The history of rugby
Legend has it that rugby originated at Rugby College in England in November 1823, when a pupil named William Webb Ellis started running with the ball in his arms during a game of football. But at the time, rugby was still called football, and was played by hand or foot. And the ball was kicked under or over the posts to score. In short, almost anything was allowed. According to some studies, the sport was inspired by "soule" or "sioule", a sport widely played in France since the Middle Ages.
In 1849, two trends emerged: football, played with the foot, and rugby football, played with the hand. In 1871, they separated! Two different sports were officially created and rugby was born. It was in 1835 that shoemaker William Gilbert decided to manufacture the first oval ball, which was easier to handle but had a difficult-to-predict trajectory.
Rugby World Cup
The first Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand and Australia in 1987. It brought together 16 teams for a competition in which New Zealand beat France.
Ranked second in the world, France are one of the contenders for victory at the 2023 World Cup. On the back of their Grand Slam victory in the 2022 Six Nations Tournament, their recent run of 14 straight wins and their historic victory in England on 11 March, Fabien Galthié's men will be providing a thrilling experience for the French, who are dreaming of seeing Les Bleus lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.
The opening match will pit the French team against New Zealand on September 8 at 9pm. The final will be played on 28 October at the same time at the Stade de France. Les Bleus are in Pool A, and in addition to the All Blacks, the French will face Uruguay, Namibia and Italy.
In addition to the Stade de France, matches will be played in Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes, Saint-Etienne, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux.
The host cities and towns of the 2023 Rugby World Cup have also begun to unveil the facilities planned around the Rugby Villages, as well as the celebration areas that will be set up in the heart of each city, to enable French and international fans to extend the experience together.
A real impact
The Rugby World Cup 2023 aims to be a competition with a positive impact, setting new standards in terms of social responsibility, inclusion and sustainable development for a major international sporting event by focusing on four key pillars:
- Promoting the circular and sustainable economy by designing the Official Hospitality menus using local, seasonal produce from short distribution channels.
- Committed to education, training and employment.
- Ensuring inclusion and sharing.
- Respect and protect the environment by signing the "15 eco-responsible commitments for sporting events" charter with the Ministry of Sport, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the WWF.
To mark this major sporting event, the tournament's official medals have been unveiled, made from recycled telephones. A unique initiative. In all, 1,491 medals have been made.
Your campsite for the Rugby World Cup
Campingfrance.com has selected the campsites closest to the stadiums for you to enjoy your stay:
Bordeaux: Bordeaux Stadium
The Village de Vacances Bordeaux Lac campsite ****, located just 8 km from Bordeaux, is ideal for visiting all the must-see places in the Gironde. As well as accommodation, you'll find all the facilities you need at this campsite: restaurant, lounge bar, bakery, grocery shop, etc.
Lyon: OL Stadium
Ideally located on the outskirts of the city, Camping de Lyon **** welcomes you to a 6-hectare nature park. Set up your caravan, motorhome or tent on a beautiful pitch or choose comfortable accommodation: caravans, mobile homes or canvas and wood tents.
Marseille: Marseille Stadium
In the heart of a 7-hectare pine forest at the foot of the Garlaban mountains, rediscover the pleasures of camping. The Garlaban campsite *** offers you the chance to stay in fully-equipped ecolodges and luxury cabins.
Nantes : Stade de la Beaujoire
Nantes Camping ***** offers an idyllic setting and top-of-the-range services throughout your stay, in green surroundings that are ideal for relaxation.
Nice: Nice Stadium
Set in peaceful, rolling parkland, just a few minutes from the French Riviera, the Green Park **** campsite boasts a heated lagoon pool, renovated solarium and brand new mobile homes.
Saint-Denis : Stade de France
Camping de Paris **** is the ideal base for exploring Paris and its iconic monuments. Come back to the green setting of the campsite, on the banks of the Seine, and take advantage of the many modern, high-quality facilities: a bright, modern living area opening onto a lovely terrace, a children's play area and completely renovated sanitary facilities.
Saint-Étienne: Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium
In Saint-Galmier, the Paradis Le Val de Coise campsite **** offers you a sparkling holiday in a human-sized site at the foot of the Badoit water spring, with 91 pitches including 41 accommodation units. The campsite offers entertainment for children, sports tournaments, lively evenings and lots of other surprises.
Toulouse: Toulouse Stadium
Camping de la Bouriette ** is located in Saint-Martin-du-Touch, 10 minutes from Toulouse city centre, and is ideal for caravan and motorhome rental by the week or month, as well as for pitch rental.
Villeneuve-d'Ascq: Stade Pierre-Mauroy
Just 7 km from Stade Pierre Mauroy, the Caravaning du Grand Sart campsite ** in Sainghi-en-Mélantois has a large motorhome parking area and 79 pitches.
For more information on the Rugby World Cup: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023