The Rugby World Cup is one of the most anticipated sporting events, attracting fans from all over the globe. As the 2023 tournament in France approaches, demand for tickets is incredibly high. While getting tickets can be competitive, with some planning and preparation, you can secure seats to rugby’s biggest event.
When and Where is the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place in France from September 8 to October 28, 2023. Matches will be played in 9 cities across France: Saint-Denis, Marseille, Nice, Lille, Toulouse, Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne, and Nantes.
The opening match will be held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on September 8. The final will also take place at Stade de France on October 28.
How Many Teams are Participating?
20 teams will compete in the Rugby World Cup 2023:
Region | Qualified Teams |
---|---|
Europe | England, Ireland, France (hosts), Italy, Scotland, Wales |
Oceania | Australia, Fiji, New Zealand |
Americas | Argentina, Uruguay, United States |
Africa | Namibia, South Africa |
Asia | Japan, South Korea |
These teams will be divided into 4 pools for the group stage, with the top 2 teams from each pool advancing to the knockout stage.
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
The first batch of Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets went on general sale in March 2022. Over 1.5 million tickets were sold during this first sales phase.
The second ticket sale phase ran from September 2022 to January 2023. During this period, fans could apply for team-specific ticket packages.
Currently, the last chance for fans to buy Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets directly will be during the “last minute” sales phase which is expected to open in spring/summer 2023.
Exact ticket sale dates are generally announced 6-12 months in advance on the official Rugby World Cup website.
Key Ticket Sales Dates
- March 2022 – General ticket ballot sales start
- September 2022 – Second ticket sales phase opens
- Spring/Summer 2023 – Last minute ticket sales expected
How to Buy Rugby World Cup Tickets
Apply During Official Ticket Sales
The best way to purchase Rugby World Cup tickets is directly during the official ticket sale phases. Tickets can be bought online through the official Rugby World Cup ticketing website.
Fans can select tickets for individual matches, team packs to follow a specific nation, or venue packs to attend matches at a particular stadium.
Due to high demand, a ballot process is used during the main sales periods. Fans apply and are randomly selected to receive an allocation of tickets.
Use Authorized Resellers
Authorized ticket resellers or hospitality agencies can provide tickets after official sales end. However, tickets on secondary sites are often extremely inflated in price.
Make sure to only use official, Rugby World Cup authorized resellers like:
Avoid unfamiliar resellers that may sell fraudulent or invalid tickets.
Join Your Country’s Official Fan Club
Many participating nations have official fan clubs that partner with the national union to distribute a small ticket allocation. Joining your country’s fan club, such as England Rugby Travel for England, is one way to access tickets.
Purchase Hospitality Packages
Third-party rugby travel companies like Keith Prowse offer premium hospitality packages with guaranteed accommodation and match tickets. These luxury experiences are very expensive but take the stress out of planning.
How Much do Rugby World Cup Tickets Cost?
Ticket prices vary considerably based on the match, venue, seat location, and package.
During the initial March 2022 ticket sales, these were the price categories in Euros:
Category | Price Range |
---|---|
Category 1 | €30-€90 |
Category 2 | €25-€75 |
Category 3 | €15-€50 |
Category 4 | €10-€20 |
The most expensive tickets are for marquee matches like the semi-finals and final. Opening match prices started around €85, and the cheapest category 4 seats were €13.
Hospitality packages range drastically in price from €290 per person to over €7,350 depending on the level of luxury and amenities included.
Ways to Save on Tickets
- Apply for category 3 or 4 tickets in the ballot sales
- Target less popular matches like qualifiers
- Attend matches in smaller host cities instead of hubs like Paris
- If traveling in a group, target packs of team or city tickets which can offer discounts
Top Tips for Booking Rugby World Cup Tickets
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when trying to get tickets:
Act Quickly When Sales Open
Demand drastically exceeds supply, so submit ticket applications immediately when ballot phases open.
Be Flexible
Have multiple back-up choices for dates, opponents, and cities. This increases your chances if allocated tickets.
Double Check Payment Details
Have your payment information, including valid credit card details, ready to go before sales open.
Beware of Scams
Use only official sites and authorized resellers. Fake ticket scams spike around major tournaments.
Manage Expectations
Understand that demand is extremely high. Don’t get your hopes up too high. Being flexible helps.
Act Fast on Resales
If buying resale tickets, move quickly as they sell out fast. Set up alerts so you’re notified immediately.
Join Fan Clubs Early
To access fan club presales, make sure to register well in advance of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the last tickets be released?
The last major ticket sale is expected around spring/summer 2023. Limited tickets may continue to be released over the summer up until the tournament starts.
What comes with hospitality packages?
Hospitality packages differ, but can include amenities like premium match seats, hotel accommodation, ground transportation, official merchandise, gourmet catered food and drinks, and more.
Can I choose my seats when buying tickets?
For regular ticket sales, seats are allocated randomly. Hospitality packages and premium resale tickets allow selecting specific seats.
Are there accessibility tickets for disabled fans?
Yes, wheelchair and easy access tickets are available. Contact the ticketing office directly for availability and booking assistance.
Can children attend matches?
Yes, children tickets are sold as long as a paying adult accompanies them. Children under 2 may be able to sit on a guardian’s lap for free.
Conclusion
Rugby World Cup tickets give fans unique access to the pinnacle of rugby competition. While high demand makes them difficult to obtain, proper preparation and persistence pay off to secure a seat at rugby’s most sought after event. Stay patient and flexible during the ticket buying journey to achieve your Rugby World Cup dreams.