WELCOME TO THE ROAR

Paris will be at the heart of this year’s Rugby World Cup, hosting the opening fixture of France v New Zealand, three other pool stage games including Ireland v Scotland, and two quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the finals themselves.

France’s enchanting capital is full of culture and history, featuring world-class museums, fantastic food and a vibrant, romantic ambiance.

Sights and Sounds

Paris is a city filled with cultural masterpieces. The Louvre Museum is home to the Mona Lisa, as well as paintings from Raphael, Rembrandt and Caravaggio. There is excellent architecture throughout the city, from Notre-Dame and Champs-Elysees to the unmissable Eiffel Tower.

Within the city streets, you can stroll along the Seine, visit the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre, and enjoy street musicians, people-watching, and pavement bistros.

Food and Drink

From a flaky croissant and strong coffee to Michelin-starred restaurants, the food and drink in Paris epitomises the excellence of French cuisine. The city is filled with wine bars and fromageries, so you can find your favourite wine and cheese.

Want to try classic Parisian dishes? The city boasts boeuf bourguignon, cassoulet, and souffle. If you’re feeling adventurous, escargot is on almost every menu in Paris!

Sport

Stade Français, the local rugby club, were founded in 1883 and play in the French Top 14, winning most recently in 2015.

Beyond rugby, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club play in Ligue 1, the Champions League and Coupe de France. Paris is also home to the French Open, played at Roland Garros, and to the Paris Marathon.

Scotland’s final Pool B brief is as tough as it could get, facing the world’s number one-ranked side Ireland in what could feasibly land as a winner-takes-all contest at the Stade de France, Paris.

Since Andy Farrell took over as head coach from Joe Schmidt in 2019, a team that had previously enjoyed success have kicked on even further, with a 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam to show for it.

Theirs is a squad brimming with proper Test experience, with centurions Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Cian Healy and Keith Earls all British & Irish Lions; Peter O’Mahony, not far off reaching 100 caps himself, is of the same calibre. This will be the last hurrah for Sexton and likely a host of other Irish rugby legends, who have shown that they still have the hunger, and ability, to compete against the very best teams in the world.

But Ireland’s stable of top talent isn’t confined to those boasting the most caps. Tadhg Furlong, the Leinster prop, is a generational player, whilst the same may be said in the coming years about back row Caelan Doris and James Ryan, the second row.

And in brilliant openside flanker Josh van der Flier, Ireland can also call upon the services of the most recent World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year.

Ireland’s back three boast a prodigious skillset, with wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe capable of all sorts of class.

In terms of Rugby World Cup pedigree, it’s perhaps the only area where Ireland have traditionally come up short. Yet to reach as much as a semi-final in all nine previous attempts, their 2015 exit to Argentina was probably the one that was marked as the best chance to do so.

Most recently, in Japan four years ago, Ireland blew Scotland away in their opener, before losing to hosts Japan, the result of which was a quarter-final against New Zealand, where the All Blacks put on a masterclass in a 46-14 victory.

Scotland have not tasted victory in this contest since a 27-22 win at Murrayfield in 2017, when Stuart Hogg grabbed a brace of tries to add to Alex Dunbar’s score, as Greig Laidlaw landed 12 points from the tee in typical fashion.

The sides may not be playing for the Centenary Quaich, which is on offer during Six Nations games between the pair, but the prize for winning September’s Rugby World Cup 2023 encounter is arguably more valuable to both.

With less than 50 places Nice and tickets selling fast, don’t miss your chance to enjoy pre-match build-up in style for Scotland v Tonga (24 September) in Nice.

Immerse yourself in the full Rugby World Cup experience with Scottish Rugby via Scottish Rugby Hospitality.

If you’re travelling to France for the 2023 Rugby World Cup we want to hear from you. Send us your travel pictures and videos via our social media channels to be featured in match coverage. More information to come.

HAVE YOU GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR TRIP TO FRANCE? 

If you are travelling to France for the Rugby World Cup, here’s some information for your journey. There are three key things you’ll need: a valid passport, an E/GHIC card and travel insurance.

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Renew your passport if you need to.

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to state-provided treatment as long as the treatment cannot wait until you return home. Any care provided is on the same terms as for French nationals, so if they would pay for some costs, so would you. If your EHIC has expired that’s not a problem. You can apply for a free GHIC before leaving the UK. Please find information on how to do so here.

You must also take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. An EHIC or GHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

Before you travel, check the UK Government’s France Travel Advice, which includes specific information for people travelling to the Rugby World Cup, entry requirements, local laws you should be aware of and how to get help in an emergency. The best way to stay up to date, especially if the situation changes, is by signing up for email alerts here.

Scottish Rugby would like to say thank you for all your support on the journey to this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

We hope you have enjoyed all the exclusive content from within Scotland camp as the men’s national team prepared for the challenge. This may be the final issue of The Roar, however, more exclusive World Cup content will be coming every Thursday evening throughout the tournament – so stay tuned.

Head Coach, Gregor Townsend Message:

“It’s just brilliant. Your support over The Famous Grouse Nations Series has been crucial in our World Cup preparations. If you are travelling to France to support the team thank you in advance, it means so much to us all. We will see you over the next few weeks and really hope you have the best time.”

Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille will host five pool fixtures this autumn: France v Uruguay, England v Chile, Scotland v Romania, England v Samoa, and Tonga v Romania.

This vibrant and historic city has cultural heritage with modern charm. Due to its closeness to the Belgian border, Lille blends French and Flemish influences.

Sights and Sounds

The heart of Lille is the Grand Place, with opulent Flemish buildings. Vieux Lille, the Old Town, boasts boutique shops, cobbled streets and cosy cafes, in contrast to the modern district of Euralille which features sleek skyscrapers, contemporary design and urban flair.

Aside from a plethora of green space, Lille is home to museums like Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine arts museums in France.

Cuisine 

Like the culture, Lille’s culinary background blends the French with the Flemish, creating hearty, flavourful cuisine. Traditional dishes include carbonade flamande (a beer-braised beef stew), moules-frites and a waffle-like treat called gaufre.

Throughout the city you can indulge in local cheeses, charcuterie and beers.

Sport 

Lille is home to Lille Metropole Rugby Club Villeneuvois (LMRCV), whose women’s team play in the top flight of French rugby. Scottish players like Helen Nelson, Jade Konkel-Roberts and Chloe Rollie have plied their trade there.

Lille OSC, the professional football team, play in Ligue 1 and Coupe de France. Lille is also host to stages of big-name cycling races like the Tour de France.

Scotland’s penultimate Pool B opponents at Rugby World Cup 2023 are Romania, a side with which they have a fair amount of tournament history, having met on three previous occasions. They play each other in Lille on Saturday 30 September.

The first of these previous meetings came in the inaugural Rugby World Cup, with Scotland recording a 55-28 win in Dunedin, New Zealand, containing a hat-trick from flanker John Jeffrey and eight conversions from nine through the boot of Gavin Hastings.

It would be 20 years before Scotland and Romania would be paired once more at a Rugby World Cup, with Murrayfield playing host to a 2007 pool stage match that witnessed another Scottish hat-trick, again from a breakaway forward, as Ally Hogg helped himself to three of six tries scored in a comfortable 42-0 win.

Four years later, it was a different story, and one which could have ended in severe Scottish disappointment were it not for a late brace of tries from Simon Danielli in Invercargill, again in New Zealand.

For Romania, 2023 represents a return to the Rugby World Cup arena having experienced a blemish on an otherwise perfect qualification record in 2019, after a furore around fielding ineligible players.

They almost reached the quarter-finals in 1991, a narrow 19-11 loss to Canada curtailing dreams of knock-out rugby.

The current generation doesn’t boast many household rugby names, but in back row skipper Mihai Macovei, Romania are led by a cap centurion and one who led them to a heartening third-place finish at the this year’s Rugby Europe Championship.

Of the 28 matches Romania have played in tournament history, a meagre tally of six victories suggests a tough competition lies in wait in a Pool containing four sides ranked above them, although that 2011 encounter, when they pushed Scotland all the way, will serve as warning that no team should be underestimated at a Rugby World Cup.

As official travel partner to Scottish Rugby, Sportsbreaks.com are offering fans the chance to win a once in a lifetime prize: tickets to Scotland v South Africa in Rugby World Cup 2023, with two night’s accommodation in Marseille.

Simply click HERE to enter and be in with a chance of winning.

Soak in the atmosphere of the eagerly awaited Rugby World Cup 2023 courtesy of Sportsbreaks.com.

After a victory over Italy to kick start The Famous Grouse Nations Series – as part of Scotland’s preparations before they fly out to Nice in the south of France ahead of their opening pool game – fans have the chance to come to Scottish Gas Murrayfield during the summer and watch the remaining two fixtures v France and Georgia.

Scotland v France: Saturday 5 August (kick-off 3.15pm)

Scotland v Georgia: Saturday 26 August (kick-off 5.30pm)

Subscribers to The Roar have a chance to win a pair of tickets to Scotland v Georgia in The Famous Grouse Nations Series. Simply answer the following question and the winner will be included in the next issue of The Roar.

Which France city will Scotland play their opening Rugby World Cup fixture against South Africa in?

A winner will be selected at random from all those who answer correctly and notified by email no later than Monday 21 August.

Complete the above competition form to be in with the chance to win two tickets to Scotland v Georgia in The Famous Grouse Nations Series. T&Cs apply below.

Terms and Conditions

1. This competition is open from 31/07/2023 to 20/08/2023 (midnight).

2. Winners will be drawn at random in front of an independent observer. If a winner is unable or unwilling to accept their prize or does not meet age requirements (18+), then no alternative will be offered, and subsequent draws will take place until a new winner is found.

3. Employees of Scottish Rugby, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this competition may not enter.

4. The prize is two tickets to Scotland v Georgia (Saturday 26 August).

5. Entry is by completing the competition form and correctly answering, Which French city will Scotland play their opening fixture against South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup? By completing the form, entrants will be deemed to have read and accepted these terms and to have consented to: a) competition entry; and b) the winner’s name and image being recorded and published for promotional purposes by Scottish Rugby or its authorised representatives. Should purchasers want to opt out of the competition, please email [email protected].

7. Scottish Rugby will not be responsible for: a) changes of date, venue or cancellation of a match; b) any inability of a winner to take up their prize. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to provide a substitute prize of similar value if a prize is unavailable for reasons beyond its control.

8. Scottish Rugby’s decision is final. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to refuse entry to, or refuse to award the prize to anyone in breach of these terms.

9. This competition is governed by Scots law and the Promoter is Scottish Rugby Union plc, BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ.

Last month we were delighted to confirm Scottish Rugby House is back for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy pre-match build-up in style for Scotland v South Africa (10 September) in Marseille and Scotland v Tonga (24 September) in Nice.

There is still time to secure your spot for both locations and immerse yourself in the full Rugby World Cup experience with Scottish Rugby HERE

We have received a variety of videos so far but there’s still time to send us your video and be involved in the biggest ever fan interaction video ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France!

How to get involved? 

1. Record a video of yourself passing a rugby ball left to right
2. Ensure the video is no larger than 50 MB
3. Submit your video via the form below
4. Come along to The Famous Grouse Nations Series at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and see yourself on the big screens ahead of kick off!

Now is your chance to be part of Scottish Rugby history! 

HAVE YOU GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR TRIP TO FRANCE? 

If you are travelling to France for the Rugby World Cup, here’s some information for your journey. There are three key things you’ll need: a valid passport, an E/GHIC card and travel insurance.

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Renew your passport if you need to.

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to state-provided treatment as long as the treatment cannot wait until you return home. Any care provided is on the same terms as for French nationals, so if they would pay for some costs, so would you. If your EHIC has expired that’s not a problem. You can apply for a free GHIC before leaving the UK. Please find information on how to do so here.

You must also take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. An EHIC or GHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

Before you travel, check the UK Government’s France Travel Advice, which includes specific information for people travelling to the Rugby World Cup, entry requirements, local laws you should be aware of and how to get help in an emergency. The best way to stay up to date, especially if the situation changes, is by signing up for email alerts here.

NICE – CITY GUIDE

Scotland will play Tonga at the Stade Nicois in Nice on Sunday 24 September.

The picturesque city of Nice will be Scotland’s home base throughout the Rugby World Cup. They will take on Tonga on Sunday 24 September at Stade Nicois, one of the greenest stadiums in Europe, which will also host Wales v Portugal, England v Japan, and Italy v Uruguay. It’s set to be the scene of some very exciting fixtures!

“Nissa la Bella” is known for its temperate climate, with sun 300 days a year and cosy temperatures throughout the autumn. The popular tourist destination has more museums than anywhere in France except Paris, as well as stunning architecture and lovely beaches. Nice is a popular destination for its culture, climate and coastline—and this autumn, the Rugby World Cup will draw in fans from across the globe. 

Sights and Sounds

Nestled between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Nice is home to sparkling beaches, cool woody parks and the famous seven-mile Promenade des Anglais. The stunning scenery and beautiful light have inspired painters such as Henri Matisse and Edvard Munch.

The city’s museums include Musee Matisse, Musee de Beaux-Arts and the Museum of Natural History. It is also culturally rich with religious buildings like the Notre-Dame de Nice, Nice Cathedral and Russian Orthodox Cathedral. A distinctive sound that you’ll notice each day is the twelve o’clock cannon, based at Chateau East and audible throughout the city. At different times of year, there are also famous festivals like the Carnival and Jazz Festival. 

Cuisine 

You can’t go to France without indulging in the local cuisine!

With fresh fish practically leaping from the water to your plate, seafood is a large part of Nice’s culinary landscape.

The city’s combination of Italian and French cuisine is a perfect Mediterranean blend, with local olive oil, anchovies and produce being an integral part of many dishes. Nice is also the birthplace of world-famous dishes like ratatouille, tapenade and salade Niçoise, as well as lesser-known delicacies like pissaladiére, an onion and anchovy pizza-like tart, and socca, a pancake made from chickpea flour.

Sport 

While this autumn will be all about rugby, Nice hosts and plays a variety of sports.

The local rugby club, Stade Nicois, play in Federale 1, and the main football club, OGC Nice, play in Ligue 1, France’s top division. Nice’s ice hockey team also plays in the top men’s division in France.

The annual cycling race Paris-Nice is known as the race to the sun, as it starts in early March in wintry Paris and ends in the sunny spring of Nice. 

Scotland’s second Pool B opponents at the 2023 Rugby World Cup are Tonga, with the sides meeting on Sunday 24 September – two weeks after Gregor Townsend’s squad open their campaign against South Africa.

The Tongan encounter will take place at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, where a more frequent scene shows Ligue 1 football outfit Nice host home matches.

The Pacific Islanders have featured at all but one Rugby World Cup (1991) and although they are yet to progress to the knockout stages, Tonga boasts some impressive players and equally notable past tournament highlights.

Chief amongst those would surely be their outstanding win in 2011 against eventual runners-up, France, in Wellington. A first half try from winger Sukanaivalu Hufanga laid the foundations, with fly-half Kurt Morath converting and adding four penalties as Tonga shocked the world in a 19-14 triumph.

It mattered little in the final standings of Pool A, but coupled with a handy 31-18 win over Japan, meant that Tonga qualified directly for the next Rugby World Cup.

Their most recent experience in the competition was a slightly disappointing one, although a 31-19 victory over USA in 2019’s final round of pool matches at least offered a positive ending to that tournament.

2023 might reflect the strongest squad that Tonga have taken to a Rugby World Cup in many years. Head coach Totai Kefu, a former Australian international who was part of the 1999 Webb Ellis Cup-winning squad, has been in his role since 2016 and has a stellar cast to call upon.

The names of Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala are former All Blacks of Tongan heritage and some repute – all three are integrated into the squad having served the mandatory time period since New Zealand recognition.

Israel Folau, a controversial yet supremely talented back, is also part of the 2023 Tonga set-up and adds more star power to an intriguing and explosive division.

Up front, Tonga possesses a number of mobile forwards who will be determined to break the gain line at every opportunity. Glasgow Warriors’ Sione Vailanu, who enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Scotstoun, is an obvious threat, as is back-row namesake Sione Havili, who is fresh from a title-winning Super Rugby season with Crusaders.

In terms of recent meetings between Scotland and Tonga, their last match took place at BT Murrayfield as part of the 2021 Autumn Nations Series, with the hosts tallying ten tries (with four alone from Kyle Steyn) in a 60-14 win.

Tonga will most probably offer a tougher test at this year’s Rugby World Cup by virtue of their marquee additions, with Scotland, South Africa, and Ireland all likely wary of the threat posed. A famous 2012 win at Pittodrie in Aberdeen, which saw Tonga claim Scotland’s scalp in a 22-15 success, is reason enough to assume that their presence in Pool B will be one not to be underestimated.

With the Rugby World Cup being played in France in just 3 months time, fans have the chance to come to BT Murrayfield during the summer and watch three Tests as part of Scotland’s preparations before they fly out to Nice in the south of France ahead of their opening pool game.

Scotland v Italy: Saturday 29 July (kick-off 3pm)

Scotland v France: Saturday 5 August (kick-off 3.15pm)

Scotland v Georgia: Saturday 26 August (kick-off 5.30pm)

Subscribers to The Roar have a chance to win a pair of tickets to Scotland v Italy in The Famous Grouse Nations Series. Simply answer the following question and the winner will be included in the next issue of The Roar.

Who do Scotland play in their first 2023 Rugby World Cup fixture?

A winner will be selected at random from all those who answer correctly and notified by email no later than Friday 21 July.

Good luck!

Complete the above competition form to be in with the chance to win two tickets to Scotland v Italy in The Famous Grouse Nations Series. T&Cs apply below.

Terms and Conditions

1. This competition is open from 30/06/2023 to 20/07/2023 (midnight).

2. Winners will be drawn at random in front of an independent observer. If a winner is unable or unwilling to accept their prize or does not meet age requirements (18+), then no alternative will be offered, and subsequent draws will take place until a new winner is found.

3. Employees of Scottish Rugby, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this competition may not enter.

4. The prize is two tickets to Scotland v Italy (Saturday 29 July).

5. Entry is by completing the competition form and correctly answering, Who do Scotland play in their first 2023 Rugby World Cup fixture? By completing the form, entrants will be deemed to have read and accepted these terms and to have consented to: a) competition entry; and b) the winner’s name and image being recorded and published for promotional purposes by Scottish Rugby or its authorised representatives. Should purchasers want to opt out of the competition, please email [email protected].

7. Scottish Rugby will not be responsible for: a) changes of date, venue or cancellation of a match; b) any inability of a winner to take up their prize. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to provide a substitute prize of similar value if a prize is unavailable for reasons beyond its control.

8. Scottish Rugby’s decision is final. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to refuse entry to, or refuse to award the prize to anyone in breach of these terms.

9. This competition is governed by Scots law and the Promoter is Scottish Rugby Union plc, BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ.

Last month we were delighted to confirm Scottish Rugby House is back for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Be there and enjoy pre-match build-up in style for Scotland v South Africa (10 September) in Marseille and Scotland v Tonga (24 September) in Nice.

We are now in a position to confirm tickets will go on sale for both locations exclusively to those who have registered their interest via the form below 24 hours before the general sale. 

This is your final chance to register for pre-sale access. More information and ticketing details will be available week commencing 10 July and if you’re interested in attending Scottish Rugby House in France, please register your interest here.

MARSEILLE – CITY GUIDE

Scotland will play South Africa at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Sunday 10 September.

As France’s second-largest city, or commune, Marseille has a rich history as a strategic and cultural cornerstone of the country’s past and boasts a strong sporting heritage as well.

As well as staging Scotland’s first match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup at Stade Velodrome, Marseille is playing host to several other matches in the competition, namely pool stages fixtures between England and Argentina, France and Namibia, and two quarter-final encounters.

Situated on the idyllic south coast of the Provence region, Marseille sits in a temperate climate which enjoys year-round warmth – the city has the most hours of sunshine per year in the whole of France.

CULINARY INDULGEMENTS

Marseille, like any French location, prides itself on the cuisine with which we associate the country.

Being a port city, seafood is readily available year-round and constitutes the majority of dishes associated with Marseille. Fish markets, situated around the Quai des Belges, offer an incredible array of sea food, and it’s no surprise that much of the local delicacies centre on such fare.

In particular, the city is the birthplace of Bouillabaisse, a fish soup made from local delights of the sea – an authentic Bouillabaisse can only come from Marseille, the locals will tell you.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Marseille is peppered with cultural staples, with museums and cathedrals abundant in a city so rich with history. Indeed, there are more than 10 museums alone, concentrating on a range of themes, from the Roman era to modern art.

The Ópera Municipal is one of Marseille’s most iconic cultural jewels. A post-Revolution creation, the building continues to represent the city’s most revered performers, and the Ballet national de Marseille has staged a production on the site since the 1970s.

THE NAME IN THE ANTHEM

La Marseillaise, arguably the most melodic national anthem going, has its etymological roots steeped in the city of Marseille. The original piece, created in the late 1700s, became known by its current moniker during the French Revolution when hordes travelled to Paris from Marseille singing it in support of the change that would envelop France until the end of that century. La Marseillaise was decreed the national anthem in 1795.

SPORT

Rugby is not the premier source of local adulation; that is reserved for the Ligue 1 football team Olympique de Marseille, whose success domestically has seen them land nine French championships and a glut of cup competitions.

But perhaps the most famous, and controversial, titles won by Olympique de Marseille was the 1993 Champions League. Having lost to Red Star Belgrade in the final two years before, the determination to lift Europe’s biggest club trophy saw Basile Boli’s goal defeat Milan 1-0 in a Munich final that had huge post-celebratory implications.

Olympique de Marseille were investigated on match fixing grounds and relegated, as well as stripped of their domestic titles, although the scandal never affected their European glory.

In terms of rugby, perhaps surprisingly for such a large city, Marseille does not have a premier rugby team, although other sports thrive in the city, particularly sailing and pétanque, the bowls-esque game which is synonymous with Marseille.

Scotland’s opening match at this year’s Rugby World Cup sees them face defending champions South Africa in Marseille, on Sunday 10 September.

The Springboks have a formidable record in the competition, their three titles (1995, 2007, 2019) are matched only by the All Blacks (1987, 2011, 2015). They defeated England in the final in Japan four years ago in memorable style, scoring late tries through Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe en route to a 32-12 victory.

Scotland have met South Africa at two previous Rugby World Cups: in 1999, an entertaining group match at Murrayfield saw the Springboks run out 46-29 winners in an eight-try thriller; and in 2015, the sides met at St James’ Park in Newcastle, with the Bokke earning a 34-16 success, again during the pool stage.

Most recently, South Africa came to BT Murrayfield as part of the 2021 Autumn Internationals, delivering a controlled and clinical display in a 30-15 win. Scotland’s last success in the fixture came in 2010, when a virtuoso Dan Picks kicking display landed all the hosts’ points in a 21-17 success at Murrayfield.

South Africa’s third Rugby World Cup defence is something they usually peak for in the rugby calendar. Their 2019 story was one of hope rather than expectation but four years later, and with a group of players largely unchanged from Japan, they go in as one of the undoubted favourites.

Head coach Jacques Nienaber has inherited the squad so brilliantly coached by Rassie Erasmus before – Erasmus took over the reins only a year before the last Rugby World Cup but delivered the crown that every side so desperately craves. Now back in the Director of Rugby role he occupied pre-2018, South Africa’s is a squad built in his image.

The key players remain the same, too. Handre Pollard, the mercurial stand-off, makes the Springboks tick although injury concerns abound. A fair cohort of South African stars have been playing their trade in Japan during the Rugby World Cup cycle, with instrumental figures such as Faf de Klerk (scrum-half), Pieter-Steph du Toit (utility back-five forward and 2019 World Player of the Year) and the ever-classy full-back Willie Le Roux just three big names to have taken sabbatical in the Far East since the glory of 2019.

Iconic captain of that last triumph, Siya Kolisi, will join French side Racing 92 after the tournament, with the possibility of making that move to Paris on the back of becoming the first South African to lead his country to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles.

Follow Scotland at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France with Sportsbreaks.com!

They’ve got you sorted for your ticket and accommodation so you can enjoy a hassle-free unforgettable tournament!

Find out more by visiting sportsbreaks.com now.

With the Rugby World Cup being played in France from early September to the end of October, fans have the chance to come to BT Murrayfield during the summer and watch three Tests as part of Scotland’s preparations before they fly out to Nice in the south of France ahead of their opening pool game.

Scotland v Italy: Saturday 29 July (kick-off 3pm)

Scotland v France: Saturday 5 August (kick-off 3.15pm)

Scotland v Georgia: Saturday 26 August (kick-off 5.30pm)

Subscribers to The Roar have a chance to win a pair of tickets to all three matches in The Famous Grouse Nations Series. Simply answer the following question and the winner will be included in the next issue of The Roar.

Which Scotland Centurion announced that he will retire following this year’s Rugby World Cup?

A winner will be selected at random from all those who answer correctly and notified by email no later than Friday 30 June.

Good luck!

Complete the above competition form to be in with the chance to win The Famous Grouse Nations Series Three-Match Package. T&Cs apply below.

Terms and Conditions

1. This competition is open from 31/05/2023 to 30/06/2023 (midnight).

2. Winners will be drawn at random in front of an independent observer. If a winner is unable or unwilling to accept their prize or does not meet age requirements (18+), then no alternative will be offered, and subsequent draws will take place until a new winner is found.

3. Employees of Scottish Rugby, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this competition may not enter.

4. The prize is The Famous Grouse Nations Series three-match package.

5. Entry is by completing the competition form and correctly answering, Which Scotland Centurion announced his retirement following the 2023 Rugby World Cup? By completing the form, entrants will be deemed to have read and accepted these terms and to have consented to: a) competition entry; and b) the winner’s name and image being recorded and published for promotional purposes by Scottish Rugby or its authorised representatives. Should purchasers want to opt out of the competition, please email [email protected].

7. Scottish Rugby will not be responsible for: a) changes of date, venue or cancellation of a match; b) any inability of a winner to take up their prize. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to provide a substitute prize of similar value if a prize is unavailable for reasons beyond its control.

8. Scottish Rugby’s decision is final. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to refuse entry to, or refuse to award the prize to anyone in breach of these terms.

9. This competition is governed by Scots law and the Promoter is Scottish Rugby Union plc, BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ.

If you’re lucky enough to be going to France to follow Scotland at the Rugby World Cup later this year, you may be interested to know that the Scottish Rugby House will once again be opening its doors.

We can now confirm Scottish Rugby House will be in Marseille for the South Africa fixture and Nice for Scotland’s match against Tonga.

More information and ticketing details will be available in the coming weeks and if you’re interested in attending Scottish Rugby House in France, please register your interest here to receive details and get access to tickets before anyone else.

Why the longest pass?

Having started the project during the 2022 Autumn Nation Series our aim is to create the biggest ever fan interaction video with the longest pass ever ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Take a look at a selection of the first passes already made!

How to get involved? 

1. Record a video of yourself passing a rugby ball left to right
2. Ensure the video is no larger than 50 MB
3. Submit your video below
4. Watch out for the mini series coming your way as our team begin to stitch the videos together
5. And if you’re coming along to any of The Famous Grouse Nation Series matches at BT Murrayfield this summer look out for your pass on the big screens ahead of kick-off!

Scotland will have to be at their best to emerge from Rugby World Cup Pool B, already being dubbed by fans and pundits alike as the “Pool of Death.” Only two of the five teams can make it through to the knock-out stages and so to reach the quarter-finals they will need to beat defending champions, South Africa and/or current number one team in the world and new Grand Slam champions, Ireland in addition to Romania. Let’s take a look at our Pool B opponents.

South Africa 

Scotland open their Rugby World Cup campaign in the south of France, against South Africa on Sunday 10 September (KO 4.45pm/5.45pm local) at Stade Vélodrome, Marseille. 

The defending champions defeated England 32-12 in the final four years ago in Japan, but have since then fallen to fourth place in the world rankings, losing to Ireland, France, New Zealand, Australia and Wales in the last 12 months. The last time Scotland played the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup was in Newcastle in 2015, when South Africa took the win 34-16. However, Scotland’s recent performances have taken them to fifth place in the world ranking, just one below their opening Pool opponents. What a prospect is in store!

Tonga

Scotland will then enjoy a two week break to recover from what will surely be a physical encounter, before they take on Tonga at Stade de Nice on Sunday 24 September (KO 4:45pm/5:45pm local). 

Currently ranked 15th in the world, the “Sea Eagles” have taken part in every Rugby World Cup since 1995 and qualified for this year’s tournament by beating Hong Kong 44-22 in the Asia/Pacific Play-off in Australia last July. Although the Tongans recorded a famous win against Scotland in Aberdeen in 2012, the time the two teams met, in the opening 2021 Autumn Nations Series game at BT Murrayfield, the Scots ran out 60-14 winners, with Kyle Steyn scoring four tries.  

Romania  

Scotland only have a six-day turnaround between their game against Tonga and the one against Romania, at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, on Saturday 30 September (KO 8pm/9pm local).

Romania, ranked 19th in the world, qualified for this year’s Rugby World Cup through a second-place finish in the Rugby Europe qualifiers, behind Georgia. “The Oaks” have competed in every Rugby World Cup except 2019 in Japan, so will be looking to prove themselves once more on the world’s biggest stage. Scotland and Romania have found themselves in the same pool in three previous Rugby World Cups, with Scotland taking the victory on each occasion, most recently 34-24 in New Zealand in 2011. In their last outing in 2015, the Romanians pulled off the biggest comeback in the tournament’s history when they came from 15-0 down against Canada with half an hour to go, to score 17 unanswered points and take the win with a late penalty.

Ireland   

A week after the Tonga game, Scotland travel to Paris to take on Ireland at the iconic Stade de France (Saturday 7 October, KO 8pm/9pm local).

Ireland are in a rich vein of form. They won a series in New Zealand last summer, beating the hosts twice, and have won every game since, including South Africa and Australia before beating France, England, Scotland, Wales and Italy on their way to the Grand Slam. Scotland have not won this fixture since 2017 (although they came close in 2021, losing by only three points) and although Ireland are currently the number one side in the World Rugby rankings, they have historically underperformed in the Rugby World Cup. 

Jamie Ritchie on Guinness Six Nations campaign and 2023 Summer Tests

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie spoke exclusively to The Roar following the conclusion of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, which saw Scotland beat England, Wales and Italy to finish third in the table.

On England

“The win at Twickenham gave us loads of confidence. It was something we looked at before the Italy game, we started really well against Ireland and we finished really well against England, so we know it’s something we can do. We looked to start and finish the game well against Italy, which we did.

“We aspire to put an eighty-minute performance together. We showed during the tournament that we can cause the best teams problems and if we can do that for eighty minutes we should start coming out on the right side of results.”

On Wales

“It was great to get the monkey off the back with the win against Wales at BT Murrayfield. The most frustrating thing about the Wales games in the past is we hadn’t played well. I think we played really well in that game and that’s something we’re proud of.”

On France

“The France game feels like the one that got away. I think giving them a 19-point head start didn’t help that, but for us it’s making sure we go at them from the get-go. We probably gave them a bit too much momentum in the first part of the game.”

On Ireland

“Our defence is something we’ve pride ourselves on over the last few years. We were the only team who stopped Ireland getting a bonus-point and we can take some consolation from that. It is something we’ve concentrated on and often big games are won by defence and it’s something we look to work on.”

On Italy

“It was a good five-point victory against Italy. I thought we started both halves really well and put them under a lot of pressure in the first-half. We knew they’d come and put us under pressure at some point in the game and I think you saw that for the middle part of the second-half. This is the best Italy team I’ve certainly come up against and a lot of us have ever seen, so credit to them. They probably deserved more out of the tournament as a whole but we were delighted with the victory.”

On the 2023 Summer Tests

“The four games we play in the summer are massively important for us. I’d imagine there will be some rotation, so guys will get opportunities to put their hands up, but it’ll be good to get some match fitness before the Rugby World Cup.

“The opposition we’re playing will prepare us well for the games we’ve got coming up at the Rugby World Cup. In terms of France and their physicality, we’ve got South Africa in our group and teams who like to hold the ball like Italy and play like Ireland, so those are the games that we’ll be looking to get ready for.

“Italy are a team who like to hold the ball, a new style of play which they come with now. So for us it is about how we apply pressure to get it back and when we do it have it, retain it. There were times when are discipline wasn’t great and we were giving them opportunities to come into our half, so that’s something we’ll look to work on going into the Summer Tests.”

Who were Scotland’s two top try-scorers in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations?

This competition is now closed and Matthew Hill was selected as Issue 1’s winner – congratulations Matt!

Complete the above competition form to be in with the chance to win a Summer Test Three-Match Package. T&Cs apply below.

Terms and Conditions

1. This competition is open from 28/03/2023 to 16/04/2023 (midnight).

2. Winners will be drawn at random in front of an independent observer. If a winner is unable or unwilling to accept their prize or does not meet age requirements (18+), then no alternative will be offered, and subsequent draws will take place until a new winner is found.

3. Employees of Scottish Rugby, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this competition may not enter.

4. The prize is a Summer Test three-match package.

5. Entry is by completing the competition form and correctly answering, Who were Scotland’s two top try-scorers in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations?  By completing the form, entrants will be deemed to have read and accepted these terms and to have consented to: a) competition entry; and b) the winner’s name and image being recorded and published for promotional purposes by Scottish Rugby or its authorised representatives. Should purchasers want to opt out of the competition, please email [email protected].

7. Scottish Rugby will not be responsible for: a) changes of date, venue or cancellation of a match; b) any inability of a winner to take up their prize. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to provide a substitute prize of similar value if a prize is unavailable for reasons beyond its control.

8. Scottish Rugby’s decision is final. Scottish Rugby reserves the right to refuse entry to, or refuse to award the prize to anyone in breach of these terms.

9. This competition is governed by Scots law and the Promoter is Scottish Rugby Union plc, BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ.

If you’re one of the lucky ones planning to go to France and follow Scotland at the Rugby World Cup later this year, you may be interested to know that the Scottish Rugby House will once again be opening its doors. Introduced at Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, and continued in Japan four years later, Scottish Rugby House is the home from home for Scotland fans around the world.

Plans are currently being finalised and we hope to share details of where we’ll be hosting and how to book your places there. If you’re interested in attending Scottish Rugby House in France please register your interest here: