Rugby enthusiasts are counting down the days, waiting for the earth-shattering roar of the crowd to fill their ears as the first whistle blows on Friday, September 8. This is when the formidable New Zealand side will face off against the hosts, France, kicking off the long-awaited 2023 Rugby World Cup! This article discusses the nitty gritty you need to know as you prepare for the tournament.
So, where’s all this fantastic action going to take place?
The beautiful country of France spread across nine mesmerizing cities, will play host to our rugby gladiators this year. The Stade de France located in Saint-Denis (Paris), with its jaw-dropping capacity of 80,698, is set to be the grand stage for the final on Saturday, October 28.
And there’s more. Matches are lined up in other notable arenas too:
| Stadium Name | Capacity | City |
| Stade de France | 80,698 | Saint-Denis (Paris) |
| Stade Velodrome | 67,394 | Marseille |
| Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 59,186 | Lyon |
| Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 50,186 | Lille |
| Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux | 42,115 | Bordeaux |
| Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 41,965 | Saint-Étienne |
| Allianz Riviera | 35,624 | Nice |
| Stade de la Beaujoire | 35,322 | Nantes |
| Stadium Municipal | 33,150 | Toulouse |
How To Keep Up with the Action
ITV has secured exclusive broadcast rights to air the World Cup in the UK, and as soon as they announce the specific channels for each match, we’ll be sure to update you. Want to enjoy the game with some brilliant commentary? Please tune in to BBC’s Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, or their Sounds service for all the updates.
For those looking to catch England’s first three World Cup warm-up games in August and nine other fixtures featuring Six Nations teams, you’re in luck! Amazon Prime has got you covered. If you want to place your sportbet on Betway, these platforms will help you remain up to date with the action. Do you have a favorite team already?
Teams
Speaking of teams, a total of 20 have qualified for the Rugby World Cup. Band one includes the four highest-ranked teams: Wales, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. On the other hand, Band Two includes the next four highest-ranked teams, including Japan, France, Australia, and Ireland. Teams in band three are Italy, Argentina, Fiji, and Scotland.
Teams in the first three bands qualified for the tournament automatically due to their world ranking. The other teams reached the tournament by qualifying. They include Georgia, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay, Romania, Namibia, Chile, and Portugal.
Regarding the players to keep your eyes on, Aaron Smith, Josh van der Flier, Cheslin Kolbe, and Antoine Dupont are just a few names that promise some electrifying gameplay. It’s no wonder our friends at Sportbet are buzzing with excitement!
Who Are the Favorites to Win the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
We can see a few clear favorites for the Rugby World Cup 2023 based on the current odds. The host nation, France, are leading the pack at 3/1, indicating a strong belief in their potential to seize the crown on home soil.
The ever-ferocious New Zealand aren’t far behind, with odds of 10/3, making them a top contender as well. Ireland’s odds are set at 9/2, showcasing their impressive form and recent performances. And lastly, for those who enjoy a little more thrill, don’t forget to check out Betway for all your Rugby World Cup betting needs. Every moment counts, be it a match-winning drop goal or a last-minute try!
Photo: Getty Images
