France: Rugby World Cup to take place nationwide, Sept. 8-Oct. 28

Event

France will host the Rugby World Cup from Sept. 8 to Oct. 28. Authorities are running an extensive and visible security operation to safeguard the event. Public interest in the competition will be high, and matches will likely be screened in public places, including hotels, throughout the country. Organizers predict that 2,500,000 spectators, including 600,000 foreign nationals, will attend tournament events. Matches are scheduled for the following locations:

• Bordeaux: Stade de Bordeaux

• Lille: Stade Pierre Mauroy

• Lyon: Olympique Lyonnais Stadium

• Marseille: Stade de Marseille

• Nantes: Stade de la Beaujoire

• Nice: Stade de Nice

• Paris-Saint Denis: Stade de France

• Saint-Etienne: Stade Geoffroy Guichard

• Toulouse: Stadium de Toulouse.

A list of fixtures is at the Rugby World Cup official website here.

Security forces have been preparing for the event for months, and there will be a significant and visible security deployment at transport hubs, match venues, and city centers nationwide. Increased scrutiny could prompt processing delays at airports and border crossings. Additional security measures around World Cup matches, including security cordons and traffic restrictions, as well as the increased numbers of travelers, will likely prompt travel disruption in host cities.

Civil Unrest
The likelihood of protests is limited, as public opinion will likely be against labor unions or activist groups that disrupt the events. However, some Paris metro workers have threatened to strike on Sept. 8, in action that is targeted against the tournament's opening match. Unless averted, the strike will affect manual ticket sales; automated ticket sales will still operate, and trains will run on a full schedule. An air traffic control strike is forecast for Sept. 15.

Other industrial action is possible during the tournament, and labor groups may seek to capitalize on the presence of international media to draw attention to their grievances.

Terrorism
France faces an underlying threat from terrorism following large-scale attacks in 2015-2016. However, the country's capable security forces mitigate the risk of any terrorist activities.

Advice

Plan on localized transit disruptions in affected cities, throughout the Rugby World Cup tournament. Comply with enhanced security procedures. Remain aware of the possibility of civic unrest.