Renowned Australian-based French chef Guillaume Brahimi will partner with Rugby Australia (RA) and the Australian Rugby Foundation (ARF) as its Cultural and Culinary Ambassador in France this year.
Guillaume will lead a range of authentic and unique experiences for Rugby Australia and the ARF’s VIPs, partners and supporters heading to France to watch the Wallabies. Bookended by two gala events in Paris on 6 September 2023 and 23 October 2023, Guillaume will also lead private walking tours of Paris and Lyon, providing unique insights into the culture and food of these two world-class cities.
Mr Brahimi is renowned for his spectacular French fine dining establishments in Australia. His Bistro Guillaume restaurants in Melbourne and Perth continue the legacy of bringing the best of French cuisine to Australia in inimitable style. He is also a regular on Australian television screens sharing his passion for French cuisine and culture.
In 2014, Mr Brahimi was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Merite (Knight of the National Order) by the French government for outstanding services to France in Foreign Affairs and International Development, and has also been named GQ Chef of the Year.
“What a great privilege to be able to combine my favourite things in the world – Rugby, food, France and Australia!?” commented Guillaume Brahimi.
“There will be no better opportunity for Australian fans going to France this year to really live the French culinary experience, and I look forward to showing off my country and its many delights.
“Paris and Lyon are both renowned for their food, and we have put together some truly unique experiences in these cities that get to the heart of the cultures of each city.
“Amazing food, an unrivalled experience, and enjoying the pinnacle of the game they play in heaven”.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan believes the experiences offered by Rugby Australia will present an unparalleled once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Attending one of the world’s greatest sporting events in a beautiful country such as France is a rare opportunity – why would you not want to thoroughly immerse yourself in it and get the absolute most out of being there?” said Mr McLennan.
“Guillaume Brahimi has been integral to developing these experiences, and I am sure that it will be something special for anyone that can be there – a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience with Classic Wallabies and other Rugby VIPs in attendance.
“We are all hopeful of an incredible tournament on the field with the Wallabies, and I am positive that for those lucky enough to be involved, it will be just as memorable off it.”
In each Wallabies match city in France, fans will be able to join fellow supporters at Cadbury Wallabies House to enjoy the excitement and build up to match day.
For those that don’t have a ticket, Cadbury Wallabies House will be the place to be to cheer on the Wallabies on the big screen, while all fans will be able to gather post-match to debrief and soak in the atmosphere and celebration of Rugby in France.
