World Rugby statement: England versus Argentina World Cup fan delays

An investigation has been started by World Rugby after Saturday night’s Rugby World Cup match in Marseille began with a number of fans stuck outside the stadium due to delays in gaining entry to Stade Velodrome.

Long queues formed in advance of the 9pm local time kick-off and some of the eventual 63,118 official attendance were said to have missed the early action – including Tom Curry’s yellow-upgraded-to-red-card – in a Pool D fixture that 14-man England comfortably won 27-10.

According to social media videos and pictures, queues had formed on the steps up to the stadium on the Boulevard Michelet side of the ground.

A World Rugby statement read: "The France 2023 Organising Committee can confirm that it is taking steps to improve access to Stade de Marseille following delays ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match between England and Argentina, which resulted in a number of fans taking their seats after kick-off.

"While all 63,118 ticket holders were able to take their seats and there were no reported incidents, fan experience is paramount to everyone involved in the staging of the tournament and we would like to reassure fans visiting Marseille that the following actions are being taken in partnership with all

stakeholders:

• France 2023 are deploying more service volunteers to welcome fans to the Stade de Marseille and direct ticket holders to the appropriate entry points
• There will be an increase of announcements on public transport in French and English to ensure that fans are directed to the right metro stop
• Direct communications are being deployed to ticket purchasers reiterating key information including transport, entry points and gate opening times

"Communication to ticket purchasers via direct messaging, social, digital and news media will include reminders on the following information:

• Access to the Stade de Marseille is via two metro stops (Line 2) depending on seating:

  - Rond-point du Prado stop for Jean Bouin access and North Stand – Entry 1

  - Marguerite Dromel stop for Ganay access and South Stand – Entry 2

• The Stadium plaza will open three hours prior to kick off. The initial ticket and security check will take place on both sides of the stadium
• We encourage ticketholders to enter the initial checkpoint early and enjoy the entertainment, food and beverage options on offer in the stadium plaza
• Two hours prior to kick off a second ticket check will open for fans to access their seats and further food and drink options inside the venue. We encourage fans to proceed through this second check as early as possible
• Fans are also reminded that limited food and (non-alcoholic) drinks are permitted inside the venue, this includes uncapped plastic bottles below 500ml, baby bottles, homemade sandwiches and any other food or drink required for duly proved medical purposes

"Fans are the heartbeat of the tournament and we would like to apologise to fans impacted by yesterday’s access challenges. We are working hard to enhance the experience for all visiting Marseille for Rugby World Cup 2023."

The next game that will take place in Marseille is Sunday’s Pool B fixture featuring defending champions South Africa and Scotland, which has a 5:45pm local time kick-off.