PARIS - The Rugby World Cup 2023 is off to an eco-conscious start as New Zealand's All Blacks set an example by choosing a low-carbon travel option for their opening game against France. The team traveled from Lyon to Paris in under two hours aboard the TGV, a high-speed train, as part of France's commitment to reduce carbon emissions during the tournament.

This move towards sustainable transportation is expected to be replicated by all participating teams, with organizers planning a total of 70 train journeys. Uruguay, for instance, will take the train from Avignon to Lille before their clash with France on Thursday, September 14.

In an impressive display of environmental responsibility, 88 percent of fans attending the matches will also opt for train travel. Those arriving at train stations on match days will be greeted by a special message from France's captain and SNCF ambassador, Antoine Dupont.

At select stations, including the Gare de Lyon, a crystal box will project a hologram of Dupont, adding a touch of innovation to the experience. Giant screens around the stations will broadcast the games, ensuring that fans don't miss a moment of the action.

To accommodate the influx of spectators on match days, 35 additional trains will operate between Saint-Étienne and Lyon. This collective effort to transport teams and fans via train is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by an impressive 50 percent.

Michel Pousseau, the Tournament Director for World Rugby at RWC 2023, emphasized the goal of setting an example for sustainability within the world of rugby. "We want rugby to set an example and for low-carbon mobility to be one of the intangible legacies of this competition," he stated.

Both World Rugby and the organizing committee France 2023 are signatories to the United Nations 'Sports for Climate Action' working group. As part of their commitment to the environment, World Rugby has set a target of achieving a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030.

This commitment to sustainability was factored into the development of the tournament's match schedule, ensuring optimal timing for teams and fans. Additionally, base camps were strategically chosen to minimize the carbon footprint. For example, England, with two games in Lille, has established its base camp in Le Touquet.

The majority of carbon emissions generated during a Rugby World Cup typically result from transportation, especially air travel, as teams and fans converge from all corners of the globe. With this eco-conscious approach to travel, the Rugby World Cup 2023 aims to lead the way in promoting responsible environmental practices within the world of sports.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]