Follow Ireland to Rugby World Cup France 2023

Atonement could be the name of the game for Ireland at Rugby World Cup 2023. An enticing draw sees them return to Bordeaux and Paris, each the scene of unhappy memories during their Rugby World Cup 2007 campaign that ended in elimination at the pool stage.

The only other occasion that Ireland failed to make the quarter-finals followed a surprise defeat to Argentina in Lens in 1999, so Andy Farrell’s team will be hoping it’s third time lucky in France at RWC 2023!

And what an experience it will be, with Ireland’s pool fixtures including a first Rugby World Cup clash with South Africa and a reprisal of the meeting with Scotland from two years ago.

They kick off against a European qualifier in the South-West city of Bordeaux. Known as La Belle Endormie – The Sleeping Beauty – Bordeaux is world-famous for its red wine, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties. The Cité du Vin is a kind of wine theme park or you can venture out to the many vineyards and wine chateaux in the area.

A table for two? Le Bocal de Tatie Josée restaurant in Bordeaux, a city that will charm any traveller

The Water Mirror at Place de la Bourse is the most photographed location in Bordeaux while Europe’s largest sand dune, 110m high, is within easy driving distance.

Ireland fans will be spoilt because the team’s next venue is scenic Nantes, situated on the Loire river and boasting a royal history. Galleries, museums and castles abound, and you can bring out your inner child at Les Machines de l’ile, a collection of animatronic creatures inspired by the literature of Jules Verne and mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci. Verne was born and bred in Nantes and there’s a museum in his honour.

Ireland play another qualifier in Nantes before hitting the capital. Paris, home to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the most prestigious art museums on the planet, needs no introduction. Whether cruising along the Seine, touring the underground Catacombs or taking in a show at Moulin Rouge, La Ville Lumière provides endless possibilities.

The Louvre, the world’s largest art museum, should be on your to-do list when Ireland arrive in Paris

Ireland’s games against South Africa and Scotland at Stade de France will be monumental encounters to compare with anything the tournament has to offer. “There’s nothing like a Rugby World Cup draw to get the juices flowing, so I’m super excited,” said Farrell after the pools were confirmed. “We’ll have to play some good rugby to get out of the group.”

IRELAND RWC 2023 FIXTURES
Sat 9 Sept Ireland v Europe 2, Bordeaux (2.30pm, GMT)
Sat 16 Sept Ireland v Asia/Pacific 1, Nantes (8pm)
Sat 23 Sept Ireland v South Africa, Paris (8pm)
Sat 7 Oct Ireland v Scotland, Paris (8pm)

A young Irish fan shouts her encouragement at the previous Rugby World Cup in Japan (Getty Images)

Ireland fans can play their part by cheering on the team in person. You can enjoy the tournament with Sportsbreaks.com, an Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup France 2023, whose tailor-made travel packages not only include accommodation and tickets but official RWC 2023 merchandise too.

It’s going to be a stupendous competition, played out in stunning locations, so make sure you follow Ireland to Rugby World Cup France 2023. Ireland have never made it to the last weekend of the tournament but 2023 might well be the year that all changes…

FIND OUT MORE

Book a Sportsbreaks.com Match Break and you’ll get:

• Official Rugby World Cup 2023 match tickets
• A minimum of two nights’ accommodation at one of their great-value hotels
• Event pack containing essential RWC 2023 merchandise
• 24-hour Sportsbreaks.com representation service

And for a little bit extra, you can:

• Upgrade your Official Rugby World Cup 2023 match tickets
• Extend your stay at one of their great-value hotels
• Enhance your RWC 2023 experience with any club (or match) specific packages/events that become available. They’ll let you know as and when any optional extras are available to book, offering information on how you can add these to your trip.

Find out more details at
sportsbreaks.com/Rugby/Rugby-World-Cup-2023

Be there to see the action and savour the atmosphere of one of the great sporting events (Getty Images)

Can’t get to the shops? You can download the digital edition of Rugby World straight to your tablet or subscribe to the print edition to get the magazine delivered to your door.

Follow Rugby World on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.