During the promotional tour for France’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the President of the French Rugby Federation Bernard Laporte and his close associates were in Nice.
For the occasion, the Promenade du Paillon was transformed into a rugby field. Throughout the day, activities were organized for schoolchildren, along with a rugby 5-a-side tournament.
Welcomed by Christian Estrosi, a former colleague in the first Fillon government under the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy, and in the presence of the most prestigious rugby players from Nice, all former internationals, Bernard Laporte clearly illustrated the project: “The Oval has fundamentals that bring together all the Cultures of the World.”
In this “competition” opposing France to Ireland, the two other candidates, he showed confidence: “We have traveled around the world to promote our bid. If we are fortunate enough to win this candidacy, we will share immense emotions with an entire nation, as in 2007 when the popular excitement was incredible.”
Nice has been selected among the 10 host cities. They will help welcome nearly 2.5 million spectators. The budget is nearly 500 million euros, and the estimated economic impact (direct and indirect) is 2.4 billion euros.
Two independent firms have been commissioned by the international federation to evaluate the bid dossiers. Their recommendations will be delivered on October 31. The decision will be made by the general assembly of World Rugby (the international federation) on November 15.
