At the second week’s Rugby World Cup weekly Tournament Conference, we asked about the social impact of RWC 2023, what activities had been run, and more information about Rugby au Cœur (the Official Charity of Rugby World Cup 2023) and the status of ChildFund Rugby.
Feature Photo Credit: JRFU – Brave Blossoms with fans at RWC 2023
Tournament Director Michel Poussau and France 2023 Chairman Jacques Rivoal as well as Shems el Khalfaoui (Saint-Denis Deputy Major) spoke about the greater impact of the tournament on the communities and enticing new players to enjoy rugby through activities that have been running across France.
Rivoal confirmed and thanked the teams as all of the participating nations have been involved in social and community activities and held open training sessions – some of which have been attended by large crowds. Rieke Loane from the All Blacks half-joked in a video that “more people show up to some open day training sessions than crowds we have back home in Super Rugby”.
- 30 community engagement activities have been held between teams and the local population
- Trains are being well used by teams and fans to travel around the country and to attend matches which is part of the sustainable goals of RWC 2023.
Rivoal spoke at length about the activities to promote inclusivity including rugby’s fight against homophobia, engagement at schools, and the training of apprentices, as well as introducing youngsters to rugby in France.
Shems el Khalfaoui additionally spoke about the impact and social inclusion of the sport due to the RWC 2023 tournament.
Image Credit: RWC 2023
RugbyAsia247 asked about Rugby au Cœur which is the Official Charity of Rugby World Cup 2023 as there has been not much visibility, as well as the status of ChildFund Rugby which was the Official Charity of Rugby World Cup 2019, Women’s RWC 2021, and the Sevens RWC 2022. Ron Rutland delivered the whistle for the opening of the tournament and has raised awareness and funds for them but there was little coverage from RWC 2023.
Rivoal said that 1 million euros were raised and held in a fund for Rugby au Cœur which would distributed in three main channels. The main focus would be promoting equality and projects have been suggested by rugby clubs from around France. He added they were proud of the partnership with Rugby au Cœur and that when started three years ago and had a tough start but since then over 700 projects have been suggested and they will support 300 projects thanks to the fund for social actions.
Both RWC 2023 Tournament Director Michel Poussau and France 2023 Chairman Jacques Rivoal stressed that the charitable organisation has the support of the FFR (Fédération Française de Rugby) and they will ensure this heritage project lives on in the FFR post-RWC 2023 and be a legacy project.
On the status of ChildFund Rugby, Poussau says they are still happy to be working with Rugby au Cœur and ChildFund Rugby and there will be an important announcement over the coming week with regards to ChildFund Rugby.
Rugby World Cup 2023 News
- First Weekend of Rugby World Cup Tournament 2023 – Key Takeaways & Lessons.
- Second Week of Rugby World Cup Tournament 2023 – Key Takeaways & Lessons
- Rugby World Cup 2023 – The Ultimate Fans Guide.
- How French Rugby At All Levels Can Benefit From RWC 2023.
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