‘The stage is set’: Sir Bill Beaumont looks ahead to ‘unpredictable’ World Cup

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont insists the “stage is set” for an “unpredictable” World Cup in France with about 600,000 fans set to travel from abroad to experience the event.

South Africa are the defending champions, but a lot has happened in the four years since their win over Eddie Jones’ England in a famous World Cup final in Yokohama.

International rugby has never been so competitive, and that stark reality spells worry, excitement and belief from fans around the world. Every win, loss and draw has been leading to this moment.

The 10^th men’s Rugby World Cup is shaping up as a gladiatorial battle between hundreds of rugby warriors vying for their spot in folklore and history.

Rugby immortality is just over 50 days away for one of these 20 teams. The road to Webb Ellis Cup glory starts on Friday with an international blockbuster between tournament hosts France and traditional rivals New Zealand.

The World Cup will be spread across nine venues in France, with the tournament starting and finishing at the world-renowned venue Stade de France in Paris

Rugby World Cup 2023 is here. As Sir Bill Beaumont reflected, “Now it’s down to the teams to perform.”

“It was 200 years ago that our sport was born. There could be no better place to celebrate our birthday than here in France,” Beaumont said at the Tournament Opening Conference on Monday.

“We know this nation will be a magnificent host, not just here in Paris but the length and breadth of a nation that loves major events and loves rugby.

“We believe the Rugby World Cup 2023 will be rugby’s ultimate celebration of togetherness. We’ve received incredible support from the highest office to the smallest villages; never has a nation been so ready and so excited to host.

“We have a record number of international fans. Some 600,000 fans will be coming to experience the best of rugby and the best of France.

“We’ve seen incredible welcomes for the teams including 12,000 greeting Ireland in Tours.

“The stage is set, now it’s down to the teams to perform, and I think it’s fair to say that the action will be compelling, spectacular and unpredictable.

“It will be an event of firsts.

“We welcome Chile for the first time, the first we’ve welcomed three South American (nations) and Portugal making its first appearance since they last played here in France in 2007.

“We also believe that the Rugby World Cup to be built more than an exceptional event. We should protect our values, make an impactful value to society, and inspire new players and fans.

“I’d like to congratulate our friends at the organising committee, the FFR and government for their leading and impactful initiatives.

“I’m delighted to confirm the launch of our We Are Rugby promotion, showing the sports collective commitment as an inclusive, respectful tournament.”

There’s plenty of expectation and pressure hanging over the likes of Ireland, France, New Zealand and South Africa going into this World Cup, but every team will have their own pass mark and goal.

For some teams, including those just mentioned, World Cup glory is a non-negotiable – but for others, they may set their sights on finishing in the top three.

As the World Rugby chairman confirmed, the top three teams in each pool will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“We are also committed to continuing to work with our unions… to deliver a global calendar and a competitive structure,” Beaumont added.

“The stage is set. The teams are ready, France is ready. Let’s get this wonderful Rugby World Cup started.”