Rugby World Cup arrives with a bang as Stade de France is lit up with fireworks and 240 volunteers put on a show in opening ceremony… but President Emmanuel Macron is BOOED
Rugby World Cup comes with a bang as Stade de France is lit up with fireworks and 240 volunteers put on a show at the opening ceremony… but President Emmanuel Macron is booed
The Rugby World Cup kicked off with an extravagant opening ceremony at the Stade de France, ahead of the host nation’s match with New Zealand.
Fans were treated to a boisterous and special show steeped in French culture, with a giant replica of the Eiffel Tower in the center of the stadium, a flyover in the colors of their flag and a baguette disguised as a rugby ball.
Fireworks rang out from the sky and 240 volunteers performed to announce the arrival of a tournament that will last until October 28.
French President Emmanuel Macron was greeted with many boos as he took the stage to deliver a speech.
However, those boos soon turned into chants of ‘Allez les Bleus’ as he declared: ‘I wish you all a fantastic World Cup in France, full of courage and panache… The time has come. I now declare the Rugby World Cup open!’
A gigantic replica of the Eiffel Tower was built in the middle of the Stade de France, a vibrant showcase of French culture
A performance by approximately 240 volunteers entertained fans as the show built to a crescendo
President Emmanuel Macron gave a speech but was initially booed by spectators
The ceremony began with actor Jean Dujardin making his way with a stack of baguettes on a wooden device and handing them out to several people as traditional French music played.
What followed was a dance and a love story, when Dujardin saw a lady in pink walking around the floor.
Prominent French singer Vianney also made an appearance and Zaz sang to soundtrack a couples dance, with Dujardin enjoying a round with his new love.
There was even William Webb Ellis, long credited as the inventor of rugby, who gave a speech about the sport in a supposed projection of his.
The performers gathered in a scrum and the impressive model of the Eiffel Tower was placed in the center of the stadium.
As the music built to a crescendo, fireworks erupted from the ground and the tricolor flag was raised over the stadium as planes buzzed overhead.
The flag of each competing country was on display to represent the teams competing to be back in Paris at the end of October.
Actor Jean Dujardin was the central figure in a carefully choreographed performance
Zaz sang a traditional French song as actors and actresses danced to her tune
Performers formed the biggest scrum you’ll see this World Cup as the show progressed
Dujardin soared in the air as the outskirts of Paris became the heart of world rugby
Rugby fever was in full swing among those who had secured tickets, and many fans were in costume