All Rugby World Cup teams offered contingency travel plans by organisers amid fears French air strikes could cause CARNAGE for teams and fans

• French traffic controllers have announced plans for a strike on September 15
• The strike could impact plans of teams and fans during the Rugby World Cup
• World Rugby will offer flexibility around team commitments if they are impacted 
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

England and all other 19 World Cup teams will be given the option of travel contingency planning by tournament organisers if they are impacted by French air chaos while in the country.

French traffic controllers have announced plans for a strike on September 15 – one which could derail logistical plans for not only competing sides, but also fans.

Steve Borthwick’s England are due to fly from their Le Touquet base in northern France to Nice on that day ahead of facing Japan on the Cote d’Azur on September 17. 

Wales are also in Nice that weekend to face Portugal the day before.

Mail Sport understands that while England are currently planning for their flight to depart for Nice on September 15 as normal, World Rugby will allow them some flexibility.

Steve Borthwick’s England are among the World Cup teams offered travel contingencies 

England are due to fly to Nice on the day of the strike ahead of their pool match against Japan

Wales will are also set to play in Nice on the weekend of the strikes when they face Portugal

England would be given permission to move their travel either forward or back by half a day, as would all other tournament sides if they were affected.

But the hope is the original plans made can still be upheld. World Cup rules state teams must return to their training bases between matches and that they must do their team announcement press conferences in the city where they are playing the game.

Organisers have adopted French guidance and recommended any journey of less than two hours should be made by train rather than plane. World Rugby is said to be relaxed at this stage about the impact French air strikes could have on their biggest event, but there remains a danger it could cause carnage for both teams and supporters.

While insisting teams return to their designated tournament bases between matches, rugby’s governing body has taken significant steps to ensure the World Cup is sustainable.

They have emphasised to teams that the train is their preferred method of transport while the shirts which will be worn by referees and their assistants during matches are made from recycled plastic bottles.

The medals to be given to every player and official who will take part in France are also made from old mobile phone batteries.

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