Two centuries of passion on the rugby field
Rugga-Ballin' at 200: A Game-Changer Year Ahead!
It's time to get pumped, rugby fanatics! As we gear up to celebrate 200 years of mayhem and camaraderie, rugby legend Sir Bill Beaumont highlights World Rugby's unwavering commitment to prioritizing player welfare and female athletes, all while building anticipation for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
Legends say ol' Willie Webb Ellis decided to ditch football's rules and run with a football (let's not call it a soccer ball), igniting a new sporting phenomenon. This year, we embody the same spirit of wonder, passion, and disruptive innovation as we embark on a monumental year filled with groundbreaking changes, exciting matches, and a special Rugby World Cup in France.
Embracing the New and Improved
In the fast-paced, post-pandemic world, rugby must evolve to keep up. That means progress across the board, from fan engagement and financial sustainability to environmental consciousness. World Rugby is in it to win it, aiming to become an increasingly appealing, relevant, and accessible sport globally, standing tall amid growing entertainment demands and social-environmental concerns.
2023 kicked off with an eye on that global goal. On New Year's Day, new legal directives were put into action, focusing on speeding up play, enhancing safety, and creating a better overall experience for players, fans, and officials. Some directives include less TV match official dependence, less waiting before scrums and lineouts, and the introduction of "shot clocks." As the year unfolds, anticipate more significant legal changes at the elite, community, and youth levels, further cementing World Rugby's player welfare commitment.
Your feedback is gold to us! World Rugby isn't just an organization—it's a movement, and your input is at the heart of everything they do. To make that happen, they launched a massive consultation process, building on the work from the recent Shape of the Game Conference. Together, we'll shape a better, stronger, and more captivating rugby scene!
The Excitement Awaits in France
With the world rankings as competitive as ever, the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France promises to feature the very best in the game, on and off the pitch. Expect an intense and unpredictable race to secure the famous Webb Ellis Cup. The 2023 edition will serve as the perfect birthday bash for rugby, with Chile making its historic Rugby World Cup debut. Brace yourself for a grand celebration as France hosts the festivities with its unparalleled warmth and vivacity. For a sneak peek into the participating teams' strengths, check out our 2023 Rugby Wrap article, and revisit the hosting countries from previous Rugby World Cups in our Rugby World Cup 2023 article.
WXV: Main Stage for Women in Rugby
2023 marks the debut of the three-tiered WXV competition, showcasing World Rugby's dedication to empowering female athletes and fostering a high-performance environment. This competition lays the foundation for increased competition at an expanded Rugby World Cup in England in 2025, and establishes a new annual competition structure starting in 2024, with the men's competition under consideration. South Africa secured the Rugby Africa Women's Cup Division 1 2023 title, securing its place in WXV 2!
The Road to Paris 2024 and Beyond
Keep an eye on the qualification races for rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the revamped HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, and the opportunities for the future generation of male rugby stars to leave their mark in U20 competitions. World Rugby is committed to supporting growth by continuously adapting to the evolving rugby landscape, ensuring that men's and women's Rugby World Cups stretch through 2033, including the historic U.S. as the first hosting nation.
RWC 2023, 6 Nations, and the Unstoppables
Rugby fans have already been treated to a thrilling start to the year, with edge-of-your-seat action in the TikTok Six Nations and the Guinness Six Nations. Ireland took home the Men's Six Nations trophy, while England claimed a second consecutive TikTok Women's Six Nations Grand Slam. Stay tuned for an exciting 2024, filled with more thrilling tournaments and endeavors like the Try and Stop Us campaign, which showcases inspirational tales from unstoppable female athletes worldwide.
Get ready to celebrate 200 years of rugga-ballin',SUPA-BET on the action and enjoy the ride!
Racing towards 2024, the excitement for sports-betting enthusiasts intensifies with the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Maintaining its focus on player welfare, World Rugby continues to break barriers, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience for all.
In the lead-up to the 2024 sports-betting events, rugby fans can expect groundbreaking changes, as World Rugby works tirelessly to prioritize player safety, speed up play, and enhance overall match efficiency. The upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2024 promises to deliver the try of the century and more.
Aside from the Rugby World Cup, the WXV competition will debut in 2024, showcasing a commitment to maintaining and fostering the growth of women in rugby. This competitive platform will set the stage for increased female representation at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Looking beyond 2024, the journey to Paris 2024 and the Olympic Rugby Sevens heats up, while U20 competitions provide opportunities for the next generation of rugby stars to shine. World Rugby remains dedicated to maintaining and adapting to the ever-evolving rugby landscape, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
