Concorde Rugby Village during the broadcast of the opening match of the France-New Zealand Rugby World Cup on 8 September, 2023. Photo: Stephane Mouchmouche / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP
From the outside looking in, it appears as though the city of Paris is buzzing with excitement surrounding the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Whether it was a quick scroll through the news sports section or the screaming fans on your mates Instagram story who was lucky enough to be at the games - it was easy to believe the entire city has brought into rugby fever.
Fans from all over the globe have descended on France to get a taste of the action over the past few weeks.
With eight knock-out matches still to go, World Rugby and France 2023 have already announced record-breaking numbers as match attendance has reached 1.8 million, surpassing the 1.7 million total for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
But how keen were the Parisians on joining in on the festivities?
Arnaud Dumas is a French rugby fan originating from Lyon but has lived in Paris for three years.
"I went to the Ireland and South Africa game and the atmosphere at the stadium was crazy. The energy on the train to and from the game was pretty cool too," Dumas said.
Despite enjoying the game day festivities, Dumas admitted the Rugby World Cup has not had a noticeable impact on the city itself as it was mostly isolated to rugby fans getting amongst the action rather than the general public.
"I haven't noticed any change in the city, Paris is always busy and full of tourists. The fan zone is very busy though, especially when France plays. That's when it's at its best."
Dumas said he was interested to see how Parisians get behind the team if they win the quarter-final over South Africa this weekend.
RNZ's digital sports reporter Jamie Wall was in Paris for the opening match between France and New Zealand and said you would not know there was a World Cup being hosted in the city.
"Outside of that game day, I didn't see anyone in the streets wearing team jerseys or much that would actually tell you there was a World Cup happening other than the fan zone, or on the day of the game. But Paris is a very big city, there is a lot going on."
RNZ's Jamie Wall at Stade de France Photo: supplied
However, not everyone was of the same opinion. Raffaele Del Castello is from Italy but has called Paris home for the past six years. Despite his confession that he does not like rugby all that much, he said he was loving the excitement it has brought to the city.
"The atmosphere in Paris is for sure different since the beginning of the World Cup. I would say the whole city has gotten involved, especially when France is playing," Del Castello said.
"Most bars show all games during the day and night and during big matches you can see all the supporters out in the streets. When France is playing, most people I know go and watch it in a bar.
"I haven't been to any of the games at the stadium, but I've watched a few at the bars mostly for the atmosphere you get."
Raffaele Del Castello celebrating Italy winning the UEFA European Championship in 2021. Photo: supplied
Depending on who you ask, the 2023 Rugby World Cup has either been a non event, or it has been a spectacle that has spread energy and excitement throughout a predominantly football-oriented city.
Either way, no one can deny that this weekend's quarter-final showdowns will be a knock-out round for the ages.
