Rugby World Cup 2023: a record 15.4 million viewers for France - New Zealand on TF1

France - New Zealand (27-13), the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2023 (Pool A), drew an average audience of 15.4 million viewers, with a peak of 17 million on the French private free-TV channel TF1 on Friday 08/09/2023 (kick-off at 21:15 CET), according to data from the audience measurement institute Médiamétrie relayed by TF1.

This figure represented an audience share of 64.5% (78% in the 25-49 age group, 85% in the 15-34 age group and 83% in the 4-14 age group). This is an "all-time record for the start of a World Cup and the best audience of the year," according to TF1.

The opening ceremony drew an average of 9.48 million viewers to the channel (from 20:00 CET), according to Médiamétrie. Total audience share: 49%.

The French national team will face Uruguay in the second round of the group stage on Thursday 14/09/2023 (kick-off at 21:00 CET).