fitting place to celebrate its 200th birthday than here in France, a land of devoted fans and legendary players.”
He continued, “We are confident that you will be exceptional hosts in the weeks ahead, whether it’s in the stadiums, your villages, towns, cities, or in your hearts!”
Rugby World Cup 2023, scheduled until October 28, promises to be the most fiercely competitive edition since its inception in 1987. This tournament sees Chile making its debut, Portugal returning after a hiatus since 2007, and Ireland entering as the world’s top-ranked team for the first time. With only England from the northern hemisphere having claimed the coveted Webb Ellis Cup, the tournament will be fiercely contested by southern hemisphere giants New Zealand, reigning champions South Africa, two-time winners Australia, and Argentina.
Scotland, if they navigate a challenging pool, could emerge as strong contenders, while Wales, led by returning head coach Warren Gatland, should not be underestimated. The Pacific Island teams of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga also pose a significant threat, making this Rugby World Cup a historic spectacle.
Here are the Australian Eastern Standard Time kick-off times for Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Australia games
Ireland v Romania – Sat 9 Sept at 11.30pm
Australia v Georgia – Sun 10 Sept at 2am
England v Argentina – Sun 10 Sept at 5am
South Africa v Scotland – Mon 11 Sept at 1.45am
Wales v Fiji – Mon 11 Sept at 5am
Wales v Portugal – Sun 17 Sept at 1.45am
Ireland v Tonga – Sun 17 Sept at 5am
Australia v Fiji – Mon 18 Sept at 1.45am
England v Japan – Mon 18 Sept at 5am
England v Chile – Sun 24 Sept at 1.45am
South Africa v Ireland – Sun 24 Sept at 5am
Scotland v Tonga Mon – 25 Sept at 1.45am
Wales v Australia – Mon 25 Sept at 5am
Scotland v Romania – Sun 1 Oct at 5am
Australia v Portugal – Mon 2 Oct at 1.45am
Wales v Georgia – Sat 7 Oct at 11pm
England v Samoa – Sun 8 Oct at 1.45am
Ireland v Scotland – Sun 8 Oct at 5am
Anglo&Celtic 