Rugby World Cup 2023: how to prepare for your stay

Updated May 8, 2026
Rugby World Cup 2023: how to prepare for your stay - Coupe-du-monde-de-Rugby-2023
To the point The Rugby World Cup 2023 promises to be a must-see event for all sports and travel enthusiasts. Find out how not to miss this flagship event.

In 2023, the world’s most prestigious men’s rugby tournament will be held in France. From September 8 to October 28, athletes, sports enthusiasts and the curious from all over the world will gather in France to watch Rugby World Cup matches. Would you like to join this major sporting celebration? Please hurry. Some matches are already sold out. Milesopedia answers your questions and helps you unravel the details so that you too can take part in the Rugby World Cup 2023.

Where can I buy tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023?

The official Rugby World Cup box office, like that of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is the sole sales channel for tickets. No other sales platform is authorized to sell tickets, to avoid tickets being sold at sky-high prices by resellers.

As ticket sales began in 2022, most matches are already sold out. But if you still haven’t got your hands on the precious treasure, don’t despair. There is an official ticket resale site where fans can sell their tickets.

Many travel agencies are also offering special packages to attend the Rugby World Cup. These packages can include match tickets, accommodation, transfers and other benefits such as sightseeing tours or meetings with former rugby players.

Rugby World Cup 2023: how to prepare for your stay - Coupe-du-monde-de-Rugby-2023

What are the ticket prices for the Rugby World Cup in 2023?

Ticket prices vary according to match, category and city. A total of four different categories are available:

  • Category 1: Side stand
  • Category 2: Placement in ¼ turn
  • Category 3: Placement behind half-height posts
  • Category 4: Placement behind the posts in the lower or upper part of the stand.

For a top-of-the-range experience, fans can also subscribe to the “Village” offer and enjoy a convivial area around the stadiums, before or after matches. Local cuisine, entertainment, guest appearances by a leading figure from the world of rugby… everything is on offer to ensure an unforgettable experience.

For a category 4 seat, prices can be as low as 10 euros per ticket. This is the case for the match between Portugal and Georgia on Saturday September 23 at 2pm in Lille. In category 1, the same match is available for 52 euros. For final matches, prices are much higher. In category 4, a ticket for the final, to be held in Saint-Denis on October 28 at 9pm, is priced at 100 euros, while in category 1 it is priced at 950 euros.

Rugby World Cup 2023: how to prepare for your stay - Coupe-du-monde-Rugby-2023-01

What is the schedule for the Rugby World Cup in 2023?

A total of 20 countries will take part in the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Alongside France, qualified as host nation, will be New Zealand, Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, England, Japan, Namibia, Argentina, Samoa, Chile, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania, Italy, Uruguay and Portugal.

The pools will be as follows:

  • Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia
  • Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
  • Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal
  • Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile

The group phase program will last a month, from September 8 to October 8. The final phase will take place from October 14 to 28.

Rugby World Cup 2023: how to prepare for your stay - Coupe-du-monde-Rugby-2023-01

Where to stay during the Rugby World Cup?

At present, almost all the hotels in the cities where the matches will be held are fully booked. So it’s a good idea to check outAirbnb if you still haven’t found a place to stay.

Comme les tarifs de location pendant la Coupe du monde de Rugby atteignent des sommets vertigineux en raison d’une demande exceptionnellement élevée, il pourrait être avantageux de payer votre séjour avec une carte de crédit vous permettant de payer avec des points-voyages. Vous pourriez économiser d’importantes sommes en payant notamment avec vos points Scène+ de la Carte Visa Infinite Passeport Banque Scotia ou encore vos points durement acquis avec une carte American Express ou une carte Air France KLM American Express. De quoi diminuer votre facture d’hébergement pendant la Coupe du monde de Rugby.

How to get around France during the Rugby World Cup?

La Coupe du monde de Rugby se déroulera partout au pays, à commencer par les dix villes hôtes où se tiendront les matchs : Lille, Saint-Étienne, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Paris et Saint-Denis.

Avec quelque 2,5 millions de spectateurs attendus dans les stades, les joueurs des meilleures équipes de la planète, les bénévoles et les organisateurs, la Coupe du monde de Rugby représente un défi logistique majeur pour la SNCF, sponsor officiel de l’événement sportif.

Rugby World Cup 2023: how to prepare for your stay - Stade-Lyon

The French rail company will nevertheless be providing logistical support, setting up tailor-made services to meet the needs of all the players involved. Several thousand trains and TGVs will operate daily between September 8 and October 28 to connect the cities where the matches will be held. Local mobility will not be left out, either, as Keolis, a subsidiary of the SNCF group, will provide local travel with its coach service.

Bottom line

With the Rugby World Cup 2023 fast approaching, excitement is running high among rugby fans around the world. This eagerly-awaited event is set to become a real sporting extravaganza, bringing together the best international teams in an intense and exciting tournament. With 48 matches taking place in 10 host cities across France, the Rugby World Cup 2023 promises to be an autumn of festivities.

To find affordable flights to Rugby World Cup 2023 using points, read this article:

Frequently asked questions about the Rugby World Cup 2023

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Vicky Moreau
Vicky Moreau
Canadian by birth and European at heart, Vicky now moves between France and Germany, where she settled five years ago. A lover of words and adventure, she explores new places by van or on foot, immersing herself in diverse cultures. An expert in Flying Blue and Membership Rewards programs in France, Vicky is also well-versed in French banking options, including BoursoBank.
All posts by Vicky Moreau
Region
France, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Saint-Martin

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