PARIS — Moments after the opening ceremony for the Rugby World Cup, French President Emmanuel Macron was jeered by followers at Stade de France when he walked onto the sphere.

Chants of “Allez Les Bleus” rang out across the stadium however a few of the jeering continued, earlier than different followers broke out into spontaneous chants of the nationwide anthem, “La Marseillaise.”

Macron, whose unpopular pension plan has led to social tensions, stood along with his arms folded and applauded World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont after he completed his speech.

When it was Macron‘s flip to talk, the boos turned even louder and he was barely audible at first. The crowd cheered in unison solely on the finish when Macron declared the tenth version of the event open.

The opening ceremony was carried out below the directorial supervision of Oscar-winning French actor Jean Dujardin. He walked out in a sleeveless white T-shirt suited to the sweltering circumstances.

The ceremony was a celebration of French gastronomy, tradition and artwork. It featured leaping acrobats, a large scrum with dozens in fancy gown, and a large inflatable Eiffel Tower which rose in the course of the sphere.

At one level, Dujardin was hoisted aloft above it.

The performers went off to a standing ovation, however the temper turned bitter shortly when Macron walked out.

France and New Zealand met within the opening match afterward.

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AP Rugby World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

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