The Thistle XV will prepare for the much-anticipated event in the azure capital.
While visiting Edinburgh, the twin city of Nice for 65 years, Christian Estrosi, accompanied by Régis Brandinelli, President of Stade Niçois, met with representatives of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) to prepare for the arrival of the Thistle XV in Nice for the next Rugby World Cup.
In the legendary Murrayfield Stadium with the Nice flag flying, the Mayor of Nice concluded this partnership. The city of Nice maintains a historical relationship with Edinburgh, its twin city for 65 years. In rugby, the two cities are also united through the partnership between the SRU and Stade Niçois, which has significantly contributed to the professionalization of rugby in Nice. Many young Scottish players have come to play in Nice before returning to Edinburgh or Glasgow, and for some, having the privilege of playing for the Scottish national team.
Hosted by John Jeffrey and Mark Dodson, respectively president and CEO of the SRU, in the presence of Chris Paterson, the most capped player of the Scottish team, Christian Estrosi recalled that the partnership between the SRU and Stade Niçois (between 2017 and 2019) has greatly contributed to the professionalization of rugby in Nice. Furthermore, many young Scottish players have come to play in Nice before returning to Edinburgh or Glasgow, and for some, having the privilege of playing for the Scottish national team.
The Mayor of Nice expressed his thoughts on this new step that symbolizes the unique relationship between the two cities:
“The fact that Nice has been chosen as the host city for Scotland for the next World Cup is the logical extension of this partnership, but also an opportunity to strengthen it. Nice and Scotland are connected by the values of rugby. Our teams and the leaders of our clubs know and appreciate each other. The staff of the Scottish team, with its manager Gregor Townsend, was able to visit Nice in recent months to see the facilities we will provide them for their base camp. Stade des Arboras, weight room, Olympic pool… I think they appreciated it a lot. They will also benefit from the involvement of Stade Niçois on this site to support them on a daily basis.
Nice is proud to welcome the Scottish team. The purpose of my meeting today with the SRU is to innovate and work collectively to offer the public the best possible experience in Nice. The people of Nice love high-level sports and rugby in particular. There is no doubt that they will participate in the initiatives we are going to imagine and that many will be there to support Scotland and feel the thrill of hearing Flower of Scotland resonate in the stands of the Allianz Riviera on September 24, 2023, for the match against Tonga.”
