World Rugby launches Rugby World Cup 2023 Fantasy game

World Rugby have launched RWC 2023 Fantasy just nine days before the Rugby World Cup kicks off with host nation France taking on the All Blacks in Paris on September 8. The free-to-play fantasy game allows fans to strategically build their teams to take part in competitive leagues that have weekly prizes.

To celebrate the launch, World Rugby have also released a one-off RWC 2023 Fantasy Showdown TV special hosted by Gethin Jenkins and featuring Jim Hamilton, Benjamin Kayser and Ugo Monye.

As an example of the wide variation a participant can come up with in their Fantasy pick, ex-Scotland lock Hamilton has picked an XV featuring an all-Georgian front row and yet still has 12 countries represented in his team.

James Rothwell, the World Rugby chief marketing and content officer, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Rugby World Cup 2023 Fantasy game, providing fans with a unique and immersive way to engage with the tournament.

“This innovative game, the first official RWC Fantasy ever created for a Rugby World Cup, allows fans to showcase their rugby knowledge, strategic thinking, and passion for the sport, all while enjoying the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2023.”

The RWC 2023 Fantasy website landing page

A statement explaining the launch read: “In an exciting development for rugby enthusiasts around the world, World Rugby are thrilled to unveil the official Rugby World Cup 2023 Fantasy game.

"As fans gear up to witness the pinnacle of men's 15s rugby this year, the RWC 2023 Fantasy game promises an unparalleled level of engagement and excitement throughout the tournament.

“The RWC 2023 Fantasy game has been meticulously crafted to provide an enhanced user experience, offering rugby enthusiasts and new fans to the game the opportunity to actively participate in the Rugby World Cup festivities. The game features a range of dynamic elements:

Free to play: Rugby enthusiasts from across the globe can join the action without any cost, making the game accessible to all fans, regardless of location.

Strategic team building: Participants have 100 credits to assemble their dream team of 15 players and strategically manage their selections with unlimited transfers, allowing for tactical adjustments throughout the tournament. For fans who need more support selecting their team, positional explainers and auto-fill functionality are available to ensure the game can be enjoyed by everyone.

Competitive leagues: Fans can join public global leagues and set up private leagues to compete against friends, family and fellow fans in a friendly yet competitive environment.

Innovative point maximisation: With your chosen captain earning double points, the game also introduces three unique boosters (triple captain, super kicker and defensive king) that will also earn participants double and triple points. The rolling lockout mechanic allows users to make tactical changes right until kick-off, enabling them to maximise their team's performance and climb the global leaderboard.

Weekly prizes: Adding an extra layer of excitement, the RWC 2023 Fantasy awards weekly prizes to the top three highest point scorers of each week. As Rugby World Cup 2023 reaches its thrilling conclusion, the top three overall winners of the global leaderboard will also win prizes.

“RWC 2023 Fantasy is available in both English and French, catering to a diverse global audience when France 2023 will take the spotlight from 8 September to 28 October. Fans can easily play the game by visiting www.fantasy.rugbyworldcup.com or downloading the official Rugby World Cup app and signing up.”