South Africa were not the only winners of Rugby World Cup hosted in France in 2023. The 10th edition of the men’s flagship event generated €1.8 billion of spend and a net input of €871 million for the host country, according to an impact study commissioned by the French Ministry of Sport and produced by EY.
Assessing the three main type of impacts (economic, social, environmental) with comparable methodology to other major international sporting events, the comprehensive report gives an in-depth analysis of Rugby World Cup’s clear hosting benefits to boost the host nation’s economy, drive positive social change and reduce the global carbon footprint inherent to international competitions.
Report highlights:
- Rugby World Cup 2023 delivered a net input of €871 million for France’s economy and a total of €1.8 billion total spend
- 425,000 international visitors (72% from Europe) staying 10 days on average in France and spending €170 a day
- Estimated public funding (€70m) for security, stadiums and fanzones covered by tax revenue generated by the event (€84m) making RWC 2023 an attractive investment for the French state
- 39% of the total tourist spend benefitted local communities outside of the host cities showcasing France 2023’s nationwide positive impact
- 98% of spectators satisfied with their stay in France with 82% wishing to return, underscoring Rugby World Cup’s attractiveness in boosting tourism in the medium-term
- Significant Rugby World Cup “effect” with a 12% increase of registered players in France between February 2023 and February 2024
- 160,000 direct beneficiaries from France 2023’s social programmes making it a best-in-class programme according to EY
- RWC 2023 total carbon footprint tallies 830,000 tons of CO2 equivalent with 86 per cent coming from international visitors’ travel outside of France (scope 3 emissions)
- Overall environmental impact mitigated using existing facilities and focusing strongly on public transport infrastructures and low-carbon mobility plans
- France 2023’s carbon absorption programme to take a shared responsibility approach regarding key scope 3 emissions
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup 2023 was a fantastic showcase of our sport and values, and we are delighted to see that its positive impact went beyond the field of play with tremendous benefits for the host country, its population, businesses, society and the wider environment.
“The true value of hosting the Rugby World Cup goes beyond the numbers, it is about the togetherness, solidarity, passion and the lifelong memories for the millions of fans. As we take our pinnacle competition to England, Australia and USA for the next Women’s and Men’s Rugby World Cups, we will strive to maintain and enhance this positive impact to benefit local communities and economy while carefully addressing the important topic of our environmental footprint.”
Images: World Rugby