Eurostar will welcome thousands of English rugby fans this weekend, as they make their way to the Stade de France in Paris for the crunch match between France and England, the first meeting for both teams in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations Rugby Tournament. 

Almost 20,000 people are expected to travel to Paris with Eurostar on Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February, a 20% uplift compared to the same weekend in 2013, when there was no tournament match.

As the English fans descend on Paris, the congenial rivalries are expected to continue from the moment the final whistle blows on Saturday evening and throughout the rest of the weekend.

Mary Walsh, Director of Communications for Eurostar commented; “With quick connections into our stations from across the country, a trip to the home of French rugby has never been easier. As a result, we’re expecting to see a sporting invasion this weekend as thousands of England rugby fans use the Eurostar journey to soak up the carnival mood and to celebrate old friendships and sporting rivalries.”

The France vs. England match kicks off at the Stade de France at 18h00 (CET) 17h00 (GMT).