During the next World Cup, which will take place in France, the Place de la Concorde will host a rugby village, the mayor of Paris and France 2023 announced on Friday. Ten thousand people will be able to meet in this festive space.
Manhandled Thursday evening by the demonstrators, the Place de la Concorde will regain its superb and its brilliance during the Rugby World Cup, which will take place in France from September 8 to October 28. In its own way, and as it will do next year during the Paris Games, it will even play a role in this World Cup organized at home. France 2023, in the same way that the various host cities during the Football World Cup host fan zones, has indeed wanted to think about a “rugby village” to allow supporters to meet in the same place to be able to celebrate together. And to host the festive space in question, the organizing committee thought of Paris, which will not offer any match of this World Cup in France (the Parc des Princes is not one of the stadiums selected) and La Concorde.
This Friday, in front of the press, the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo and France 2023, in the presence of the deputy mayor of Paris in charge of sport Pierre Rabadan, lifted the veil on this site which will be able to bring together nearly 10,000 people via several spaces and while traffic will be restricted. It will nevertheless be maintained on the part of the square not concerned by this “rugby village” and access to the Jardin des Tuileries will always be possible.
Two pitches, including one for wheelchair rugby
“It is essential for us to offer Parisians, but also all tourists and supporters, a place of festivity worthy of this major international sporting event. […] in an iconic place in the city of Paris », insisted Rabadan, specifying that the village would be open from 2:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., three days a week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), and even four if the Blues play on Thursday. The matches will be broadcast on a giant screen, but not only. On site, visitors will also be able to enjoy demonstrations and workshops around the oval. In addition, two fields will be available to fans, including one for rugby-chairs. From October 16 to 22, the World Cup for wheelchair rugby will take place. Note that the “rugby village” will also house the competition’s megastore.
