September 8, 2020, is a date that marks the three years remaining before the start of the next Rugby World Cup, which will be held in France. An event awaited by thousands of fans since 2007. For the occasion, the “We Love 2023 Tour” train was inaugurated. After departing from the Gare de Lyon (Paris) two weeks ago, it is now in Nice. A look back in pictures at an exhibition dedicated to world rugby.
The eyes are fixed on this rather peculiar train, just from the look of its color. Rugby aficionados and enthusiasts will undoubtedly recognize the famous World Rugby logo displayed on the cars.
Arriving at the Nice Ville station, and before heading out to Montpellier, the We Love 2023 train opens its doors to visitors. The sports exhibition can begin.
Located on track A, the French train is docked for the day until this Wednesday. It is thus an invitation to embark on a journey through the world of rugby and its history.
On the cars, you see the words “France 2023”, “World Cup of Regions”, referring to the upcoming Rugby World Cup and the train’s journey.
Once inside, the exhibition begins with a series of posters listing the nations qualified for the France 2023 edition and mentioning the date of the creation of the oval ball sport (1823).
In the corridor of the car, anyone could notice the design play. The World Rugby logo is displayed just by the positioning of the walls. A piece also dedicated to the greatest figures of French rugby (Sébastien Chabal, Jessy Trémoulière…).
The train tour continues in a room featuring a depiction of the locker rooms, as if the visitor finds themselves backstage at the Stade de France. On the walls, the number 23 is displayed (maximum number of selected players). And unmistakably, signed official national jerseys from previous editions are on display (France, England, Japan, Italy…).
Here is a room entirely dedicated to the host team. A space that traces all the journeys made by the French XV in the World Cup, the Blues who have reached the finals several times but never managed to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
To encourage, motivate, and inspire rugby enthusiasts to pursue their careers, recorded words from iconic players of the French team (Antoine Dupont, Safi N’Diaye…), whose faces are displayed on the walls, can be heard over the loudspeakers.
Needless to say, every country has its anthem. In a somewhat entertaining manner, visitors have the opportunity to listen to the national anthems of renowned rugby teams across the world (La Marseillaise, God Defend New Zealand, God Save the Queen, Flower of Scotland, Fratelli d’Italia…) through colored pipes.
Just before the end of the tour, everyone is free to take a postcard of the city of Nice and write a little note as encouragement to their favorite team. And to not leave empty-handed, visitors are invited to take a souvenir photo with a backdrop representing Nice and the Mediterranean. Enough to encourage family members to visit the city.
In the car before the first exit is a room completely dedicated to the Jardins des Antipodes, in partnership with France 2023.
Here, special organic products from Menton are for sale (lemon caviar, hazelnut chocolate fondant without palm oil, limes…).
