Without wishing to spoil the tournament before the opening game in Paris, it looks like Antoine Dupont and France can go ahead and celebrate winning the 2023 World Cup.
That’s if legendary referee Nigel Owens predictions are anything to go by after he assessed the chances of the big teams gearing up for the global showpiece next September.
The tournament is set to kick off officially on September 8th, with the vast majority of rugby fans already looking forward to next year’s edition.
In an interview with World Rugby, Owens tipped France to finally win the World Cup following three previous final appearances in 1987,1999 and 2011.
Making an early prediction, Owens said: “I would say France. I can’t see anybody beating them right now, especially in Paris.”
Nigel Owens facts:
- Owens started refereeing in 1987, after his sports teacher John Beynon suggested he take up refereeing after a school game
- Scarlets and Wales U20 centre Ioan Nicholas is the cousin of the top referee
- The Welshman supports National League side Wrexham
- He currently holds the world record for the most test matches refereed
- n May 2007, Owens publicly came out as gay in an interview with Wales on Sunday
He’s actually blocked me” – Three rugby players Nigel Owens simply cannot stand
Popular referee Nigel Owens has built his reputation on being one of the nicest guys in rugby who seems to get on with almost everyone.
However, that’s not the case with these three players with the famous whistleblower getting into high-profile spats with them down the years.
#1. Israel Folau
Owens, who came out as gay in 2007, spoke to the BBC about Israel Folau being sacked for his homophobic views, saying: “It is an important message from the Australian Rugby Union, who I think have dealt with it properly in the only way that they could.
“It is a clear message going out to people that there are consequences for expressing those beliefs, which are very, very hurtful and not acceptable in today’s society.
“Rugby is a sport inclusive for all, which means I can be a part of the sport. When you’re in that sport you must respect other people within that sport.’
He added: ‘I cannot choose my sexuality; I can choose what religion I follow, I can choose what kind of person I am — I’m a good person — what sport I play. There are many, many things I can choose in life but my sexuality is not one of them, that’s what I’d like them to understand”