All Blacks, fan zone, giant screen: Lyon prepares for 100 days of the Rugby World Cup

Le Figaro Lyon

Less than 100 days before the event, the city of Lyon, which will host five matches of the Rugby World Cup this autumn, has just unveiled the program of festivities. From 23 September to 8 October, Lyonnais, tourists and supporters will be able to visit a free rugby village in the heart of Place Bellecour.

A place with a capacity of 5000 people where "will be organized sports, educational and festive animations". A field will also be installed in this Rugby Village with an introductory area, games and sports demonstrations to introduce spectators to the discipline, rules and techniques of rugby. These workshops will be led by the Club Omnisport de Lyon (COL), LOU Rugby and other metropolitan clubs. This land can be used by schools and popular education structures throughout the duration of the Village, on identified niches. Finally, the teams hosted in Lyon (Wales, Australia, Uruguay, Namibia, New Zealand and Italy) will be highlighted during these 15 days of celebration.

In addition to this fan zone, the city has already announced that following the results of the France Team, the matches of the XV of France will be broadcast in Gerland in the Palais des Sports. The hall will also be accessible free of charge with a capacity of 7,000 people. A booking platform will be set up before each match in case of qualification of the Blues.

The Blacks in Lyon

The three-time world champions All Blacks will also settle in Lyon during this World Cup. The Gerland stadium will thus become the base camp of the largest rugby nation in the world from September 1st to October 10th where they will be able to have the training ground of the LOU.

300,000 people are expected in Lyon for the event. The Grand Stade de Décines will host five matches including Wales/Australia on 24 September, Uruguay/Namibia on 27 September, New Zealand/Italy on 29 September, New Zealand/Uruguay on 5 October and France/Italy on 6 October.