Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has issued advice for fans heading to France for the Rugby World Cup, reminding those travelling to ‘TravelWise’ and prepare in advance of their trip.

To support fans travelling to the Rugby World Cup, the Department of Foreign Affairs has created a consular information leaflet providing key advice and emergency contact numbers. The Tánaiste encouraged fans to download this leaflet at Ireland.ie/rwc.

The Tánaiste said about the advice, “ahead of our Rugby World Cup opening game in Bordeaux on 9 September, I urge all those travelling to do so safely and wisely. Ensure that your passport is in date, purchase travel insurance, get a European Health Insurance Card, and bring a passport card for travel convenience.”

“In addition to tips for a safe trip, the consular information leaflet contains contact details for emergency services in France and our Embassy in Paris – which has a dedicated, emergency Rugby World Cup phone line available from Friday to Sunday of Ireland match weekends. The number is +33 1 441 76780 and I would urge all those travelling to save this and other key numbers on their phones before they go.”

During the tournament, the department will have an increased presence in Paris, Bordeaux and Nantes around match dates to provide advice and consular assistance to citizens in difficulty.

The Tánaiste wished fans a safe trip and success to the Irish team, “the Rugby World Cup is a particularly special opportunity for Ireland and France, our closest EU neighbour and long-term partner, to deepen bilateral relations through our strong shared rugby tradition. I sincerely hope that the event will be an enjoyable and safe one for all attending. I wish the Irish team all the best in the tournament and in the warm-up game against England on Saturday.”