Charity cyclist Rutland delivers opening-match whistle to referee Peyper

Cycling superman Ron Rutland has finally blown time on his epic adventure to deliver the whistle for the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening game in Paris.

Ron (pictured above, right, with World Rugby chief communications officer Dominic Rumbles) handed over the whistle at Place du Trocadéro to fellow South African Jaco Peyper, who takes charge of the game between hosts France and New Zealand at Stade de France.

In the #RaceToRWC Ron covered more than 20,000km on a 300-day journey that spanned 15 countries across four continents.

The intrepid adventurer set out on his fourth mammoth ride to a Rugby World Cup on 12 November, 2022 following the RWC 2021 final taking in New Zealand, South America, Mexico, the USA and Europe.

World Rugby partners Childfund, Capgemini and World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin joined a group of 180 riders to accompany him when he began the final three-day, 313km ‘Pedal to Paris’ leg of his journey from Twickenham Stadium in London.

Ron has already raised more than US$140,000 for World Rugby’s official charity, Childfund, from his #RaceToRWC so far, with a target of US$200,000 still in his sights.

"Ron is fit enough and surely mad enough now after 20,000km to become a referee," said Jaco. "On a serious note, he's shown great commitment and it’s special to receive an experienced whistle that has travelled the world."

Jaco, along with the other match officials for RWC2023, also got on their bikes to prepare for the tournament – though they did not come near to matching Ron’s incredible feat of endurance.

"We had about four hours on the cycles in Rocamadour, France for our pre-World Cup ref team building," added Jaco. "Tough, but great experience.

I’m so ready for Friday night – well prepared over the last few months. This is the pinnacle of my career so far."