This is the first time Rugby World Cup has had an Official Social Media Services provider, demonstrating rugby’s growing popularity and innovative ways it is increasing its access to fans across the globe. Facebook will become the place where rugby fans from around the world will come together to follow their favourite teams and players, get information from the organisers and share their passion for rugby, before, during and after the competition.

As Official Social Media Services Supplier, Facebook will launch a range of exciting features including AR photo filters, LIVEs and other moments to create excitement around the event and reach a new generation of Rugby fans.

RWC 2023 "2 YEARS TO GO": FACEBOOK HOSTS EXCLUSIVE LIVE SHOW ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2021

To celebrate and officially kick-off the "two years to go" until Rugby World Cup France 2023, a special show will be live streamed exclusively on Facebook on 8 September at 18:00 CET. Fans will have the opportunity to "go behind the scenes" of Rugby World Cup 2023 on the road to the opening match between hosts France and three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France. The show will feature special guests and personalities who will share their passion and insights around this international sporting moment. This will also be an opportunity to discover the ten French host cities and get a closer look at how they are preparing to welcome fans from France and around the world.

Rugby fans can watch the show and join the celebration on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at 18:00 CET on the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Facebook Page (Facebook/RugbyWorldCupFrance2023) or on the Facebook page Facebook (Facebook/FacebookFrance)

CAMPUS 2023: FACEBOOK OFFERS DIGITAL TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR FUTURE SPORTS PROFESSIONALS

Facebook will also contribute to the tournament’s legacy when they provide free digital training to 3,000 young apprentices as part of Campus 2023. This apprenticeship programme, designed by France 2023, aims to train the new generation of French sports professionals, and leave a legacy of new resources to sports clubs and regional leagues. Digital skills and community management are today essential to the success and development of sports organisations and structures. Facebook is committed to building local community and Facebook employees together with experts will provide free digital training to a new generation of sports professionals.
 
Claude Atcher, CEO of France 2023: “We are extremely proud to welcome Facebook as the Official Social Media Services Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023. The Rugby World Cup France 2023 will be a time for celebration and sharing for French and international fans both in and outside the stadiums. Facebook represents the biggest virtual stadium in the world and this collaboration will allow us to be even closer to Rugby fans and offer them new innovative experiences. Together we will share our passion for rugby, our values and engage with new rugby enthusiasts around the world.”

Laurent Solly, VP of Facebook Southern Europe: “Connecting people to their passion and creating community is Facebook's mission and as the Official Social Media Services Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023, we will enable Rugby fans from around the world to come together on our platforms to celebrate their passion, connect with their favorite teams and players and share the values of respect and community that are core to Facebook and Rugby World Cup. Contributing to the local community is equally important to Facebook and we are also delighted to be part of the Campus 2023 programme and will mobilise our employees and experts to provide digital training to future sports professionals."
 
ABOUT RUGBY WORLD CUP FRANCE 2023

Rugby World Cup France 2023 will take place from 8 September to 28 October 2023. It will be the 10th edition in history, which will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of rugby. The competition’s 48 matches will be held in nine stadiums, across 10 cities and seven host regions. France 2023’s ambition is to have a positive impact for rugby, the planet and France by delivering a responsible event that addresses the challenges of today and tomorrow. For the first time in the event's history, and in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting agreement, the France 2023 Organising Committee has acquired commercial rights that enable it to build tailor-made official sponsorship offers through dedicated activation programmes. 

ABOUT FACEBOOK

Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. People use Facebook's apps and technologies to connect with friends and family, find communities and grow businesses. Find out more about Facebook at about.fb.com