Here are some interesting facts you may not know about the Rugby World Cup!

With summer coming to a close and the rugby season starting back up, everyone in the Gulliver’s office is starting to get excited about Rugby World Cup 2023! Whilst Rugby World Cup occurs every 4 years, there are some interesting facts about the competition this year, that you might like to know:

• This year, the Rugby World Cup 2023 takes part on the 200th anniversary year of William Webb Ellis ‘inventing’ the sport, so it’s definitely a special anniversary and we think France will pull out all the stops!
   
• Twenty teams will take part in the tournament this year and this is also the first time that the competition welcomes newcomers Chile, who will make their debut appearance – Good luck to the new team, we wish them all the best!
   
• This is the 3rd time that France has hosted the RWC, the last time being in 2007 and before that 2001. They won the bid to host the competition ahead of Ireland and South Africa.
   
• From this year onwards, the tournament will last for a week longer than in previous years because players will receive an additional day of rest after their games. This is to support player welfare, giving them time to recover and prepare for their next matches in the tournament. We think it’s a great move for the competition, meaning that the players stay stronger and deliver their best performances!
   
• The tournament will take place across the 9 major stadiums in France, building momentum up to the final, which will be held in the country’s capital Paris, at Stade Français.
   
• South Africa will be returning to defend their title, having beaten England in the 2019 final in Japan. This tournament promises to be as exciting as ever, with our home nations looking to perform well and maybe even take the title this year.

For more information about out Rugby World Cup 2023 packages, please click here.