The wait is finally over! After four long years since the 2019 edition, rugby fans around the world have been eagerly anticipating the Rugby World Cup 2023, and the opening weekend in Marseille certainly delivered. From a roaring atmosphere and spectacular drop goals to red-card drama and full-blooded physical battles, it was everything we love about international rugby.

Experiencing Rugby World Cup 2023 with Gullivers Sports Travel

I’m Cameron, part of the Gullivers Sports Travel marketing team. Normally, I’m behind a desk creating content for our sports travel packages, so getting the chance to be on the ground at the 10th Rugby World Cup in France was a dream come true.

Having helped design and promote Rugby World Cup 2023 travel packages since joining Gullivers in 2020, finally experiencing the tournament in person felt surreal. I’ve worked on Six Nations and Formula 1 tours before, but this trip had something truly special about it, the sense of history, the excitement, and the incredible energy of Marseille.

Bienvenue à Marseille: Arrival and First Impressions

On Friday morning, I departed from Birmingham on a Gullivers Sports Travel private charter flight bound for Marseille. Sharing a plane filled entirely with Gullivers clients and tour managers meant one thing, nonstop rugby chat and excitement in the air!

Upon arrival in sunny Marseille, our clients were transferred smoothly by coach to their hotels, ready to settle in and enjoy a weekend of world-class rugby.

The Old Port: Heart of the Rugby World Cup Festivities

The Old Port of Marseille (Vieux-Port), the city’s beating heart for centuries, provided the perfect backdrop for the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening fixture, France v New Zealand. As evening fell, rugby fans filled the waterfront bars and restaurants, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere.

A warm Mediterranean breeze, delicious local food, and a home victory for Les Bleus combined to make the night unforgettable. The festival spirit of Marseille was like nothing I’ve ever experienced: pure joy, unity, and passion for the game.

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Exploring Marseille Before the Rugby Action

The next morning, I met our Gullivers Sports Travel clients at their hotels to go over key details for the day: getting to the Stade Vélodrome, accessibility tips, the Gullivers Clubhouse event, and the best local sights to explore in Marseille. Excitement was high, especially as most clients held tickets to the highly anticipated England vs Scotland game.

With a late kick-off at 21:00 (CEST), there was plenty of time to explore France’s third-largest city. Many clients hopped on “Le Little Train Tour”, a charming small train weaving through the heart of Old Marseille. The tour showcased the historic Le Panier district, the bustling Old Port, and the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Bonne Mère), perfect for sightseeing before the evening’s rugby festivities.

Gullivers Clubhouse: The Ultimate Pre-Match Experience

Clients attending the Gullivers Clubhouse were transported to SportBeach, a stylish beach club in Marseille’s southern neighbourhood. With drinks flowing and a lively crowd, the atmosphere was electric.

Special guest speakers Simon Shaw MBE (former England rugby international, 71 caps) and Jean de Villiers (former South African captain, 109 caps) shared entertaining stories and insider insights, making the Clubhouse the ultimate pre-match warm-up. It was the perfect way to energize everyone for the action at the Stade Vélodrome.

England vs Argentina: A Thrilling Stade Vélodrome Clash

Just a short walk from the beach club, the Stade Vélodrome was buzzing with English and Argentinian fans. Thousands gathered, singing, chanting, and creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Inside the stadium, the energy was unmatched. Even after Tom Curry’s early red card, the England fans were relentless, showing unwavering support.

The standout of the match was undoubtedly George Ford. Masterful with penalties and drop goals, Ford kept England in the game despite being a man down for nearly the entire match. Scoring all 27 points and orchestrating the team with precision, Ford’s performance was one of the most remarkable individual displays at Rugby World Cup 2023.

It was a perfect combination of thrilling rugby, fan passion, and a taste of Marseille life, the kind of experience that makes a rugby travel tour to France unforgettable.

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South Africa vs Scotland: A Thrilling Clash at Stade Vélodrome

On Sunday, I took a stroll down to the Old Port of Marseille, which had transformed into a sea of blue as thousands of Scottish fans arrived in kilts and tam o’ shanter hats, lighting up the Mediterranean city. Even some French fans seemed to adopt Scotland as their second team, chanting along for talisman Finn Russell.

Back at the Stade Vélodrome, the atmosphere was electric. The first half ended 6-3 to South Africa, thanks to a last-minute penalty from Russell. However, the second half belonged to the Springboks. South Africa played with ruthless precision, shutting down Scotland’s attack, dominating the lineout, and controlling the scrum. Watching Finn Russell try to break through the relentless Springbok defense was like navigating a maze, and the match concluded 18-3 in South Africa’s favour.

Au Revoir Marseille: Reflections on an Unforgettable Weekend

Monday morning arrived far too quickly. Reuniting with our Gullivers Sports Travel clients, we reminisced about the incredible matches and the vibrant energy of Rugby World Cup 2023 opening weekend in Marseille.

Fans shared stories of unforgettable moments, from England vs Argentina heroics to the dramatic showdown between South Africa and Scotland. Many clients were already planning to return for the knockout stages, and I personally can’t wait to head back in October for the Wales vs Georgia fixture in Nantes.

Marseille had been a spectacular host city, from historic streets and breathtaking sights to the electric rugby atmosphere at the Stade Vélodrome. It was a weekend of sport, culture, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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