Overview

• The French Court of Accounts report highlights major oversight failures by the French Rugby Federation and government during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
• Financial losses from the tournament are estimated between €19.2 million and €28.9 million, contradicting initial projections of profitability.
• Claude Atcher, the event's initial organizing committee head, was criticized for management issues that contributed to the financial shortfall.
• The report underscores the lack of clear government guidelines for supporting international sports events, raising concerns for future competitions.
• Despite financial losses, the tournament was celebrated as a public, media, and sporting success, benefiting international rugby more than French organizers.