World Cup chiefs 'well prepared' for safety threats in France

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin says tournament organisers are "well prepared" to deal with any protests or safety threats at the World Cup in France.

More than 600,000 international visitors – a World Cup record and 50% more than for Japan 2019 – are expected to attend the event in September and October.

Ticket sales currently stand at almost 2.5million as the biggest Rugby World Cup tournament in its 36-year history prepares to take centre stage.

Protests across France over pension reforms earlier this month saw almost 300 people arrested and more than 100 police officers injured.

Football's European governing body UEFA, meanwhile, brought in new measures to improve safeguards for fans attending finals in the wake of last season’s Champions League fiasco.

UEFA drew on recommendations from an independent review panel into chaotic scenes at the Stade de France in Paris which saw Liverpool supporters suffer serious congestion problems and over-zealous policing.

And Just Stop Oil protestors invaded the pitch during Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final at Twickenham, throwing orange paint powder on to the field.

The World Cup kicks off at the Stade de France on 8 September with a blockbuster opener between France and New Zealand, launching a 48-match schedule involving 20 countries.

Ireland begin their campaign against Romania in Bordeaux one day later.

"Like every major event, we are planning all the time for such a wide range of different scenarios, and protests of any nature are certainly part of that," said Gilpin, speaking with 100 days to go before the tournament starts.

"Of course, it is an area of challenging concern, but it is an area we are planning for, and like all of those scenarios we are working incredibly