Bok legend 'Beast' helps kick off Rugby World Cup celebrations in France

Renowned former Springbok prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira arrived in Paris this week to officially pass on the Webb Ellis Cup from world champions South Africa to Rugby World Cup hosts France.

Mtawarira, who was part of the Springbok team that triumphed at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, landed in France to help kick off the country-wide celebrations marking 100 days until the start of the 2023 tournament.

The 37-year-old, who amassed 117 caps from 2008 to 2019, was warmly received by World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont and Jacques Rivoal, the chairman of France 2023, at Charles de Gaulle airport.

Mtawarira, who amassed 117 caps from 2008 to 2019, participated in various activities in Paris alongside the trophy on Wednesday.

The day's events culminated in a spectacular light show that transformed the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as Mtawarira placed the Webb Ellis Cup on top of the famous monument.

"Things kicked off when Tendai Mtawarira arrived with the Webb Ellis Cup in France, passing the cup from the champions to the hosts, putting the cup back up for contention for Rugby World Cup," said World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin.

"These activities in themselves, never mind the tournament, have taken a lot of planning and that is a testament to the great partnership that we have got with the France 2023 organising committee, with the French rugby federation and with the French government.

"We are all driven by the common objective of really highlighting and celebrating what is going to be an incredible Rugby World Cup."

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "With 100 days to go, we are confident that Rugby World Cup 2023 is excellently placed to be the greatest celebration of rugby and togetherness, a fitting way to mark 200 years of rugby.

"Across the 10 host cities and around the world, excitement is at fever pitch. From ticket sales to international visitors, records are tumbling and there is a genuine air of expectation as to which nation will ultimately lift the biggest prize in men's rugby, the Webb Ellis Cup. I can't wait!"

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber added: "The last four years have passed by at a rapid pace and it is almost surreal that we are 100 days out from Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Given the meticulous planning by the organisers and the fantastic stadiums and facilities in the host cities, we believe it will be a memorable Rugby World Cup for the participating teams and fans attending the event. The competition among the top sides in the world is intense, and we know that we need to be at our best in each match to be in contention to defend the title."

More than 600,000 international visitors are expected to join the celebrations in France, a record for a Rugby World Cup.

Tickets sold in record time with all available tickets sold a year out and France 2023 is on set to break the RWC 2015 attendance record.

Meanwhile, Rugby World Cup 2023's host cities have started unveiling Rugby Villages, celebration areas in the heart of each city, where fans from France and around the world can experience Rugby World Cup 2023 together.

Hosting up to 40,000 people, Rugby Villages will be open to all with free admission, offering a unique programme of activities, including live coverage of Rugby World Cup 2023 matches, live music, food and beverage, rugby activities, cultural events and children's zones. Hosts will announce their complete schedules in the coming weeks.