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The 2023 Rugby World Cup delivered a net input of €871 million (US$945 million) for the French economy, according to an impact study commissioned by the French Ministry of Sport.
The report, which was produced by Ernst & Young (EY), assessed the tournament’s economic, social and environmental impact. Of the €871 million generated by the tournament, its direct economic impact was calculated to be €690 million (US$748 million).
The event’s carbon footprint was deemed equivalent to the average annual carbon footprint of 90,000 French citizens – 3.4 times less than the Uefa Euro 2016 soccer tournament, which was also held in France, and 4.4 times less than the 2022 Fifa World Cup. This was accredited to the use of existing facilities and infrastructure for all tournament operations.
World Rugby had previously announced that the 2023 Rugby World Cup was the most viewed rugby event of all time, accumulating 1.33 billion viewing hours across all linear and non-linear platforms. It also generated four billion social media impressions, which was more than any other rugby competition.
“The impact report brings tangible proof that we have fulfilled our vision with great outcomes for all tournament stakeholders, including strong economic benefits for France and its cities, as well as a fantastic social and rugby legacy,” said Jacques Rivoal, France 2023 chairman.
“Rugby World Cup 2023 was a record-breaker in many aspects with unprecedented attendance, viewership, and engagement and we are extremely proud to have organised this amazing celebration of togetherness while taking significant measures to limit and mitigate the tournament’s environmental footprint.”
France is currently preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with organisers earlier this month revealing they have reached 99 per cent of their revised sponsorship revenue target.
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