11 Oct 2023 | 01:08 PM UTC
France: Rugby World Cup to continue nationwide, Oct. 11-28 /update 1
France continues to host Rugby World Cup nationwide, Oct. 11-28. Increased security, transport and business disruptions likely.
Event
France will continue to host the Rugby World Cup Oct. 11-28. Authorities are running an extensive and visible security operation to safeguard the event. Public interest in the competition is high, and matches will likely continue to be screened in public places, including hotels, throughout the country. The tournament's quarter-final matches will be played Oct. 14-15 at Stade de Marseille, Marseille, and at the Stade de France, Paris-Saint Denis. The semi-final, play-off, and final matches will all be played at the Stade de France, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28. A list of fixtures is at the Rugby World Cup official website here. Authorities are likely to deploy further enhanced security measures during the final matches of the tournament.
As of Oct. 11, the matches and associated events have passed off peacefully. However, labor unions are planning a multi-sector strike and protests on Oct. 13. This industrial action will likely cause disruptions to rail travel nationwide, to public transport in the Paris region, and to air traffic control (ATC) across France.
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.
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 civil unrest. Travelers should check flights and rail services if operating in France on Oct. 13.
