Rugby World Cup, an internationally acclaimed tournament tantamount to football’s FIFA World Cup, is a quadrennial played by the top men’s rugby union teams across the globe. This tournament, characterized by thrilling matches and unparalleled athleticism, celebrates a rich history that has spanned more than three decades.
History of the Rugby World Cup
The inception of the Rugby World Cup dates back to 1987 when the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB), now known as the World Rugby, decided to stage an international rugby union competition, thus birthing the Rugby World Cup. The tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, establishing the pattern of quadrennial events, which has become a tradition. The first tournament was a 16-team event, but the number of participating teams has since increased to 20.
The World Cup’s success skyrocketed, and it didn’t take long for it to be declared the third-largest sports event worldwide after the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, in terms of television audience.
Rugby World Cup Champions and Runners Up List
| Year | Hosts | Champion | Score | Runner Up | No. Of Teams |
| 1987 | Australia & New Zealand | New Zealand | 29–9 | France | 16 |
| 1991 | England, France, Ireland Scotland & Wales | Australia | 12–6 | England | 16 |
| 1995 | South Africa | South Africa | 15–12 (Extra Time) | New Zealand | 16 |
| 1999 | Wales | Australia | 35–12 | France | 20 |
| 2003 | Australia | England | 20–17 (Extra Time) | Australia | 20 |
| 2007 | France | South Africa | 15–6 | England | 20 |
| 2011 | New Zealand | New Zealand | 8–7 | France | 20 |
| 2015 | England | New Zealand | 34–17 | Australia | 20 |
| 2019 | Japan | South Africa | 32–12 | England | 20 |
| 2023 | France | – | – | – | 20 |
Rugby World Cup Third Place Playoff Winners
| Year | 3rd Place | Score | 4th Place |
| 1987 | Wales | 22–21 | Australia |
| 1991 | New Zealand | 13–6 | Scotland |
| 1995 | France | 19–9 | England |
| 1999 | South Africa | 22–18 | New Zealand |
| 2003 | New Zealand | 40–13 | France |
| 2007 | Argentina | 34–10 | France |
| 2011 | Australia | 21–18 | Wales |
| 2015 | South Africa | 24–13 | Argentina |
| 2019 | New Zealand | 40–17 | Wales |
Most Rugby World Cup Winners
New Zealand & South Africa are the most successful teams in the Rugby World Cup, both having won the World Cup 3 times. Australia is the second most successful team in the Men’s Rugby World Cup, winning the tournament two times. England is the third team that won the event one time.
| Team | No. Of Times | Years |
| New Zealand | 3 Times | 1987, 2011, 2015 |
| South Africa | 3 Times | 1995, 2007, 2019 |
| Australia | 2 Times | 1991, 1999 |
| England | 1 Times | 2003 |
Frequently Asked Question
The first Rugby World Cup was held in 1987.
In the nine editions of the Rugby World Cup, only four nations – New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England – have won the tournament.
New Zealand and South Africa are the joint most successful teams in Rugby World Cup, having won the show-piece tournament three times each.
France, the three time runner up, are the most unsuccessful finalist along with England, having finished the second best side in three editions each. England, however, won the title in 2003.
