France: Fueling the 2025 Rugby World Cup Workforce

BREAKING NEWS: France Unveils Squad for Rugby World Cup Preparations, Eyes Redemption After Near Miss

Exeter, UK – The French women’s rugby team, frequently enough referred to as “les Bleues,” is gearing up for a crucial period of planning, with a series of high-stakes matches leading into the next Rugby World Cup cycle. This strategic lineup aims to build on their recent near-miss in the previous World Cup held in New Zealand, where they narrowly lost to the formidable Black Ferns in the semi-finals before securing a commanding victory over Canada for third place.

The Road to 2025: A Challenging Schedule

France will kick off their preparatory matches with a significant fixture against the United States on August 24th. Following this, they are set to face Italy in Exeter on August 31st. The intensity ramps up in September as Les Bleues take on formidable opponents Brazil on September 7th, and then South Africa on september 14th in Northampton. These encounters are vital for testing the squad’s mettle, refining tactics, and fostering team cohesion against diverse international styles of play.

evergreen Insight: Building a prosperous international rugby programme is a marathon, not a sprint. The consistency and quality of these preparatory matches are crucial for developing the depth and resilience needed to compete at the highest level year after year. The focus isn’t just on individual games, but on the cumulative growth and learning that occurs through facing varied opposition.

France’s Elite Talent Pool: The Squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup Campaign

The coaching staff has announced a strong contingent of players, showcasing a blend of established stars and emerging talent. This declaration provides a clear indication of the Red Roses’ ambition and the caliber of athletes being nurtured for future success. The squad is structured to reflect the demanding nature of modern rugby, with a clear breakdown across the forward and three-quarter lines.

Forwards:

Makarita Baleinadogo (Stade bordelais)
Rose Bernadou (Montpellier HR)
Axelle Berthoumieu (Blagnac RF)
Manon Bigot (Blagnac RF)
Yllana Brosseau (stade bordelais)
Léa Champon (FC Grenoble Amazones)
Khoudedia Cissokho (Stade Bordelais)
Annaëlle Deshaye (Stade Bordelais)
Charlotte Escudero (Stade toulousain)
Madoussou Fall Raclot (stade Bordelais)
Meneh (FC Grenoble Amazones)
Befi Fulau (FC Grenoble Amazones)
Agathe Gérin (Stade Bordelais)
Hina ikahehegi (Stade Villeneuvois)
Assia Khalfaoui (Stade Bordelais)
taïna Maka (FC Grenoble Amazones)
Marie Morland (LOU Rugby)
Séraphine Okemba (LOU rugby)
Élisa Riffonneau (FC Grenoble Amazones)

Three-Quarters:

Kelly Arbey (Stade Toulousain)
Carla Arbez (Stade Bordelais)
Émilie Boulard (Blagnac RF)
Pauline Bourdon sansus (stade Toulousain)
Morgane Bourgeois (Stade Bordelais)
Alexandra Chambon (FC Grenoble Amazones)
Joanna GREEK (Stade Bordelais)
Nassira konde (Stade Bordelais)
Marine Ménager (Montpellier HR)
Carla Neisen (Blagnac RF)
Lina Queyroi (Stade Toulousain)
Lina Tuy (ASM Romagna)
Gabrielle Vernier (Blagnac RF)

Evergreen Insight: The extensive list of clubs from which these players hail highlights the robust domestic rugby structure in France. A broad base of strong club environments is essential for identifying, developing, and nurturing international talent.The inclusion of “discoverer clubs” (indicated in parentheses in some versions of the article but omitted here for conciseness) further emphasizes the grassroots development that underpins national team success. This focus on player pathways ensures a enduring pipeline of talent for years to come.

How will the “Plan Compétences” initiative specifically address the identified skills gaps for the 2025 Rugby World Cup?

the Scale of the Challenge: Workforce Demands

The 2025 Rugby World Cup in France isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a massive logistical undertaking.Successfully hosting this global tournament requires a considerable and skilled workforce, spanning numerous roles. estimates suggest over 60,000 temporary positions will be needed, encompassing everything from event management and security to hospitality and transportation.This demand presents both a notable opportunity and a complex challenge for the French labor market. Key areas experiencing the highest demand include:

Event Operations: Stewards, ushers, ticketing personnel, and information desk staff.

Hospitality: Chefs, servers, bartenders, hotel staff, and catering professionals.

Security: Security guards,crowd control specialists,and emergency medical personnel.

Transportation: Drivers, logistics coordinators, and public transport staff.

Media & Broadcasting: Technicians, journalists, and support staff.

Government Initiatives & Workforce development programs

The French government, recognizing the scale of the workforce needs, has implemented several initiatives to prepare for the tournament. These programs focus on upskilling, reskilling, and attracting talent to fill critical roles.

“Plan Compétences” (Skills Plan): A national initiative aimed at identifying skills gaps and providing targeted training programs. this includes specific courses tailored to the needs of the Rugby World Cup, such as event security and hospitality management.

Partnerships with Vocational schools: Collaboration between the government and vocational training institutions to develop specialized curricula and offer apprenticeships in relevant fields.

Job Fairs & Recruitment Drives: Nationwide job fairs and online recruitment platforms dedicated to filling Rugby World Cup positions. These events prioritize connecting job seekers with employers.

Focus on Youth Employment: Programs designed to encourage young people to participate in the workforce, offering opportunities for first-time employment and skill development.

Addressing Skills Gaps: key Training Areas

Several specific skills gaps have been identified as critical to the success of the tournament. Targeted training programs are being developed to address these needs:

language Skills: With international visitors expected in large numbers, proficiency in English and other languages is crucial for hospitality and customer service roles.

Digital Literacy: Manny roles require basic digital skills, including using ticketing systems, point-of-sale devices, and interaction platforms.

Security Protocols: Thorough training in event security, crowd management, and emergency response procedures is essential for ensuring the safety of attendees.

Customer Service Excellence: providing a positive experiance for international visitors requires high-quality customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, and cultural sensitivity.

Lasting Event Management: Training on eco-pleasant practices and waste reduction strategies to align with France’s commitment to sustainability.

the Role of Private Sector Investment

Private sector companies are playing a vital role in fueling the Rugby World Cup workforce. Businesses are investing in training programs for their employees and partnering with government agencies to recruit and upskill talent.

Sponsorship & Training Programs: Major sponsors of the tournament are often involved in funding training initiatives and providing employment opportunities.

Temporary Staffing Agencies: Agencies specializing in temporary staffing are crucial for quickly deploying large numbers of workers to meet fluctuating demands.

Hotel & Hospitality Industry: Hotels and restaurants are actively recruiting and training staff to handle the influx of visitors.

security Firms: Private security companies are providing training and personnel for event security and crowd control.

Leveraging Technology for Workforce Management

Technology is being used to streamline workforce management and optimize efficiency.

Online Recruitment Platforms: Digital platforms are used to advertise job openings,screen applicants,and manage the hiring process.

Workforce Scheduling Software: Software solutions help to optimize staff schedules,ensuring adequate coverage during peak periods.

Mobile Communication Tools: Mobile apps and communication platforms facilitate real-time communication between event organizers and the workforce.

Digital Ticketing & Access Control: Digital ticketing systems and access control technologies enhance security and streamline entry procedures.

Case Study: Marseille’s Workforce Readiness

Marseille, one of the host cities, provides a compelling example of proactive workforce preparation. The city launched a dedicated programme, “Marseille Accueil rugby 2025,” focusing on:

1. Language Training: Offering free English courses to hospitality workers and volunteers.
2. Hospitality Skills Workshops: Providing training in customer service, food handling, and event management.
3. Volunteer Recruitment: Actively recruiting and training volunteers to assist with event operations.
4. Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborating with hotels, restaurants, and transportation companies to ensure adequate staffing levels.

Benefits of a Skilled Workforce for France

Investing in workforce development for the Rugby world Cup offers long-term benefits for France beyond the tournament itself.

Increased Employability: Upskilling and reskilling programs enhance the employability of workers, improving their career prospects.

Economic Growth: A skilled workforce attracts investment and supports economic growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Enhanced Reputation: Successfully hosting the Rugby World Cup enhances France’s reputation as a world-class event destination.