Emmanuel Macron has been left red-faced this night after being booed by hundreds of rugby followers in France.

The French President obtained a frosty reception as he addressed the crowds on the Stade de France to mark the opening of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The divisive determine was talking forward of the primary match - France v New Zealand - which began at 8.15 BST.

The skies above the French capital city had been illuminated by a powerful fireworks show in the course of the opening ceremony.

But this wasn't sufficient to cheer up some followers - who shouted and booed as Macron addressed them earlier than the extremely anticipated conflict.

The controversial politician has come underneath hearth in latest months over the migrant crisis, and mass protests have taken place all through the nation.

Earlier this summer time, a collection of horrific riots befell after 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, of Algerian and Moroccan descent, was shot lifeless by the hands of police throughout a site visitors cease in France.

And Macron has been coming underneath growing stress to kind out the migrant disaster, because it was revealed that neighbouring Belgium is far more effective at stopping small boats leaving their shores as they head to the UK.

It comes as Prince William and Princess Kate are making the journey over to look at Team England play on the event - weeks after lacking out on watching the Lionesses lose to Spain on the Women's World Cup in Australia.

As all eyes look in the direction of the subsequent few weeks of rugby, it was devastation for New Zealand as they suffered a late damage blow forward of the Rugby World Cup opener when captain Sam Cane was dominated out.

The All Blacks introduced simply 45 minutes earlier than kick-off at Stade de France that flanker Cane would miss the heavyweight Pool A conflict.

The nature of his damage has not been revealed.

Number eight Ardie Savea took over as skipper, with Dalton Papali’i transferring from blindside to openside flanker and Tupou Vaa’i being promoted to the beginning XV.