[imagesource:twitter/rwc2023]

Bok legend, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, landed in France on Tuesday to hand over the Webb Ellis Cup trophy to the organisers of this year’s tournament.

As the reigning champions, the gesture puts the trophy back up for grabs as the world’s teams prepare to battle it out on the pitch for their turn to hold the famous cup.

The 37-year-old 2019 World Cup winner arrived in France just hours before Wednesday’s 100 days to go celebrations kicked off across the country. He was met at the airport by World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont and Jacques Rivoal, the France 2023 chairman.

What an honor to travel with the World Cup to Paris. Thank you for the privilege, @France2023 @WorldRugby . https://t.co/xdecVKtPgP

— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) May 31, 2023

The tournament runs from 8 September until 28 October, with France playing New Zealand in the opening game.

The countdown starts .#RWC2023 | #100DTG

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) May 31, 2023

More than 600 000 international travellers are expected to head to nine host cities across France for the eight-week showpiece with tickets for all games sold out far in advance.

This will then be the last time a Springbok hands anything over in France. From here on out, the boys are there to take, so the French better keep the trophy safe while we deal with the rest of the world’s teams.

[source:news24]