Huge loss despite Rugby World Cup success

"Major failures" in the French government's oversight of the 2023 Rugby World Cup led to heavy losses and left the French Rugby Federation (FFR) in financial difficulties, the state's audit watchdog said on April 8.

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PARIS -

The French Court of Accounts pointed the finger at the first head of the organising committee, Claude Atcher.

But it also said the FFR and the government had to bear some responsibility "because of major failures in the control they should have exercised over the organising committee".

Despite promises that the tournament would generate big profits, it led to heavy financial losses, especially for the FFR.

"Everyone won, except the (French) organisers," the court's president Pierre Moscovici said at a press conference.

The tournament was an "undeniable success with the public, the media and in a sporting sense", but generated financial losses which could reach up to nearly €29 million (S$43.1 million) once related legal cases have been resolved.