🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa161)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup","crawl_time":1773918010,"first_indexed_time":1401277574,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Rugby World Cup - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This article is about the men's rugby union tournament. For the women's World Cup in union, see\nWomen's Rugby World Cup\n. For other world cups for rugby, see\nWorld cup of rugby\n.\nRugby World Cup\nUpcoming tournament\n2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\nSport\nRugby union\nInstituted\n1987\n; 39 years ago\nNumber of teams\n24\nRegions\nInternational\n(\nWorld Rugby\n)\nHolders\nSouth Africa\n(\n2023\n)\nMost titles\nSouth Africa\n(4 titles)\nWebsite\nrugbyworldcup.com\nThe\nMen's Rugby World Cup\nis a\nrugby union\ntournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the\nworld champions\nof the sport.\nThe tournament is administered by\nWorld Rugby\n, the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the\nWebb Ellis Cup\n, named after\nWilliam Webb Ellis\nwho, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it.\n[\n1\n]\nThe tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy;\nSouth Africa\nfour times,\nNew Zealand\nthree times,\nAustralia\ntwice, and\nEngland\nonce.\nSouth Africa\nis the current champion, having defeated\nNew Zealand\nin the\nfinal\nof the\n2023 tournament\n.\nSixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the\n2019 Rugby World Cup\nand France hosted the\n2023 Rugby World Cup\n. The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in\nAustralia in 2027\n.\nStarting in\n2021\n, the\nwomen's equivalent tournament\nwas officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men's tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the\n2023 World Cup\n, World Rugby announced that all future tournaments would include the words \"Men's\" or \"Women's\" in their titles. The first event to use this convention was the\n2025 Women's Rugby World Cup\n, while the\n2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\nwill be the first to include \"Men's\" in its title.\nUnder the current format, 24 teams qualify for each Rugby World Cup. Twelve teams qualified automatically for the 2027 edition, as a consequence of finishing top three in their 2023 pool. The qualification for the remaining 12 spots was allocated regionally; with a total of ten teams allocated for Europe, seven for the Pacific, two for South America - an additional space for a play-off between South America and the Pacific - two for Africa, one for Asia. The last place is determined by an intercontinental play-off.\n[\n2\n]\nThe tournament involves twenty-four nations competing over six weeks in October and November.\n[\n3\n]\n[\n4\n]\nThere are two stages—a pool, followed by  a knockout round. Nations are divided into four pools, A through to F, of four nations each.\n[\n4\n]\n[\n5\n]\nThe teams are\nseeded\nbased on the\nWorld Rankings\n. The six highest-ranked teams are drawn into pools A to F. This process is repeated down the seeding order, with a caveat to ensure the host country shall always be in Pool A.\nNations play three pool games, playing their respective pool members once each.\n[\n5\n]\nA\nbonus points system\nis used during pool play. If two or more teams are level on points, a system of criteria determines the higher ranked.\n[\n5\n]\nSixteen teams-the winner and runner-up from each of the six pools, plus the four best third placed teams-enter the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round-of-sixteen, quarter-final, semi-finals, and then a final round which includes a bronze medal match and the\nRugby World Cup Final\n. If a match in the knockout stages ends in a draw, the winner is determined through\nextra time\n. If that fails, the match goes into\nsudden death\nand the next team to score any points is the winner.\n[\n5\n]\nBefore the Rugby World Cup, there was no truly global rugby union competition, but there were a number of other tournaments. One of the oldest is the annual\nSix Nations Championship\n, which started in 1883 as the\nHome Nations\nChampionship,\n[\n6\n]\na tournament between\nEngland\n,\nIreland\n,\nScotland\nand\nWales\n. It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910, when\nFrance\njoined the tournament. France did not participate from 1931 to 1939, during which period it reverted to a Home Nations championship. In 2000,\nItaly\njoined the competition, which became the Six Nations.\n[\n7\n]\nRugby union was also played at the\nSummer Olympic Games\n, first appearing at the\n1900 Paris games\nand subsequently at\nLondon in 1908\n,\nAntwerp in 1920\n, and\nParis again in 1924\n. France won the first gold medal, then Australasia, with the last two being won by the United States. However rugby union ceased to be on Olympic program after 1924.\n[\n8\n]\n[\n9\n]\n[\na\n]\nThe idea of a Rugby World Cup had been suggested on numerous occasions going back to the 1950s, but met with opposition from most unions in the IRFB.\n[\n10\n]\nThe idea resurfaced several times in the early 1980s, with the\nAustralian Rugby Union\n(ARU; now known as Rugby Australia) in 1983, and the\nNew Zealand Rugby Union\n(NZRU; now known as New Zealand Rugby) in 1984 independently proposing the establishment of a world cup.\n[\n11\n]\nA proposal was again put to the IRFB in 1985 and this time passed 10–6. The delegates from Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa all voted for the proposal, and the delegates from Ireland and Scotland against; the English and Welsh delegates were split, with one from each country for and one against.\n[\n10\n]\n[\n11\n]\nThe inaugural tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was held in May and June 1987, with sixteen nations taking part.\n[\n12\n]\nThe\ninaugural World Cup\nin 1987, did not involve any qualifying process; instead, the 16 places were automatically filled by seven eligible\nInternational Rugby Football Board\n(IRFB, now World Rugby) member nations, and the rest by invitation.\n[\n13\n]\nNew Zealand\nbecame the first-ever champions, defeating\nFrance\n29–9 in the final.\n[\n14\n]\nThe subsequent\n1991 tournament\nwas hosted by England, with matches played throughout Britain, Ireland and France. Qualifying tournaments were introduced for the\nsecond tournament\n, where eight of the sixteen places were contested in a twenty-four-nation tournament.\n[\n15\n]\nThis tournament saw the introduction of a qualifying tournament; eight places were allocated to the quarter-finalists from 1987, and the remaining eight decided by a thirty-five nation qualifying tournament.\n[\n15\n]\nAustralia won the second tournament, defeating\nEngland\n12–6 in the final.\n[\n16\n]\nIn 1992, eight years after their last official series,\n[\nb\n]\nSouth Africa\nhosted New Zealand in a one-off test match. The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the\napartheid\nsystem.\n[\n17\n]\n[\n18\n]\nWith their return to test rugby, South Africa were selected to host the\n1995 Rugby World Cup\n.\n[\n19\n]\nAfter upsetting Australia in the opening match, South Africa continued to advance through the tournament and met New Zealand in the final.\n[\n20\n]\n[\n21\n]\nAfter a tense final that went into\nextra time\n, South Africa emerged 15–12 winners,\n[\n22\n]\nwith then President\nNelson Mandela\n, wearing a Springbok\njersey\n,\n[\n21\n]\npresenting the trophy to South Africa's captain,\nFrancois Pienaar\n.\n[\n23\n]\nThe\n1999 tournament\nwas hosted by Wales with matches also being held throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The tournament included a\nrepechage\nsystem,\n[\n24\n]\nalongside specific regional qualifying places.\n[\n25\n]\nThe number of participating nations was increased from sixteen to twenty—and has remained to date at twenty.\n[\n26\n]\nAustralia claimed their second title, defeating France in the final.\n[\n27\n]\nThe combination of the sport turning professional after 1995 and the increase in teams from sixteen to twenty led to a number of remarkably lopsided results in both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, with two matches in each tournament resulting in teams scoring over 100 points; Australia's 142–0 win over Namibia in 2003 stands as the most lopsided score in Rugby World Cup history.\n[\n28\n]\nIn 2003 and 2007, the qualifying format allowed for eight of the twenty available positions to be automatically filled by the eight quarter-finalists of the previous tournament. The remaining twelve positions were filled by\ncontinental\nqualifying tournaments.\n[\n29\n]\nTen positions were filled by teams qualifying directly through continental competitions.\n[\n29\n]\nAnother two places were allocated for a cross-continental\nrepechage\n.\n[\n30\n]\nThe\n2003 event\nwas hosted by Australia, although it was originally intended to be held jointly with New Zealand. England emerged as champions defeating Australia in extra time. England's win broke the\nsouthern hemisphere\n's dominance in the event. Such was the celebration of England's victory that an estimated 750,000 people gathered in central\nLondon\nto greet the team, making the day the largest sporting celebration of its kind ever in the United Kingdom.\n[\n31\n]\nIreland v Argentina in 2007\nThe\n2007 competition\nwas hosted by France, with matches also being held in Wales and Scotland. South Africa claimed their second title by defeating defending champions England 15–6. The biggest story of the tournament, however, was Argentina who racked up wins against some of the\ntop European teams\n—France, Ireland, and Scotland—to finish first in the\nPool of death\nand finish third overall in the tournament.\n[\n32\n]\nThe attention from Argentina's performance led to Argentina participating in\nSANZAAR\n[\n33\n]\nand the professionalization of rugby in Argentina.\nA scrum between\nSamoa\n(in blue) and\nWales\n(in red) during the 2011 World Cup\nThe\n2011 tournament\nwas awarded to New Zealand in November 2005, ahead of bids from\nJapan\nand South Africa. The All Blacks reclaimed their place atop the rugby world with a narrow 8–7 win over France in the\n2011 final\n.\n[\n34\n]\nThe opening weekend of the\n2015 tournament\n, hosted by England, generated the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan, who had not won a single World Cup match since 1991, defeated heavily favoured South Africa. Overall, New Zealand once again won the final, this time against Australia. In doing so, they became the first team in World Cup history to win three titles, as well as the first to successfully defend a title.\n[\n35\n]\nJapan's hosting of the\n2019 World Cup\nmarked the first time the tournament had been held outside the traditional rugby strongholds; Japan won all four of their pool matches to top their group and qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time. The tournament saw South Africa claim their third trophy to match New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup titles. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final.\n[\n36\n]\nStarting in 2021, gender designations were removed from the titles of the men's and women's World Cups. Accordingly, all World Cups for men and women will officially bear the \"Rugby World Cup\" name. The first tournament to be affected by the new policy was the 2022 women's tournament held in New Zealand, which retained its original title of \"Rugby World Cup 2021\" despite having been delayed from its original schedule due to\nCOVID-19\nissues.\n[\n37\n]\nFrance hosted the\n2023 World Cup\n. The tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated New Zealand 12–11 to become the second nation to successfully defend their World Champion title and the first nation to win the tournament four times.\nThe Webb Ellis Cup\nWinners of the Rugby World Cup are presented with the Webb Ellis Cup, named after\nWilliam Webb Ellis\n. The trophy is also referred to simply as the\nRugby World Cup\n. The trophy was chosen in 1987 for use in the competition, and was created in 1906 by Garrard's Crown Jewellers.\n[\n38\n]\n[\n39\n]\nThe trophy is restored, repaired and its plinth engraved with the winner's name by\nThomas Lyte\nbetween tournaments.\n[\n40\n]\n[\n41\n]\nThe words 'The International Rugby Football Board' and 'The Webb Ellis Cup' are engraved on the face of the cup.\n[\n42\n]\nIt stands thirty-eight centimetres high and is silver gilded in gold, and supported by two cast scroll handles, one with the head of a\nsatyr\n, and the other a head of a\nnymph\n.\n[\n43\n]\nIn Australia the trophy is colloquially known as \"Bill\"—a reference to William Webb Ellis.\nTournaments are organised by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), which is itself owned by World Rugby. The selection of host is decided by a vote of World Rugby Council members.\n[\n44\n]\n[\n45\n]\nThe voting procedure is managed by a team of independent auditors, and the voting kept secret. The host nation is generally selected five or six years before the competition.\nThe tournament has been hosted by multiple nations. For example, the 1987 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. World Rugby requires that the hosts must have a venue with a capacity of at least 60,000 spectators for the final.\n[\n46\n]\nHost nations sometimes construct or upgrade stadia in preparation for the World Cup, such as\nMillennium Stadium\n—purposely built for the 1999 tournament—and\nEden Park\n, upgraded for 2011.\n[\n46\n]\n[\n47\n]\nThe first country outside of the traditional rugby nations of\nSANZAAR\nor the Six Nations to be awarded the hosting rights was\n2019\nhost Japan. France hosted the\n2023 tournament\n. The next tournament to be hosted by a nation outside the traditional nations will be the 2031 tournament in the\nUnited States\n.\n[\n48\n]\nOrganizers of the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Global Sports Impact, state that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the\nFIFA World Cup\nand the\nOlympics\n,\n[\n49\n]\n[\n50\n]\nalthough other sources question whether this is accurate.\n[\n51\n]\nReports emanating from World Rugby and its business partners have frequently touted the tournament's media growth, with cumulative worldwide television audiences of 300 million for the inaugural 1987 tournament, 1.75 billion in 1991, 2.67 billion in 1995, 3 billion in 1999,\n[\n52\n]\n3.5 billion in 2003,\n[\n53\n]\nand 4 billion in 2007.\n[\n54\n]\nThe 4 billion figure was widely dismissed as the global audience for television is estimated to be about 4.2 billion.\n[\n55\n]\nHowever, independent reviews have called into question the methodology of those growth estimates, pointing to factual inconsistencies.\n[\n56\n]\nThe event's supposed drawing power outside of a handful of rugby strongholds was also downplayed significantly, with an estimated 97 percent of the 33 million average audience produced by the 2007 final coming from\nAustralasia\n, South Africa, the\nBritish Isles\nand France.\n[\n57\n]\nOther sports have been accused of exaggerating their television reach over the years; such claims are not exclusive to the Rugby World Cup.\nWhile the event's global popularity remains a matter of dispute, high interest in traditional rugby nations is well documented. The 2003 final, between Australia and England, became the most watched\nrugby union\nmatch in the history of Australian television.\n[\n58\n]\nThe 2023 tournament achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours across all programming making it the most viewed rugby event of all time.\n[\n59\n]\nAttendance figures\n[\n60\n]\nYear\nHost(s)\nTotal attendance\nMatches\nAvg attendance\n% change\nin avg att.\nStadium capacity\nAttendance as\n% of capacity\n1987\nNew Zealand\nAustralia\n604,500\n32\n18,891\n—\n1,006,350\n60%\n1991\nEngland\nFrance\nIreland\nScotland\nWales\n1,007,760\n32\n31,493\n+67%\n1,212,800\n79%\n1995\nSouth Africa\n1,100,000\n32\n34,375\n+9%\n1,423,850\n77%\n1999\nWales\n1,750,000\n41\n42,683\n+24%\n2,104,500\n83%\n2003\nAustralia\n1,837,547\n48\n38,282\n–10%\n2,208,529\n83%\n2007\nFrance\n2,263,223\n48\n47,150\n+23%\n2,470,660\n92%\n2011\nNew Zealand\n1,477,294\n48\n30,777\n–35%\n1,732,000\n85%\n2015\nEngland\n2,477,805\n48\n51,621\n+68%\n2,600,741\n95%\n2019\nJapan\n1,698,528\n45*\n37,745\n–27%\n1,811,866\n90%\n2023\nFrance\n2,437,208\n48\n50,775\n+26%\n2,586,173\n94%\n2027\nAustralia\n-\n52\n-\n-\n2,779,320\n-\n*\nTyphoon Hagibis\ncaused 3 group stage matches to be cancelled. As a result, only 45 of the scheduled 48 matches were played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.\nKey\n \nRecord high\n \nRecord low\nRevenue for Rugby World Cup tournaments\n[\n60\n]\n[\n61\n]\nSource\n1987\n1991\n1995\n1999\n2003\n2007\n2011\n2015\n2019\n[\nc\n]\n[\n62\n]\n2023\nGate receipts\n(M\n£\n)\nN\/a\nN\/a\n15\n55\n81\n147\n131\n250\n259\n[\n63\n]\nN\/a\nBroadcasting (M £)\nN\/a\nN\/a\n19\n44\n60\n82\n93\n155\n136\nN\/a\nSponsorship (M £)\nN\/a\nN\/a\n8\n18\n16\n28\n29\nN\/a\n105\nN\/a\nSurplus (M £)\n1\n4\n18\n47\n64\n122\n92\n150\n136\nN\/a\nNotes:\nThe host union keeps revenue from gate receipts. World Rugby, through RWCL, receive revenue from sources including broadcasting rights, sponsorship and tournament fees.\n[\n60\n]\nKeys\naet: result\/match won\nafter extra time\nEd.\nYear\nHost\nFirst place game\nThird place game\nNum.\nteams\nChampion\nScore\nRunner-up\nThird\nScore\nFourth\n1\n1987\nNew Zealand\nAustralia\nNew Zealand\n29–9\nFrance\nWales\n22–21\nAustralia\n16\n2\n1991\nEngland\nFrance\nIreland\nScotland\nWales\nAustralia\n12–6\nEngland\nNew Zealand\n13–6\nScotland\n16\n3\n1995\nSouth Africa\nSouth Africa\n15–12\n(\na.e.t.\n)\nNew Zealand\nFrance\n19–9\nEngland\n16\n4\n1999\nWales\nAustralia\n35–12\nFrance\nSouth Africa\n22–18\nNew Zealand\n20\n5\n2003\nAustralia\nEngland\n20–17\n(\na.e.t.\n)\nAustralia\nNew Zealand\n40–13\nFrance\n20\n6\n2007\nFrance\nSouth Africa\n15–6\nEngland\nArgentina\n34–10\nFrance\n20\n7\n2011\nNew Zealand\nNew Zealand\n8–7\nFrance\nAustralia\n21–18\nWales\n20\n8\n2015\nEngland\nNew Zealand\n34–17\nAustralia\nSouth Africa\n24–13\nArgentina\n20\n9\n2019\nJapan\nSouth Africa\n32–12\nEngland\nNew Zealand\n40–17\nWales\n20\n10\n2023\nFrance\nSouth Africa\n12–11\nNew Zealand\nEngland\n26–23\nArgentina\n20\n11\n2027\nAustralia\nTo be determined\nTo be determined\n24\n[\n64\n]\n12\n2031\nUnited States\nTo be determined\nTo be determined\n24\nPerformance of nations\n[\nedit\n]\nMap of nations' best results (excluding qualifying tournaments)\nTwenty-six nations have participated at the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The only nations to host and win a tournament are New Zealand (1987 and 2011) and South Africa (1995). The performance of other host nations includes England (1991 final hosts) and Australia (2003 hosts) both finishing runners-up, while France (2007 hosts) finished fourth, and Wales (1999 hosts) and Japan (2019 hosts) reached the quarter-finals. Wales became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 1991 while England became the first solo host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 2015.\n[\n65\n]\nOf the twenty-five nations that have participated in at least one tournament, ten of them have never missed a tournament.\n[\nd\n]\nTeam\nChampions\nRunners-up\nThird\nFourth\nQuarter-finals\nApps\nin top 8\n \nSouth Africa\n4\n(\n1995\n,\n2007\n,\n2019\n,\n2023\n)\nN\/a\n2\n(\n1999\n,\n2015\n)\nN\/a\n2 (\n2003\n,\n2011\n)\n8\n[\n66\n]\n \nNew Zealand\n3\n(\n1987\n,\n2011\n,\n2015\n)\n2\n(\n1995\n,\n2023\n)\n3\n(\n1991\n,\n2003\n,\n2019\n)\n1 (\n1999\n)\n1 (\n2007\n)\n10\n \nAustralia\n2\n(\n1991\n,\n1999\n)\n2\n(\n2003\n,\n2015\n)\n1\n(\n2011\n)\n1 (\n1987\n)\n3 (\n1995\n,\n2007\n,\n2019\n)\n9\n \nEngland\n1\n(\n2003\n)\n3\n(\n1991\n,\n2007\n,\n2019\n)\n1\n(\n2023\n)\n1 (\n1995\n)\n3 (\n1987\n,\n1999\n,\n2011\n)\n9\n \nFrance\nN\/a\n3\n(\n1987\n,\n1999\n,\n2011\n)\n1\n(\n1995\n)\n2 (\n2003\n,\n2007\n)\n4 (\n1991\n,\n2015\n,\n2019\n,\n2023\n)\n10\n \nWales\nN\/a\nN\/a\n1\n(\n1987\n)\n2 (\n2011\n,\n2019\n)\n4 (\n1999\n,\n2003\n,\n2015\n,\n2023\n)\n7\n \nArgentina\nN\/a\nN\/a\n1\n(\n2007\n)\n2 (\n2015\n,\n2023\n)\n2 (\n1999\n,\n2011\n)\n5\n \nScotland\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\n1 (\n1991\n)\n6 (\n1987\n,\n1995\n,\n1999\n,\n2003\n,\n2007\n,\n2015\n)\n7\n \nIreland\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\n8 (\n1987\n,\n1991\n,\n1995\n,\n2003\n,\n2011\n,\n2015\n,\n2019\n,\n2023\n)\n8\n \nFiji\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\n3 (\n1987\n,\n2007\n,\n2023\n)\n3\n \nSamoa\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\n2 (\n1991\n,\n1995\n)\n2\n \nCanada\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\n1 (\n1991\n)\n1\n \nJapan\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\nN\/a\n1 (\n2019\n)\n1\nQualification results\n[\nedit\n]\nAs of the 2027 World Cup, 27 nations have qualified to compete across 11 tournaments.\nTeam\n1987\n1991\n1995\n1999\n2003\n2007\n2011\n2015\n2019\n2023\n2027\n2031\nYears\n \nArgentina\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nAustralia\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nCanada\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\n-\nQ\nTBD\n10\n \nChile\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n2\n \nEngland\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nFiji\nQ\nQ\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n10\n \nFrance\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nGeorgia\nN\/A\n[\n67\n]\nN\/A\n[\n67\n]\n-\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n7\n \nHong Kong\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\nQ\nTBD\n1\n \nIreland\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nItaly\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nIvory Coast\n-\n-\nQ\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\nTBD\n1\n \nJapan\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nNamibia\nN\/A\n[\n68\n]\nN\/A\n[\n68\n]\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\n-\nTBD\n7\n \nNew Zealand\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nPortugal\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\nQ\n-\n-\n-\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n3\n \nRomania\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nE\n[\n69\n]\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n10\n \nRussia\n[\n70\n]\n-\n-\n-\nX\n-\nQ\n-\nQ\nB\n[\n71\n]\nB\n[\n72\n]\nTBD\n2\n \nSamoa\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n10\n \nScotland\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nSouth Africa\nB\n[\n66\n]\nB\n[\n66\n]\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n9\n[\n66\n]\n \nSpain\n-\n-\n-\nQ\n-\n-\n-\n-\nX\nE\n[\n73\n]\nQ\nTBD\n2\n \nTonga\nQ\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n10\n \nUnited States\nQ\nQ\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\n-\nQ\nQ\n9\n \nUruguay\n-\n-\n-\nQ\nQ\n-\n-\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n6\n \nWales\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nQ\nTBD\n11\n \nZimbabwe\nQ\nQ\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\n-\nQ\nTBD\n3\nTotal\n16\n16\n16\n20\n20\n20\n20\n20\n20\n20\n24\n24\nLegend\n  \n= Hosts\nQ\n= Qualified (or just for the 1987 World Cup, invited)\n-\n= Did not qualify (or not invited to the 1987 World Cup)\nX\n= Expelled during qualification\nE\n= Expelled after qualification\nB\n= Banned\nRecords and statistics\n[\nedit\n]\nGavin Hastings\nof Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match.\nThe record for most points overall is held by English player\nJonny Wilkinson\n, who scored 277 during his World Cup career.\n[\n74\n]\nNew Zealand All Black\nGrant Fox\nholds the record for most points in one competition, with 126 in 1987;\n[\n74\n]\nSam Whitelock\nof New Zealand holds the record for most World Cup matches: 26 between 2011 and 2023. All Black\nSimon Culhane\nholds the record for most points in a match by one player, 45, as well as the record for most conversions in a match, 20.\n[\n75\n]\nAll Black\nMarc Ellis\nholds the record for most tries in a match, six, which he scored against Japan in 1995.\n[\n76\n]\nNew Zealand's\nJonah Lomu\nis the youngest player to appear in a final—aged 20 years and 43 days in the 1995 final.\n[\n77\n]\nLomu (playing in two tournaments) and South African\nBryan Habana\n(playing in three tournaments) share the record for most total World Cup tournament tries, both scoring 15.\n[\n76\n]\nLomu (in 1999) and Habana (in 2007) also share the record, along with All Black\nJulian Savea\n(in 2015) and\nWill Jordan\n(in 2023), for most tries in a tournament, with 8 each.\n[\n76\n]\nSouth Africa's\nJannie de Beer\nkicked five drop-goals against England in 1999—an individual record for a single World Cup match.\n[\n77\n]\nThe record for most penalties in a match is 8, held by Australian\nMatt Burke\n, Argentinian\nGonzalo Quesada\n, Scotland's\nGavin Hastings\nand France's\nThierry Lacroix\n,\n[\n75\n]\nwith Quesada also holding the record for most penalties in a tournament, with 31.\nThe most points scored in a game is 145, by the All Blacks against\nJapan\nin 1995, while the widest winning margin is 142, held by Australia in a match against\nNamibia\nin 2003.\n[\n78\n]\nA total of 25 players have been\nsent off\n(red carded) in the tournament. Welsh lock\nHuw Richards\nwas the first, while playing against New Zealand in 1987. No player has been red carded more than once.\nInternational rugby union player records\nInternational rugby union team records\nRugby World Cup Sevens\n– men's and women's tournaments held simultaneously at a single site\nCollins, Tony (2008). \"\n'The First Principle of Our Game': The rise and fall of amateurism: 1886–1995\". In Ryan, Greg (ed.).\nThe Changing Face of Rugby: The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995\n. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.\nISBN\n \n978-1-84718-530-3\n.\nDavies, Gerald (2004).\nThe History of the Rugby World Cup\nSanctuary Publishing Ltd.\nISBN\n \n1-86074-602-0\n.\nFarr-Jones, Nick\n, (2003).\nStory of the Rugby World Cup\n,\nAustralian Post Corporation\n.\nISBN\n \n0-642-36811-2\n.\nHarding, Grant; Williams, David (2000).\nThe Toughest of Them All: New Zealand and South Africa: The Struggle for Rugby Supremacy\n.\nAuckland\n, New Zealand: Penguin Books.\nISBN\n \n978-0-14-029577-1\n.\nMartin, Gerard John (2005).\nThe Game is not the Same – a History of Professional Rugby in New Zealand\n(Thesis). Auckland University of Technology.\nPeatey, Lance (2011).\nIn Pursuit of Bill: A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup\n. New Holland Publishers.\nISBN\n \n978-1-74257-191-1\n.\nPhillpots, Kyle (2000).\nThe Professionalisation of Rugby Union\n(Thesis). University of Warwick.\nWilliams, Peter (2002).\n\"Battle Lines on Three Fronts: The RFU and the Lost War Against Professionalism\"\n.\nThe International Journal of the History of Sport\n.\n19\n(4):\n114–\n136.\ndoi\n:\n10.1080\/714001793\n.\nS2CID\n \n145705183\n.\n^\nHowever an exhibition tournament, the\n1936 FIRA Tournament\n,  did take place at the\n1936 Games\n. Rugby\nwas reintroduced\nto the Olympics in 2016, but as men's and women's\nrugby sevens\n(i.e., seven-a-side rugby).\n[\n8\n]\n^\nAgainst England in 1984.\n[\n17\n]\n^\nFigures published by\nWorld Rugby\n(WR) are for the entire year, and are not specific to the tournament.\n^\nArgentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are the nations that have never missed a tournament, playing in all nine thus far. South Africa has played in all eight in the post-apartheid era (as of 2023).\n^\nAs per the narrative of the sport's origins, at this point in time, handling the ball, by way of taking a\nMark\n, was within the laws of the Game. Webb Ellis' purported innovation was to then run with the ball in hand, giving the game its signature characteristic.\n^\n\"Caribbean kick off for RWC 2011 qualifying\"\n. irb.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from\nthe original\non 5 September 2011\n. Retrieved\n13 February\n2012\n.\n^\n\"AB boost as World Cup seedings confirmed\"\n.\nstuff.co.nz\n. NZPA. 22 February 2008\n. Retrieved\n13 February\n2013\n.\n^\na\nb\n\"Fixtures\"\n.\nWorld Rugby\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 15 August 2015\n. Retrieved\n21 July\n2015\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\n\"Tournament Rules\"\n.\nWorld Rugby\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 1 February 2016\n. 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Retrieved\n25 April\n2006\n.\n^\na\nb\nCollins (2008), p. 13.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 31.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 34.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 42.\n^\na\nb\nPeatey (2011) p. 59.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 77.\n^\na\nb\nHarding (2000), p. 137\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 78.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 82.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 87.\n^\na\nb\nHarding (2000), pp. 159–160\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 99.\n^\nHarding (2000), p. 168\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup history: The Wizards from Oz in 1999\"\n. Sky Sports. 11 September 2015\n. Retrieved\n14 October\n2018\n.\n^\n\"1999 World Cup Qualifiers\"\n. CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from\nthe original\non 3 May 2004\n. Retrieved\n14 October\n2018\n.\n^\nMadden, Patrick (4 September 2015).\n\"RWC #15: Ireland suffer play-off misery against Argentina\"\n.\nThe Irish Times\n. Retrieved\n14 October\n2018\n.\n^\nKitson, Robert (8 November 1999).\n\"Wallaby siege mentality secures Holy Grail\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n. Retrieved\n14 October\n2018\n.\n^\nMorse, Ben (27 September 2023).\n\"\n'What chance did we have': Remembering Namibia's record-breaking 142-0 Rugby World Cup defeat\"\n.\nCNN\n. Retrieved\n31 January\n2024\n.\n^\na\nb\n\"Doin' it the Hard Way\".\nRugby News\n. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 26.\n^\n\"Doin' it the Hard Way\".\nRugby News\n. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 27.\n^\n\"England honours World Cup stars\"\n.\nbbc.co.uk\n. 9 December 2003\n. Retrieved\n3 May\n2006\n.\n^\n\"Ireland exit courtesy of powerful Pumas\"\n, ESPN, 30 September 2007.\n^\nGowar, Rex (23 November 2011).\n\"Argentina has talent to meet challenge, says Sanzar\"\n.\nReuters\n.\n^\n\"New Zealand 8-7 France\"\n.\nBBC Sport\n. Retrieved\n6 June\n2021\n.\n^\nAylwin, Michael (31 October 2015).\n\"New Zealand 34-17 Australia: Rugby World Cup 2015 final player ratings | Rugby World Cup 2015\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n. Retrieved\n6 June\n2021\n.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup 2019: fixtures, tables and results\"\n.\nThe Guardian\n.\nISSN\n \n0261-3077\n. Retrieved\n6 June\n2021\n.\n^\n\"World Rugby announces gender neutral naming for Rugby World Cup tournaments\"\n(Press release). World Rugby. 21 August 2019\n. Retrieved\n22 August\n2019\n.\n^\n\"Second World Cup exists, Snedden confirms\"\n.\nThe New Zealand Herald\n. 18 August 2011\n. Retrieved\n13 February\n2013\n.\n^\nQuinn, Keith (30 August 2011).\n\"Keith Quinn: Back-history of RWC – part three\"\n.\nTVNZ\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 3 September 2014.\n^\n\"Friday Boss: Kevin Baker of silversmiths Thomas Lyte\"\n.\nBBC News\n.\n^\n\"Thomas Lyte\"\n.\nroyalwarrant.org\n.\n^\n\"Restorers of the Rugby World Cup - The Webb Ellis Cup\"\n.\nThomas Lyte\n. Retrieved\n10 February\n2025\n.\n^\n\"The History of the Webb Ellis Cup\"\n. Sky Sport New Zealand\n. Retrieved\n13 February\n2013\n.\n{{\ncite web\n}}\n:  CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (\nlink\n)\n^\n\"Official Website of the Rugby World Cup\"\n.\nrugbyworldcup.com\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 2 February 2007\n. Retrieved\n14 April\n2007\n.\n^\n\"England awarded 2015 Rugby World Cup\"\n. ABC News Australia. AFP. 29 July 2009\n. Retrieved\n13 February\n2013\n.\n^\na\nb\n\"New Zealand came close to losing Rugby World Cup 2011\"\n.\nRugby Week\n. 12 December 2008\n. Retrieved\n13 February\n2013\n.\n^\n\"Millennium Stadium, Cardiff\"\n.\nVirtual Tourist\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 18 February 2007\n. Retrieved\n23 February\n2007\n.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup Locations Confirmed Through to 2033\"\n(Press release). World Rugby. 12 May 2022\n. Retrieved\n19 May\n2022\n.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Hospitality\"\n. RWC Ltd. Archived from\nthe original\non 7 December 2014\n. Retrieved\n4 December\n2014\n.\n^\n\"Olympics and World Cup are the biggest, but what comes next?\"\n.\nBBC Sport\n. 4 December 2014.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup: Logic debunks outrageous numbers game\"\n.\nThe New Zealand Herald\n. 23 October 2011.\nISSN\n \n1170-0777\n. Retrieved\n3 April\n2017\n.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup 2003\"\n.\nsevencorporate.com.au\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 15 April 2006\n. Retrieved\n25 April\n2006\n.\n^\n\"Visa International Renews Rugby World Cup Partnership\"\n.\ncorporate.visa.com\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 27 April 2006\n. Retrieved\n25 April\n2006\n.\n^\n\"Potential Impact of the Rugby World Cup on a Host Nation\"\n(PDF)\n. Deloitte & Touche. 2008. p. 5. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 13 April 2014\n. Retrieved\n12 April\n2014\n.\n^\n\"Digital Divide: Global Household Penetration Rates for Technology\"\n. VRWorld. 26 January 2011\n. Retrieved\n1 September\n2015\n.\n^\nNippert, Matt (2 May 2010).\n\"Filling the Cup – cost $500m and climbing\"\n.\nThe New Zealand Herald\n. APN New Zealand\n. Retrieved\n2 December\n2014\n.\n^\nBurgess, Michael (23 October 2011).\n\"Logic debunks outrageous numbers game\"\n.\nThe New Zealand Herald\n. APN New Zealand\n. Retrieved\n2 December\n2014\n.\n^\nDerriman, Phillip (1 July 2006).\n\"Rivals must assess impact of Cup fever\"\n.\nThe Sydney Morning Herald\n. Fairfax\n. Retrieved\n1 July\n2006\n.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup 2023 was the most viewed rugby event of all time\"\n.\nRugby World Cup\n. Retrieved\n21 March\n2024\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nInternational Rugby Board Year in Review 2012\n. International Rugby Board. p. 62\n. Retrieved\n21 July\n2015\n.\n^\n\"Year in Review 2015\"\n.\nWorld Rugby\n. Retrieved\n3 June\n2021\n.\n^\n\"World Rugby Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019\"\n(PDF)\n.\nresources.world.rugby\n. World Rugby (WR). 2020.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup 2019: Review of Outcomes\"\n(PDF)\n.\nassets.ey.com\n.\nErnst & Young\n. 24 June 2020.\n^\n\"Rugby World Cup 2027 expanded to 24 teams\"\n.\nrugbyworldcup.com\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 25 October 2023\n. Retrieved\n24 October\n2023\n.\n^\n\"England become first host nation eliminated at pool stage of Rugby World Cup\"\n, Evening Standard, Tom Dutton, 3 October 2015.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\nSouth Africa was excluded from the first two tournaments due to a sporting boycott during the apartheid era.\n^\na\nb\nGeorgia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of the USSR and not an independent country yet.\n^\na\nb\nNamibia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of South Africa and not an independent country yet.\n^\nRomania initially qualified for the 2019 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in 6 qualifying matches, resulting in their non-qualification.\n^\nThe USSR rugby team declined the invite to the 1987 World Cup.\n^\nAfter the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition.\n^\nAfter the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition.\n^\nSpain initially qualified for the 2023 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in two qualifiers, resulting in their non-qualification.\n^\na\nb\nPeatey (2011) p. 243.\n^\na\nb\n\"All Time RWC Statistics\"\n. International Rugby Board. Archived from\nthe original\non 2 December 2014\n. Retrieved\n12 April\n2014\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nPeatey (2011) p. 244.\n^\na\nb\nPeatey (2011) p. 245.\n^\nPeatey (2011) p. 242.\nWikinews has news related to:\nOfficial website\nWorld Rugby","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Rugby+World+Cup \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Rugby+World+Cup \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup)\n- [1 Format](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Format)\n  Toggle Format subsection\n  - [1\\.1 Qualification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Qualification)\n  - [1\\.2 Tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Tournament)\n- [2 History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#History)\n  Toggle History subsection\n  - [2\\.1 Beginnings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Beginnings)\n  - [2\\.2 Professional era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Professional_era)\n- [3 Trophy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Trophy)\n- [4 Selection of hosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Selection_of_hosts)\n- [5 Tournament growth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Tournament_growth)\n  Toggle Tournament growth subsection\n  - [5\\.1 Media coverage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Media_coverage)\n  - [5\\.2 Attendance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Attendance)\n  - [5\\.3 Revenue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Revenue)\n- [6 Results](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Results)\n  Toggle Results subsection\n  - [6\\.1 Tournaments](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Tournaments)\n  - [6\\.2 Performance of nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Performance_of_nations)\n  - [6\\.3 Team records](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Team_records)\n  - [6\\.4 Qualification results](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Qualification_results)\n- [7 Records and statistics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Records_and_statistics)\n- [8 See also](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#See_also)\n- [9 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#References)\n  Toggle References subsection\n  - [9\\.1 Printed sources](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Printed_sources)\n  - [9\\.2 Notes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Notes)\n  - [9\\.3 Citations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#Citations)\n- [10 External links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#External_links)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# Rugby World Cup\n59 languages\n\n- [Afrikaans](https:\/\/af.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugbyw%C3%AAreldbeker \"Rugbywêreldbeker – Afrikaans\")\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%83%D8%A3%D8%B3_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85_%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%BA%D8%A8%D9%8A \"كأس العالم للرغبي – Arabic\")\n- [বাংলা](https:\/\/bn.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AA \"রাগবি বিশ্বকাপ – Bangla\")\n- [Brezhoneg](https:\/\/br.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kib_rugbi_ar_bed \"Kib rugbi ar bed – Breton\")\n- [Català](https:\/\/ca.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Copa_del_M%C3%B3n_de_Rugbi \"Copa del Món de Rugbi – Catalan\")\n- [Čeština](https:\/\/cs.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mistrovstv%C3%AD_sv%C4%9Bta_v_ragby \"Mistrovství světa v ragby – Czech\")\n- [Cymraeg](https:\/\/cy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cwpan_Rygbi%27r_Byd \"Cwpan Rygbi'r Byd – Welsh\")\n- [Dansk](https:\/\/da.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/VM_i_rugby \"VM i rugby – Danish\")\n- [Deutsch](https:\/\/de.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby-Union-Weltmeisterschaft \"Rugby-Union-Weltmeisterschaft – German\")\n- [Ελληνικά](https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%A0%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF_%CF%81%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%BA%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%B9 \"Παγκόσμιο κύπελλο ράγκμπι – Greek\")\n- [Esperanto](https:\/\/eo.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugbea_Monda_Pokalo \"Rugbea Monda Pokalo – Esperanto\")\n- [Español](https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Copa_del_Mundo_de_Rugby \"Copa del Mundo de Rugby – Spanish\")\n- [Euskara](https:\/\/eu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gizonezkoen_Munduko_Errugbi_Kopa \"Gizonezkoen Munduko Errugbi Kopa – Basque\")\n- [فارسی](https:\/\/fa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C_%D8%B1%D8%A7%DA%AF%D8%A8%DB%8C \"جام جهانی راگبی – Persian\")\n- [Suomi](https:\/\/fi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugbyn_maailmanmestaruuskilpailut \"Rugbyn maailmanmestaruuskilpailut – Finnish\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Coupe_du_monde_de_rugby_%C3%A0_XV \"Coupe du monde de rugby à XV – French\")\n- [Gaeilge](https:\/\/ga.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corn_an_Domhain_sa_Rugba%C3%AD \"Corn an Domhain sa Rugbaí – Irish\")\n- [Galego](https:\/\/gl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Copa_do_Mundo_de_Rugby \"Copa do Mundo de Rugby – Galician\")\n- [עברית](https:\/\/he.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D7%92%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A2_%D7%94%D7%A2%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%9D_%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%92%D7%91%D7%99 \"גביע העולם ברוגבי – Hebrew\")\n- [हिन्दी](https:\/\/hi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5_%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AA \"रग्बी यूनियन विश्व कप – Hindi\")\n- [Fiji Hindi](https:\/\/hif.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Union_Viswa_Cup \"Rugby Union Viswa Cup – Fiji Hindi\")\n- [Hrvatski](https:\/\/hr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Svjetski_kup_u_ragbiju \"Svjetski kup u ragbiju – Croatian\")\n- [Magyar](https:\/\/hu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/R%C3%B6gbi-vil%C3%A1gbajnoks%C3%A1g \"Rögbi-világbajnokság – Hungarian\")\n- [Հայերեն](https:\/\/hy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D5%8C%D5%A5%D5%A3%D5%A2%D5%AB%D5%AB_%D5%BF%D5%B2%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%81_%D5%A1%D5%B7%D5%AD%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B0%D5%AB_%D5%A3%D5%A1%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%A9 \"Ռեգբիի տղամարդկանց աշխարհի գավաթ – Armenian\")\n- [Interlingua](https:\/\/ia.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cuppa_del_Mundo_de_Rugby \"Cuppa del Mundo de Rugby – Interlingua\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Piala_Dunia_Rugbi \"Piala Dunia Rugbi – Indonesian\")\n- [Íslenska](https:\/\/is.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heimsmeistaram%C3%B3t_landsli%C3%B0a_%C3%AD_ru%C3%B0ningi_karla \"Heimsmeistaramót landsliða í ruðningi karla – Icelandic\")\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/it.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Coppa_del_Mondo_di_rugby \"Coppa del Mondo di rugby – Italian\")\n- [日本語](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B0%E3%83%93%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%AB%E3%83%83%E3%83%97 \"ラグビーワールドカップ – Japanese\")\n- [ქართული](https:\/\/ka.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%92%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1_%E1%83%9B%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A4%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D_%E1%83%A9%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%A2%E1%83%98 \"რაგბის მსოფლიო ჩემპიონატი – Georgian\")\n- [Қазақша](https:\/\/kk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D3%99%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BC_%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B \"Регбиден әлем чемпионаты – Kazakh\")\n- [한국어](https:\/\/ko.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%EB%9F%AD%EB%B9%84_%EC%9B%94%EB%93%9C%EC%BB%B5 \"럭비 월드컵 – Korean\")\n- [Latina](https:\/\/la.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Certamen_mundanum_harpasticum \"Certamen mundanum harpasticum – Latin\")\n- [Lietuvių](https:\/\/lt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pasaulio_regbio_%C4%8Dempionatas \"Pasaulio regbio čempionatas – Lithuanian\")\n- [Latviešu](https:\/\/lv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pasaules_kauss_regbij%C4%81 \"Pasaules kauss regbijā – Latvian\")\n- [Bahasa Melayu](https:\/\/ms.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Piala_Dunia_Ragbi \"Piala Dunia Ragbi – Malay\")\n- [Nederlands](https:\/\/nl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wereldkampioenschap_rugby \"Wereldkampioenschap rugby – Dutch\")\n- [Norsk bokmål](https:\/\/no.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Verdensmesterskapet_i_rugby_union_for_menn \"Verdensmesterskapet i rugby union for menn – Norwegian Bokmål\")\n- [Occitan](https:\/\/oc.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Copa_del_mond_de_rugbi_de_XV \"Copa del mond de rugbi de XV – Occitan\")\n- [ਪੰਜਾਬੀ](https:\/\/pa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%97%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%80_%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%B2%E0%A8%A1_%E0%A8%95%E0%A9%B1%E0%A8%AA \"ਰਗਬੀ ਵਰਲਡ ਕੱਪ – Punjabi\")\n- [Polski](https:\/\/pl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Puchar_%C5%9Bwiata_w_rugby_union_m%C4%99%C5%BCczyzn \"Puchar świata w rugby union mężczyzn – Polish\")\n- [Piemontèis](https:\/\/pms.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Copa_d%C3%ABl_Mond_%C3%ABd_Rugby \"Copa dël Mond ëd Rugby – Piedmontese\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Copa_do_Mundo_de_Rugby_Union \"Copa do Mundo de Rugby Union – Portuguese\")\n- [Română](https:\/\/ro.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cupa_Mondial%C4%83_de_Rugby \"Cupa Mondială de Rugby – Romanian\")\n- [Русский](https:\/\/ru.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%A7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82_%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D0%BE_%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B1%D0%B8 \"Чемпионат мира по регби – Russian\")\n- [Scots](https:\/\/sco.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Warld_Cup \"Rugby Warld Cup – Scots\")\n- [Srpskohrvatski \/ српскохрватски](https:\/\/sh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Svjetsko_prvenstvo_u_ragbiju \"Svjetsko prvenstvo u ragbiju – Serbo-Croatian\")\n- [සිංහල](https:\/\/si.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B6%E0%B7%92_%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%9D%E0%B6%9A_%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%94%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%B1%E0%B6%BA \"රග්බි ලෝක කුසලානය – Sinhala\")\n- [Simple English](https:\/\/simple.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup \"Rugby World Cup – Simple English\")\n- [Slovenčina](https:\/\/sk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Majstrovstv%C3%A1_sveta_v_ragby \"Majstrovstvá sveta v ragby – Slovak\")\n- [Српски \/ srpski](https:\/\/sr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%A1%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE_%D1%83_%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%98%D1%83 \"Светско првенство у рагбију – Serbian\")\n- [Svenska](https:\/\/sv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/V%C3%A4rldsm%C3%A4sterskapet_i_rugby \"Världsmästerskapet i rugby – Swedish\")\n- [ไทย](https:\/\/th.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%8C%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%81 \"รักบี้ชิงแชมป์โลก – Thai\")\n- [Setswana](https:\/\/tn.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sejana_sa_Lefatshe_sa_Rugby \"Sejana sa Lefatshe sa Rugby – Tswana\")\n- [Türkçe](https:\/\/tr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ragbi_D%C3%BCnya_Kupas%C4%B1 \"Ragbi Dünya Kupası – Turkish\")\n- [Українська](https:\/\/uk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BA_%D1%81%D0%B2%D1%96%D1%82%D1%83_%D0%B7_%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B1%D1%96 \"Кубок світу з регбі – Ukrainian\")\n- [吴语](https:\/\/wuu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E6%9D%AF%E6%A9%84%E6%A6%84%E7%90%83%E8%B5%9B \"世界杯橄榄球赛 – Wu\")\n- [მარგალური](https:\/\/xmf.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%92%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A8_%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A4%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A8_%E1%83%A9%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%A2%E1%83%98 \"რაგბიშ მოსოფელიშ ჩემპიონატი – Mingrelian\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E7%9B%83%E6%AC%96%E7%90%83%E8%B3%BD \"世界盃欖球賽 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q16640#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:Rugby_World_Cup \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/Rugby_World_Cup \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/Rugby_World_Cup \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files 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[reviewed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:Log&type=review&page=Rugby_World_Cup) on *16 March 2026*.\n\nInternational men's rugby union competition\n\nThis article is about the men's rugby union tournament. For the women's World Cup in union, see [Women's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\"). For other world cups for rugby, see [World cup of rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_cup_of_rugby_\$disambiguation\$ \"World cup of rugby (disambiguation)\").\n\nNot to be confused with [Rugby League World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_League_World_Cup \"Rugby League World Cup\").\n\n\"RWC\" redirects here. For other uses, see [RWC (disambiguation)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RWC_\$disambiguation\$ \"RWC (disambiguation)\").\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Upcoming tournament** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/07\/Rugby_football_current_event.svg\/40px-Rugby_football_current_event.svg.png) ***[2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\")*** |   |\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/66\/Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg\/330px-Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_\$post-2023\$.svg) |   |\n| Sport | [Rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") |\n| Instituted | 1987; 39 years ago (1987) |\n| Number of teams | 24 |\n| Regions | International ([World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\")) |\n| Holders | [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")  ([2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) |\n| Most titles | South Africa (4 titles) |\n| Website | [rugbyworldcup.com](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/) |\n\n|   |\n|---|\n| [![A rugby field with drummers on the perimeter, and a large multicoloured flag in the middle.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Rugby_World_Cup_190920d6.jpg\/330px-Rugby_World_Cup_190920d6.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_World_Cup_190920d6.jpg)The opening ceremony of the 2019 tournament |\n| Tournaments |\n| [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") *[2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\")* *[2031](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2031 Men's Rugby World Cup\")* |\n\nThe **Men's Rugby World Cup** is a [rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the [world champions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_championship \"World championship\") of the sport.\n\nThe tournament is administered by [World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\"), the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the [Webb Ellis Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Webb_Ellis_Cup \"Webb Ellis Cup\"), named after [William Webb Ellis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/William_Webb_Ellis \"William Webb Ellis\") who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-1)\n\nThe tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") four times, [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") three times, [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") twice, and [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") once. [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") is the current champion, having defeated [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") in the [final](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2023 Rugby World Cup final\") of the [2023 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\").\n\nSixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the [2019 Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") and France hosted the [2023 Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"). The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in [Australia in 2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\").\n\nStarting in [2021](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2021_Rugby_World_Cup \"2021 Rugby World Cup\"), the [women's equivalent tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\") was officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men's tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the [2023 World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"), World Rugby announced that all future tournaments would include the words \"Men's\" or \"Women's\" in their titles. The first event to use this convention was the [2025 Women's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2025_Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2025 Women's Rugby World Cup\"), while the [2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\") will be the first to include \"Men's\" in its title.\n\n## Format\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Format\")\\]\n\n### Qualification\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Qualification\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Rugby World Cup qualification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_qualification \"Rugby World Cup qualification\")\n\nUnder the current format, 24 teams qualify for each Rugby World Cup. Twelve teams qualified automatically for the 2027 edition, as a consequence of finishing top three in their 2023 pool. The qualification for the remaining 12 spots was allocated regionally; with a total of ten teams allocated for Europe, seven for the Pacific, two for South America - an additional space for a play-off between South America and the Pacific - two for Africa, one for Asia. The last place is determined by an intercontinental play-off. [\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Qualifying-2)\n\n### Tournament\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Tournament\")\\]\n\nThe tournament involves twenty-four nations competing over six weeks in October and November.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2008Seedings-3)[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4) There are two stages—a pool, followed by a knockout round. Nations are divided into four pools, A through to F, of four nations each.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4)[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) The teams are [seeded](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seed_\$sports\$ \"Seed (sports)\") based on the [World Rankings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Rankings \"World Rugby Rankings\"). The six highest-ranked teams are drawn into pools A to F. This process is repeated down the seeding order, with a caveat to ensure the host country shall always be in Pool A.\n\nNations play three pool games, playing their respective pool members once each.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) A [bonus points system](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union_bonus_points_system \"Rugby union bonus points system\") is used during pool play. If two or more teams are level on points, a system of criteria determines the higher ranked.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5)\n\nSixteen teams-the winner and runner-up from each of the six pools, plus the four best third placed teams-enter the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round-of-sixteen, quarter-final, semi-finals, and then a final round which includes a bronze medal match and the [Rugby World Cup Final](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_Final \"Rugby World Cup Final\"). If a match in the knockout stages ends in a draw, the winner is determined through [extra time](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Extra_time \"Extra time\"). If that fails, the match goes into [sudden death](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudden_death_\$sport\$ \"Sudden death (sport)\") and the next team to score any points is the winner.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5)\n\n## History\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: History\")\\]\n\nMain article: [History of the Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup \"History of the Rugby World Cup\")\n\n### Beginnings\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Beginnings\")\\]\n\nBefore the Rugby World Cup, there was no truly global rugby union competition, but there were a number of other tournaments. One of the oldest is the annual [Six Nations Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Championship \"Six Nations Championship\"), which started in 1883 as the [Home Nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Home_Nations \"Home Nations\") Championship,[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-6) a tournament between [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\"), [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team \"Ireland national rugby union team\"), [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") and [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\"). It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910, when [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") joined the tournament. France did not participate from 1931 to 1939, during which period it reverted to a Home Nations championship. In 2000, [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italy_national_rugby_union_team \"Italy national rugby union team\") joined the competition, which became the Six Nations.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-history-7)\n\nRugby union was also played at the [Summer Olympic Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summer_Olympic_Games \"Summer Olympic Games\"), first appearing at the [1900 Paris games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1900_Summer_Olympics \"1900 Summer Olympics\") and subsequently at [London in 1908](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1908_Summer_Olympics \"1908 Summer Olympics\"), [Antwerp in 1920](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1920_Summer_Olympics \"1920 Summer Olympics\"), and [Paris again in 1924](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1924_Summer_Olympics \"1924 Summer Olympics\"). France won the first gold medal, then Australasia, with the last two being won by the United States. However rugby union ceased to be on Olympic program after 1924.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-olympics2-9)[\\[a\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-10)\n\nThe idea of a Rugby World Cup had been suggested on numerous occasions going back to the 1950s, but met with opposition from most unions in the IRFB.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11) The idea resurfaced several times in the early 1980s, with the [Australian Rugby Union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Australia \"Rugby Australia\") (ARU; now known as Rugby Australia) in 1983, and the [New Zealand Rugby Union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_Rugby \"New Zealand Rugby\") (NZRU; now known as New Zealand Rugby) in 1984 independently proposing the establishment of a world cup.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12) A proposal was again put to the IRFB in 1985 and this time passed 10–6. The delegates from Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa all voted for the proposal, and the delegates from Ireland and Scotland against; the English and Welsh delegates were split, with one from each country for and one against.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12)\n\nThe inaugural tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was held in May and June 1987, with sixteen nations taking part.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey31-13) The [inaugural World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") in 1987, did not involve any qualifying process; instead, the 16 places were automatically filled by seven eligible [International Rugby Football Board](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\") (IRFB, now World Rugby) member nations, and the rest by invitation.[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey34-14) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") became the first-ever champions, defeating [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") 29–9 in the final.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey42-15) The subsequent [1991 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by England, with matches played throughout Britain, Ireland and France. Qualifying tournaments were introduced for the [second tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), where eight of the sixteen places were contested in a twenty-four-nation tournament.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) This tournament saw the introduction of a qualifying tournament; eight places were allocated to the quarter-finalists from 1987, and the remaining eight decided by a thirty-five nation qualifying tournament.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) Australia won the second tournament, defeating [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") 12–6 in the final.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey77-17)\n\nIn 1992, eight years after their last official series,[\\[b\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-19) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") hosted New Zealand in a one-off test match. The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the [apartheid](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Apartheid \"Apartheid\") system.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18)[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey78-20) With their return to test rugby, South Africa were selected to host the [1995 Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\").[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey82-21) After upsetting Australia in the opening match, South Africa continued to advance through the tournament and met New Zealand in the final.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey87-22)[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) After a tense final that went into [extra time](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$ \"Overtime (sports)\"), South Africa emerged 15–12 winners,[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey99-24) with then President [Nelson Mandela](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nelson_Mandela \"Nelson Mandela\"), wearing a Springbok [jersey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_shirt \"Rugby shirt\"),[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) presenting the trophy to South Africa's captain, [Francois Pienaar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Francois_Pienaar \"Francois Pienaar\").[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding168-25)\n\n### Professional era\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Professional era\")\\]\n\nThe [1999 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by Wales with matches also being held throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The tournament included a [repechage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Repechage \"Repechage\") system,[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-26) alongside specific regional qualifying places.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-27) The number of participating nations was increased from sixteen to twenty—and has remained to date at twenty.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-28) Australia claimed their second title, defeating France in the final.[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-29) The combination of the sport turning professional after 1995 and the increase in teams from sixteen to twenty led to a number of remarkably lopsided results in both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, with two matches in each tournament resulting in teams scoring over 100 points; Australia's 142–0 win over Namibia in 2003 stands as the most lopsided score in Rugby World Cup history.[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-30)\n\nIn 2003 and 2007, the qualifying format allowed for eight of the twenty available positions to be automatically filled by the eight quarter-finalists of the previous tournament. The remaining twelve positions were filled by [continental](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Continent \"Continent\") qualifying tournaments.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Ten positions were filled by teams qualifying directly through continental competitions.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Another two places were allocated for a cross-continental [repechage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Repechage \"Repechage\").[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG27-32)\n\nThe [2003 event](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by Australia, although it was originally intended to be held jointly with New Zealand. England emerged as champions defeating Australia in extra time. England's win broke the [southern hemisphere](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SANZAAR \"SANZAAR\")'s dominance in the event. Such was the celebration of England's victory that an estimated 750,000 people gathered in central [London](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/London \"London\") to greet the team, making the day the largest sporting celebration of its kind ever in the United Kingdom.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-bbcrwc-33)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/02\/Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg\/250px-Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg)\n\nIreland v Argentina in 2007\n\nThe [2007 competition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by France, with matches also being held in Wales and Scotland. South Africa claimed their second title by defeating defending champions England 15–6. The biggest story of the tournament, however, was Argentina who racked up wins against some of the [top European teams](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Championship \"Six Nations Championship\")—France, Ireland, and Scotland—to finish first in the [Pool of death](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Group_of_death \"Group of death\") and finish third overall in the tournament.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-34) The attention from Argentina's performance led to Argentina participating in [SANZAAR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SANZAAR \"SANZAAR\")[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-35) and the professionalization of rugby in Argentina.\n\n[![A player holds a ball in front of two opposing groups of eight players. Each group is crouched and working together to push against the other team.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg\/250px-2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_\$6168183024\$.jpg)\n\nA scrum between [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team \"Samoa national rugby union team\") (in blue) and [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") (in red) during the 2011 World Cup\n\nThe [2011 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") was awarded to New Zealand in November 2005, ahead of bids from [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") and South Africa. The All Blacks reclaimed their place atop the rugby world with a narrow 8–7 win over France in the [2011 final](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup final\").[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-36)\n\nThe opening weekend of the [2015 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), hosted by England, generated the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan, who had not won a single World Cup match since 1991, defeated heavily favoured South Africa. Overall, New Zealand once again won the final, this time against Australia. In doing so, they became the first team in World Cup history to win three titles, as well as the first to successfully defend a title.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-37)\n\nJapan's hosting of the [2019 World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") marked the first time the tournament had been held outside the traditional rugby strongholds; Japan won all four of their pool matches to top their group and qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time. The tournament saw South Africa claim their third trophy to match New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup titles. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-38)\n\nStarting in 2021, gender designations were removed from the titles of the men's and women's World Cups. Accordingly, all World Cups for men and women will officially bear the \"Rugby World Cup\" name. The first tournament to be affected by the new policy was the 2022 women's tournament held in New Zealand, which retained its original title of \"Rugby World Cup 2021\" despite having been delayed from its original schedule due to [COVID-19](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/COVID-19_pandemic \"COVID-19 pandemic\") issues.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-39)\n\nFrance hosted the [2023 World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"). The tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated New Zealand 12–11 to become the second nation to successfully defend their World Champion title and the first nation to win the tournament four times.\n\n## Trophy\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Trophy\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Webb Ellis Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Webb_Ellis_Cup \"Webb Ellis Cup\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG\/250px-Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG)\n\nThe Webb Ellis Cup\n\nWinners of the Rugby World Cup are presented with the Webb Ellis Cup, named after [William Webb Ellis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/William_Webb_Ellis \"William Webb Ellis\"). The trophy is also referred to simply as the *Rugby World Cup*. The trophy was chosen in 1987 for use in the competition, and was created in 1906 by Garrard's Crown Jewellers.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCTrophy-40)[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-QuinnPt3-41) The trophy is restored, repaired and its plinth engraved with the winner's name by [Thomas Lyte](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thomas_Lyte \"Thomas Lyte\") between tournaments.[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-BBC-42)[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RoyalWarrant-43) The words 'The International Rugby Football Board' and 'The Webb Ellis Cup' are engraved on the face of the cup.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-44) It stands thirty-eight centimetres high and is silver gilded in gold, and supported by two cast scroll handles, one with the head of a [satyr](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Satyr \"Satyr\"), and the other a head of a [nymph](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nymph \"Nymph\").[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WECup-45) In Australia the trophy is colloquially known as \"Bill\"—a reference to William Webb Ellis.\n\n## Selection of hosts\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Selection of hosts\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Rugby World Cup hosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_hosts \"Rugby World Cup hosts\")\n\nTournaments are organised by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), which is itself owned by World Rugby. The selection of host is decided by a vote of World Rugby Council members.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-46)[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-JapEng2019-47) The voting procedure is managed by a team of independent auditors, and the voting kept secret. The host nation is generally selected five or six years before the competition.\n\nThe tournament has been hosted by multiple nations. For example, the 1987 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. World Rugby requires that the hosts must have a venue with a capacity of at least 60,000 spectators for the final.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48) Host nations sometimes construct or upgrade stadia in preparation for the World Cup, such as [Millennium Stadium](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Millennium_Stadium \"Millennium Stadium\")—purposely built for the 1999 tournament—and [Eden Park](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eden_Park \"Eden Park\"), upgraded for 2011.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48)[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-millen-49) The first country outside of the traditional rugby nations of [SANZAAR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SANZAAR \"SANZAAR\") or the Six Nations to be awarded the hosting rights was [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") host Japan. France hosted the [2023 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"). The next tournament to be hosted by a nation outside the traditional nations will be the 2031 tournament in the [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\").[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-50)\n\n## Tournament growth\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Tournament growth\")\\]\n\n### Media coverage\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: Media coverage\")\\]\n\nOrganizers of the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Global Sports Impact, state that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the [FIFA World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup \"FIFA World Cup\") and the [Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympics \"Olympics\"),[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-51)[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-52) although other sources question whether this is accurate.[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-53)\n\nReports emanating from World Rugby and its business partners have frequently touted the tournament's media growth, with cumulative worldwide television audiences of 300 million for the inaugural 1987 tournament, 1.75 billion in 1991, 2.67 billion in 1995, 3 billion in 1999,[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-seven-54) 3.5 billion in 2003,[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-visa-55) and 4 billion in 2007.[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Deloitte2008-56) The 4 billion figure was widely dismissed as the global audience for television is estimated to be about 4.2 billion.[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-57)\n\nHowever, independent reviews have called into question the methodology of those growth estimates, pointing to factual inconsistencies.[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-58) The event's supposed drawing power outside of a handful of rugby strongholds was also downplayed significantly, with an estimated 97 percent of the 33 million average audience produced by the 2007 final coming from [Australasia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australasia \"Australasia\"), South Africa, the [British Isles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/British_Isles \"British Isles\") and France.[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-59) Other sports have been accused of exaggerating their television reach over the years; such claims are not exclusive to the Rugby World Cup.\n\nWhile the event's global popularity remains a matter of dispute, high interest in traditional rugby nations is well documented. The 2003 final, between Australia and England, became the most watched [rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") match in the history of Australian television.[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-tv-60) The 2023 tournament achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours across all programming making it the most viewed rugby event of all time.[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-61)\n\n### Attendance\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: Attendance\")\\]\n\nSee also: [List of sports attendance figures](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_sports_attendance_figures \"List of sports attendance figures\")\n\n| Year | Host(s) | Total attendance | Matches | Avg attendance | % change  in avg att. | Stadium capacity | Attendance as  % of capacity |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | 604,500 | 32 | 18,891 | — | 1,006,350 | 60% |\n| [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland \"Ireland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland \"Scotland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | 1,007,760 | 32 | 31,493 | \\+67% | 1,212,800 | 79% |\n| [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa \"South Africa\") | 1,100,000 | 32 | 34,375 | \\+9% | 1,423,850 | 77% |\n| [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | 1,750,000 | 41 | 42,683 | \\+24% | 2,104,500 | 83% |\n| [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | 1,837,547 | 48 | 38,282 | –10% | 2,208,529 | 83% |\n| [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | 2,263,223 | 48 | 47,150 | \\+23% | 2,470,660 | 92% |\n| [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") | 1,477,294 | 48 | 30,777 | –35% | 1,732,000 | 85% |\n| [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") | 2,477,805 | 48 | 51,621 | \\+68% | 2,600,741 | 95% |\n| [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") | 1,698,528 | 45\\* | 37,745 | –27% | 1,811,866 | 90% |\n| [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | 2,437,208 | 48 | 50,775 | \\+26% | 2,586,173 | 94% |\n| [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | \\- | 52 | \\- | \\- | 2,779,320 | \\- |\n| \\*[Typhoon Hagibis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Typhoon_Hagibis_\$2019\$ \"Typhoon Hagibis (2019)\") caused 3 group stage matches to be cancelled. As a result, only 45 of the scheduled 48 matches were played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |\n\n| Key |   |\n|---|---|\n|   | Record high |\n|   | Record low |\n\n### Revenue\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=12 \"Edit section: Revenue\")\\]\n\n| Source | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")[\\[c\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-64)[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-65) | *[2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")* |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| [Gate receipts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gate_receipts \"Gate receipts\") (M [£](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pound_sterling \"Pound sterling\")) | —N\/a | —N\/a | 15 | 55 | 81 | 147 | 131 | 250 | 259[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-66) | —N\/a |\n| Broadcasting (M £) | —N\/a | —N\/a | 19 | 44 | 60 | 82 | 93 | 155 | 136 | —N\/a |\n| Sponsorship (M £) | —N\/a | —N\/a | 8 | 18 | 16 | 28 | 29 | —N\/a | 105 | —N\/a |\n| Surplus (M £) | 1 | 4 | 18 | 47 | 64 | 122 | 92 | 150 | 136 | —N\/a |\n\nNotes:\n\n- The host union keeps revenue from gate receipts. World Rugby, through RWCL, receive revenue from sources including broadcasting rights, sponsorship and tournament fees.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2012YearInReview-62)\n\n## Results\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Results\")\\]\n\n### Tournaments\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=14 \"Edit section: Tournaments\")\\]\n\nKeys\n\n- aet: result\/match won [after extra time](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$ \"Overtime (sports)\")\n\n| Ed. | Year | Host | First place game | Third place game | Num. teams |   |   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| Champion | Score | Runner-up | Third | Score | Fourth |   |   |   |   |\n| 1 | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **[29–9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1987 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | [22–21](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | 16 |\n| 2 | [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland \"Ireland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland \"Scotland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\")** | **[12–6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1991 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | [13–6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") | 16 |\n| 3 | [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa \"South Africa\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[15–12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1995 Rugby World Cup final\")** ([a.e.t.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$#Rugby_union \"Overtime (sports)\")) | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | [19–9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | 16 |\n| 4 | [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\")** | **[35–12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1999 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") | [22–18](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 5 | [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\")** | **[20–17](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2003 Rugby World Cup final\")** ([a.e.t.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$#Rugby_union \"Overtime (sports)\")) | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | [40–13](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 6 | [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[15–6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2007 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | [34–10](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_France_vs_Argentina \"2007 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 7 | [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **[8–7](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | [21–18](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 8 | [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **[34–17](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2015 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") | [24–13](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_South_Africa_vs_Argentina \"2015 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 9 | [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[32–12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2019 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | [40–17](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_New_Zealand_v_Wales \"2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 10 | [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[12–11](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2023 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | [26–23](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_Argentina_vs_England \"2023 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 11 | [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | *To be determined* | *To be determined* | 24[\\[64\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-67) |   |   |   |   |\n| 12 | [2031](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2031 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg\/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\") | *To be determined* | *To be determined* | 24 |   |   |   |   |\n\n### Performance of nations\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Performance of nations\")\\]\n\nSee also: [National team appearances in the Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_team_appearances_in_the_Rugby_World_Cup \"National team appearances in the Rugby World Cup\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png\/330px-Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png)\n\nMap of nations' best results (excluding qualifying tournaments)\n\nTwenty-six nations have participated at the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The only nations to host and win a tournament are New Zealand (1987 and 2011) and South Africa (1995). The performance of other host nations includes England (1991 final hosts) and Australia (2003 hosts) both finishing runners-up, while France (2007 hosts) finished fourth, and Wales (1999 hosts) and Japan (2019 hosts) reached the quarter-finals. Wales became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 1991 while England became the first solo host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 2015.[\\[65\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-68) Of the twenty-five nations that have participated in at least one tournament, ten of them have never missed a tournament.[\\[d\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-69)\n\n### Team records\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=16 \"Edit section: Team records\")\\]\n\n| Team | Champions | Runners-up | Third | Fourth | Quarter-finals | Apps in top 8 |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **4** ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | —N\/a | **2** ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | —N\/a | 2 ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **8**[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) |\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **3** ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | **2** ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **3** ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\")) | **10** |\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\")** | **2** ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\")) | **2** ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** ([2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\")) | 3 ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | **9** |\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\")** | **1** ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\")) | **3** ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** ([2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\")) | 3 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **9** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | **3** ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\")) | 4 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **10** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | **1** ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | 4 ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **7** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | **1** ([2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **5** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | 1 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\")) | 6 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | **7** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team \"Ireland national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | 8 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **8** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Flag_of_Fiji.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team \"Fiji national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | 3 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **3** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/31\/Flag_of_Samoa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team \"Samoa national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | 2 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\")) | **2** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canada_national_rugby_union_team \"Canada national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | 1 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_national_rugby_union_team \"Japan national rugby union team\") | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | —N\/a | 1 ([2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** |\n\n### Qualification results\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=17 \"Edit section: Qualification results\")\\]\n\nAs of the 2027 World Cup, 27 nations have qualified to compete across 11 tournaments.\n\n| Team | [![New Zealand](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") [![Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | [![England](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") [![France](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") [![Ireland](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland \"Ireland\") [![Scotland](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland \"Scotland\") [![Wales](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | [![South Africa](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa \"South Africa\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Wales](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | [![France](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | [![New Zealand](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | [![England](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Japan](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") | [![France](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | [![United States](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg\/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\") [2031](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2031 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | Years |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canada_national_rugby_union_team \"Canada national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/78\/Flag_of_Chile.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png) [Chile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chile_national_rugby_union_team \"Chile national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 2 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/20px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Flag_of_Fiji.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team \"Fiji national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/20px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Flag_of_Georgia.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Georgia.svg.png) [Georgia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Georgia_national_rugby_union_team \"Georgia national rugby union team\") | *N\/A[\\[67\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71)* | *N\/A[\\[67\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71)* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 7 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg.png) [Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_national_rugby_union_team \"Hong Kong national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *TBD* | 1 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/20px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team \"Ireland national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/0\/03\/Flag_of_Italy.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png) [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italy_national_rugby_union_team \"Italy national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg\/20px-Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg.png) [Ivory Coast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ivory_Coast_national_rugby_union_team \"Ivory Coast national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *TBD* | 1 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_national_rugby_union_team \"Japan national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/00\/Flag_of_Namibia.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Namibia.svg.png) [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team \"Namibia national rugby union team\") | *N\/A[\\[68\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72)* | *N\/A[\\[68\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72)* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *TBD* | 7 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/20px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg.png) [Portugal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portugal_national_rugby_union_team \"Portugal national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 3 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/73\/Flag_of_Romania.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Romania.svg.png) [Romania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romania_national_rugby_union_team \"Romania national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *E[\\[69\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-73)* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Flag_of_Russia.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Russia.svg.png) [Russia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russia_national_rugby_union_team \"Russia national rugby union team\") | *[\\[70\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-74)* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *X* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *B[\\[71\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-75)* | *B[\\[72\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-76)* | *TBD* | 2 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/31\/Flag_of_Samoa.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team \"Samoa national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/20px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") | *B[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70)* | *B[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70)* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 9[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Flag_of_Spain.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png) [Spain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spain_national_rugby_union_team \"Spain national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *X* | *E[\\[73\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-77)* | *Q* | *TBD* | 2 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Flag_of_Tonga.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png) [Tonga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tonga_national_rugby_union_team \"Tonga national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg\/20px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States_national_rugby_union_team \"United States national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | 9 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Flag_of_Uruguay.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Uruguay.svg.png) [Uruguay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Uruguay_national_rugby_union_team \"Uruguay national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 6 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png) [Zimbabwe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zimbabwe_national_rugby_union_team \"Zimbabwe national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *TBD* | 3 |\n| Total | 16 | 16 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 24 | 24 |   |\n\nLegend\n\n- \\= Hosts\n- *Q* = Qualified (or just for the 1987 World Cup, invited)\n- *\\-* = Did not qualify (or not invited to the 1987 World Cup)\n- *X* = Expelled during qualification\n- *E* = Expelled after qualification\n- *B* = Banned\n\n## Records and statistics\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=18 \"Edit section: Records and statistics\")\\]\n\nMain articles: [Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Records_and_statistics_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup \"Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup\"), [List of Rugby World Cup try scorers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_try_scorers \"List of Rugby World Cup try scorers\"), and [List of Rugby World Cup hat-tricks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_hat-tricks \"List of Rugby World Cup hat-tricks\")\n\n[![A middle-aged man wearing a suit and tie holding the Scottish flag.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Gavin_Hastings.jpg\/250px-Gavin_Hastings.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Gavin_Hastings.jpg)\n\n[Gavin Hastings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gavin_Hastings \"Gavin Hastings\") of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match.\n\nThe record for most points overall is held by English player [Jonny Wilkinson](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jonny_Wilkinson \"Jonny Wilkinson\"), who scored 277 during his World Cup career.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) New Zealand All Black [Grant Fox](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grant_Fox \"Grant Fox\") holds the record for most points in one competition, with 126 in 1987;[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) [Sam Whitelock](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sam_Whitelock \"Sam Whitelock\") of New Zealand holds the record for most World Cup matches: 26 between 2011 and 2023. All Black [Simon Culhane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simon_Culhane \"Simon Culhane\") holds the record for most points in a match by one player, 45, as well as the record for most conversions in a match, 20.[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) All Black [Marc Ellis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marc_Ellis_\$rugby_footballer\$ \"Marc Ellis (rugby footballer)\") holds the record for most tries in a match, six, which he scored against Japan in 1995.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80)\n\nNew Zealand's [Jonah Lomu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jonah_Lomu \"Jonah Lomu\") is the youngest player to appear in a final—aged 20 years and 43 days in the 1995 final.[\\[77\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) Lomu (playing in two tournaments) and South African [Bryan Habana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bryan_Habana \"Bryan Habana\") (playing in three tournaments) share the record for most total World Cup tournament tries, both scoring 15.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) Lomu (in 1999) and Habana (in 2007) also share the record, along with All Black [Julian Savea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Julian_Savea \"Julian Savea\") (in 2015) and [Will Jordan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Will_Jordan_\$rugby_union\$ \"Will Jordan (rugby union)\") (in 2023), for most tries in a tournament, with 8 each.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) South Africa's [Jannie de Beer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jannie_de_Beer \"Jannie de Beer\") kicked five drop-goals against England in 1999—an individual record for a single World Cup match.[\\[77\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) The record for most penalties in a match is 8, held by Australian [Matt Burke](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matt_Burke_\$rugby_union,_born_1973\$ \"Matt Burke (rugby union, born 1973)\"), Argentinian [Gonzalo Quesada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gonzalo_Quesada \"Gonzalo Quesada\"), Scotland's [Gavin Hastings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gavin_Hastings \"Gavin Hastings\") and France's [Thierry Lacroix](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thierry_Lacroix \"Thierry Lacroix\"),[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) with Quesada also holding the record for most penalties in a tournament, with 31.\n\nThe most points scored in a game is 145, by the All Blacks against [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_national_rugby_union_team \"Japan national rugby union team\") in 1995, while the widest winning margin is 142, held by Australia in a match against [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team \"Namibia national rugby union team\") in 2003.[\\[78\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey242-82)\n\nA total of 25 players have been [sent off](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_red_cards \"List of Rugby World Cup red cards\") (red carded) in the tournament. Welsh lock [Huw Richards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huw_Richards \"Huw Richards\") was the first, while playing against New Zealand in 1987. No player has been red carded more than once.\n\n## See also\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=19 \"Edit section: See also\")\\]\n\n- ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/95\/Sports_icon.png\/40px-Sports_icon.png)[Sports portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Sports \"Portal:Sports\")\n- [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/70\/The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg\/40px-The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:The_Blue_Marble,_AS17-148-22727.jpg)[World portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:World \"Portal:World\")\n\n- [International rugby union player records](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_rugby_union_player_records \"International rugby union player records\")\n- [International rugby union team records](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_rugby_union_team_records \"International rugby union team records\")\n- [Rugby World Cup Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens \"Rugby World Cup Sevens\") – men's and women's tournaments held simultaneously at a single site\n\n## References\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=20 \"Edit section: References\")\\]\n\n### Printed sources\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=21 \"Edit section: Printed sources\")\\]\n\n- Collins, Tony (2008). \"'The First Principle of Our Game': The rise and fall of amateurism: 1886–1995\". In Ryan, Greg (ed.). *The Changing Face of Rugby: The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995*. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-1-84718-530-3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-84718-530-3 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-84718-530-3\")\n  \n  .\n- Davies, Gerald (2004). *The History of the Rugby World Cup* Sanctuary Publishing Ltd.\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-86074-602-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-86074-602-0 \"Special:BookSources\/1-86074-602-0\")\n  .\n- [Farr-Jones, Nick](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nick_Farr-Jones \"Nick Farr-Jones\"), (2003). *Story of the Rugby World Cup*, [Australian Post Corporation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_Post \"Australia Post\").\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [0-642-36811-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-642-36811-2 \"Special:BookSources\/0-642-36811-2\")\n  .\n- Harding, Grant; Williams, David (2000). *The Toughest of Them All: New Zealand and South Africa: The Struggle for Rugby Supremacy*. [Auckland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Auckland \"Auckland\"), New Zealand: Penguin Books. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-0-14-029577-1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-14-029577-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-14-029577-1\")\n  \n  .\n- Martin, Gerard John (2005). *The Game is not the Same – a History of Professional Rugby in New Zealand* (Thesis). Auckland University of Technology.\n- Peatey, Lance (2011). *In Pursuit of Bill: A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup*. New Holland Publishers. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-1-74257-191-1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-74257-191-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-74257-191-1\")\n  \n  .\n- Phillpots, Kyle (2000). [*The Professionalisation of Rugby Union*](http:\/\/wrap.warwick.ac.uk\/4498\/) (Thesis). University of Warwick.\n- Williams, Peter (2002). [\"Battle Lines on Three Fronts: The RFU and the Lost War Against Professionalism\"](https:\/\/salford-repository.worktribe.com\/output\/1432363\/battle-lines-on-three-fronts-the-rfu-and-the-lost-war-against-professionalism). *The International Journal of the History of Sport*. **19** (4): 114–136\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\$identifier\$ \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1080\/714001793](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080%2F714001793). [S2CID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S2CID_\$identifier\$ \"S2CID (identifier)\") [145705183](https:\/\/api.semanticscholar.org\/CorpusID:145705183).\n\n### Notes\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=22 \"Edit section: Notes\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-10)** However an exhibition tournament, the [1936 FIRA Tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1936_FIRA_Tournament \"1936 FIRA Tournament\"), did take place at the [1936 Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1936_Summer_Olympics \"1936 Summer Olympics\"). Rugby [was reintroduced](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Summer_Olympics \"Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics\") to the Olympics in 2016, but as men's and women's [rugby sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens \"Rugby sevens\") (i.e., seven-a-side rugby).[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8)\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-19)** Against England in 1984.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18)\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-64)** Figures published by [World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\") (WR) are for the entire year, and are not specific to the tournament.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-69)** Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are the nations that have never missed a tournament, playing in all nine thus far. South Africa has played in all eight in the post-apartheid era (as of 2023).\n\n### Citations\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=23 \"Edit section: Citations\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-1)** As per the narrative of the sport's origins, at this point in time, handling the ball, by way of taking a [Mark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mark_\$rugby\$ \"Mark (rugby)\"), was within the laws of the Game. Webb Ellis' purported innovation was to then run with the ball in hand, giving the game its signature characteristic.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Qualifying_2-0)**\n   [\"Caribbean kick off for RWC 2011 qualifying\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110905162139\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/home\/news\/newsid%3D2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying). irb.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/home\/news\/newsid=2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying) on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2008Seedings_3-0)**\n   [\"AB boost as World Cup seedings confirmed\"](http:\/\/www.stuff.co.nz\/sport\/rugby\/news\/281939). *stuff.co.nz*. NZPA. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013.\n4. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-1)\n   [\"Fixtures\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150815053510\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/fixtures). *World Rugby*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/fixtures) on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.\n5. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-3)\n   [\"Tournament Rules\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160201091833\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/tournament-rules). *World Rugby*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/tournament-rules) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2015.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-6)**\n   cycles, This text provides general information Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct Due to varying update; Text, Statistics Can Display More up-to-Date Data Than Referenced in the. 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Retrieved 3 June 2021.\n62. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-65)**\n    [\"World Rugby Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019\"](https:\/\/resources.world.rugby\/worldrugby\/document\/2020\/07\/09\/a5110686-c0e7-45d9-8688-e39d92a9d9c7\/WR-Financial-Report.pdf) (PDF). *resources.world.rugby*. World Rugby (WR). 2020.\n63. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-66)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2019: Review of Outcomes\"](https:\/\/assets.ey.com\/content\/dam\/ey-sites\/ey-com\/ja_jp\/topics\/library\/report\/pdf\/ey-japan-report-2020-08-14-rwc2019-en.pdf) (PDF). *assets.ey.com*. [Ernst & Young](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ernst_%26_Young \"Ernst & Young\"). 24 June 2020.\n64. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-67)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2027 expanded to 24 teams\"](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/2023\/news\/885620\/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams). *rugbyworldcup.com*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20231025171432\/https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/2023\/news\/885620\/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams) from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.\n65. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-68)** [\"England become first host nation eliminated at pool stage of Rugby World Cup\"](https:\/\/www.standard.co.uk\/sport\/rugby\/england-become-first-host-nation-eliminated-at-pool-stage-of-rugby-world-cup-a3072231.html), Evening Standard, Tom Dutton, 3 October 2015.\n66. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-3) South Africa was excluded from the first two tournaments due to a sporting boycott during the apartheid era.\n67. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-1) Georgia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of the USSR and not an independent country yet.\n68. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-1) Namibia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of South Africa and not an independent country yet.\n69. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-73)** Romania initially qualified for the 2019 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in 6 qualifying matches, resulting in their non-qualification.\n70. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-74)** The USSR rugby team declined the invite to the 1987 World Cup.\n71. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-75)** After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition.\n72. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-76)** After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition.\n73. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-77)** Spain initially qualified for the 2023 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in two qualifiers, resulting in their non-qualification.\n74. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-1) Peatey (2011) p. 243.\n75. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-1)\n    [\"All Time RWC Statistics\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141202180522\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/statistics). International Rugby Board. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/statistics\/) on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.\n76. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-2) Peatey (2011) p. 244.\n77. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-1) Peatey (2011) p. 245.\n78. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey242_82-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 242.\n\n## External links\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=24 \"Edit section: External links\")\\]\n\n[![logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Rugby_World_Cup \"commons:Category:Rugby World Cup\").\n\n[![logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/2\/24\/Wikinews-logo.svg\/40px-Wikinews-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wikinews-logo.svg)\n\nWikinews has news related to:\n\n***[Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikinews.org\/wiki\/Category:Rugby_World_Cup \"wikinews:Category:Rugby World Cup\")***\n\n- [Official website](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/) [![Edit this at Wikidata](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/8\/8a\/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg\/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q16640#P856 \"Edit this at Wikidata\")\n- [World Rugby](https:\/\/www.world.rugby\/)\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Rugby_World_Cup_winners \"Template:Rugby World Cup winners\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Rugby_World_Cup_winners \"Template talk:Rugby World Cup winners\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Rugby_World_Cup_winners \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Rugby World Cup winners\")[Rugby World Cup]() [winners](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_finals \"List of Rugby World Cup finals\") |\n|---|\n| **[1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") **[1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") **[1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") **[1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") **[2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") **[2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") **[2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") **[2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") **[2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") **[2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"):** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Rugby_World_Cup \"Template:Rugby World Cup\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Rugby_World_Cup \"Template talk:Rugby World Cup\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Rugby_World_Cup \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Rugby World Cup\")[Rugby World Cup]() |   |\n|---|---|\n| Tournaments | [New Zealand \/ Australia 1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") [England \/ France \/ Ireland \/ Scotland \/ Wales 1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") [South Africa 1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") [Wales 1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") [Australia 2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") [France 2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") [New Zealand 2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") [England 2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") [Japan 2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") [France 2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") *[Australia 2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\")* *[United States 2031](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2031 Men's Rugby World Cup\")* |\n| Warm-up matches | [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches \"2003 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches \"2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches \"2011 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches \"2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches \"2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches \"2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches\") [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches&action=edit&redlink=1 \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches (page does not exist)\") *2031* |\n| [Qualifying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_qualification \"Rugby World Cup qualification\") | 1987 [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"1991 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"1995 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"1999 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2003 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2007 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying\") [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup qualifying\") *2031* |\n| Knockout stages | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"1987 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=1991_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage&action=edit&redlink=1 \"1991 Rugby World Cup knockout stage (page does not exist)\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=1995_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage&action=edit&redlink=1 \"1995 Rugby World Cup knockout stage (page does not exist)\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=1999_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage&action=edit&redlink=1 \"1999 Rugby World Cup knockout stage (page does not exist)\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"2003 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"2007 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"2011 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"2015 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage \"2023 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") *2027* *2031* |\n| [Finals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_finals \"List of Rugby World Cup finals\") | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1987 Rugby World Cup final\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1991 Rugby World Cup final\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1995 Rugby World Cup final\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1999 Rugby World Cup final\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2003 Rugby World Cup final\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2007 Rugby World Cup final\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup final\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2015 Rugby World Cup final\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2019 Rugby World Cup final\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2023 Rugby World Cup final\") *2027* *2031* |\n| Squads | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"1987 Rugby World Cup squads\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"1991 Rugby World Cup squads\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"1995 Rugby World Cup squads\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"1999 Rugby World Cup squads\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"2003 Rugby World Cup squads\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"2007 Rugby World Cup squads\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"2011 Rugby World Cup squads\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"2015 Rugby World Cup squads\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"2019 Rugby World Cup squads\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_squads \"2023 Rugby World Cup squads\") *2027* *2031* |\n| Statistics | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"1987 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"1991 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"1995 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"1999 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"2003 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"2007 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"2011 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"2015 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"2019 Rugby World Cup statistics\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics \"2023 Rugby World Cup statistics\") *2027* *2031* |\n| Overview | [History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup \"History of the Rugby World Cup\") [Hosts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_hosts \"Rugby World Cup hosts\") [Qualification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_qualification \"Rugby World Cup qualification\") [Theme song](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_in_Union \"World in Union\") [Trophy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Webb_Ellis_Cup \"Webb Ellis Cup\") |\n| Overall records | [All-time table](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_all-time_table \"Rugby World Cup all-time table\") [Hat-tricks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_hat-tricks \"List of Rugby World Cup hat-tricks\") [Multiple winners](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_winners_of_multiple_Rugby_World_Cups \"List of winners of multiple Rugby World Cups\") [Records and statistics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Records_and_statistics_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup \"Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup\") [Red cards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_red_cards \"List of Rugby World Cup red cards\") [Team appearances](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_team_appearances_in_the_Rugby_World_Cup \"National team appearances in the Rugby World Cup\") [Try scorers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_try_scorers \"List of Rugby World Cup try scorers\") |\n| Notes: There was no qualification for the 1987 World Cup as places were given by invitation only. |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:International_rugby_union \"Template:International rugby union\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:International_rugby_union \"Template talk:International rugby union\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:International_rugby_union \"Special:EditPage\/Template:International rugby union\")International [rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") competitions |   |\n|---|---|\n| [World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\") [Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Africa \"Rugby Africa\") [Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia_Rugby \"Asia Rugby\") [Europe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe \"Rugby Europe\") [North America](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Americas_North \"Rugby Americas North\") [South America](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudam%C3%A9rica_Rugby \"Sudamérica Rugby\") [Oceania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oceania_Rugby \"Oceania Rugby\") |   |\n| Worldwide |   |\n|   |   |\n| Men | [World Cup]() [Nations Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nations_Championship \"Nations Championship\") [Nations Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Nations_Cup_\$2026%E2%80%93\$ \"World Rugby Nations Cup (2026–)\") [SVNS](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SVNS \"SVNS\") [Project 7s](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Project_7s \"Project 7s\") [U20 World Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_U20_Championship \"World Rugby U20 Championship\") |\n| Women | [World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\") [WXV](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WXV \"WXV\") [SVNS](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_SVNS \"Women's SVNS\") [Project 7s](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Project_7s \"Project 7s\") |\n| Multi-sport events | [Olympic Games (7s)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Summer_Olympics \"Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics\") [Asian Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union_at_the_Asian_Games \"Rugby union at the Asian Games\") [Commonwealth Games (7s)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Commonwealth_Games \"Rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games\") [Mediterranean Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union_at_the_Mediterranean_Games \"Rugby union at the Mediterranean Games\") [Pacific Games (7s)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Pacific_Games \"Rugby sevens at the Pacific Games\") [Pan American Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Pan_American_Games \"Rugby sevens at the Pan American Games\") [World Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_World_Games \"Rugby sevens at the World Games\") |\n| Intercontinental | [Americas Pacific Challenge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Americas_Pacific_Challenge \"World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge\") [Pacific Nations Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Pacific_Nations_Cup \"World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup\") [Pacific Rugby Challenge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Pacific_Challenge \"World Rugby Pacific Challenge\") [The Rugby Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Rugby_Championship \"The Rugby Championship\") [Pacific Four Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pacific_Four_Series \"Pacific Four Series\") [Arab Rugby Sevens Men's](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arab_Rugby_Sevens_Men%27s_Tournament \"Arab Rugby Sevens Men's Tournament\") [Arab Rugby Sevens Women's](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arab_Rugby_Sevens_Women%27s_Tournament \"Arab Rugby Sevens Women's Tournament\") [The Rugby Championship U20](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Rugby_Championship#U20_Rugby_Championship \"The Rugby Championship\") |\n| Continental |   |\n|   |   |\n| Africa | [Rugby Africa Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Africa_Cup \"Rugby Africa Cup\") [Rugby Africa Women's Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Africa_Women%27s_Cup \"Rugby Africa Women's Cup\") [Africa Men's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Africa_Men%27s_Sevens \"Africa Men's Sevens\") [Africa Women's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Africa_Women%27s_Sevens \"Africa Women's Sevens\") [U20 Barthés Trophy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U20_Barth%C3%A9s_Trophy \"U20 Barthés Trophy\") |\n| Asia | [Asia Rugby Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia_Rugby_Championship \"Asia Rugby Championship\") [Asian Sevens Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia_Rugby_Sevens_Series \"Asia Rugby Sevens Series\") [Asia Rugby Women's Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia_Rugby_Women%27s_Championship \"Asia Rugby Women's Championship\") [Asia Rugby Women's Sevens Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia_Rugby_Women%27s_Sevens_Series \"Asia Rugby Women's Sevens Series\") [U19 Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia_Rugby_U19_Championship \"Asia Rugby U19 Championship\") |\n| Europe | [Six Nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Championship \"Six Nations Championship\") [Europe International](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_International_Championships \"Rugby Europe International Championships\") [Women's Six Nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Six_Nations_Championship \"Women's Six Nations Championship\") [Europe Women's](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Women%27s_Championship \"Rugby Europe Women's Championship\") [Europe Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Sevens \"Rugby Europe Sevens\") [Europe Women's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Women%27s_Sevens \"Rugby Europe Women's Sevens\") [U21 Women's Six Nations Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Women%27s_U21_Series \"Six Nations Women's U21 Series\") [U20 Six Nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Under_20s_Championship \"Six Nations Under 20s Championship\") [U20 Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Under-20_Championship \"Rugby Europe Under-20 Championship\") [U18 Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Under-18_Championship \"Rugby Europe Under-18 Championship\") [U18 Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Under-18_Sevens_Championship \"Rugby Europe Under-18 Sevens Championship\") [U18 Women's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Europe_Women%27s_Under-18_Sevens_Championship \"Rugby Europe Women's Under-18 Sevens Championship\") |\n| Oceania | [Oceania Men's Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oceania_Rugby_Men%27s_Championship \"Oceania Rugby Men's Championship\") [Oceania Women's Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oceania_Rugby_Women%27s_Championship \"Oceania Rugby Women's Championship\") [Oceania Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oceania_Rugby_Men%27s_Sevens_Championship \"Oceania Rugby Men's Sevens Championship\") [Oceania Women's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oceania_Rugby_Women%27s_Sevens_Championship \"Oceania Rugby Women's Sevens Championship\") [U20 Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oceania_Rugby_Under_20_Championship \"Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship\") |\n| North America | [RAN Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Americas_North_Championship \"Rugby Americas North Championship\") [Americas Rugby Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Americas_Rugby_Championship \"Americas Rugby Championship\") [Americas Rugby Challenge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Americas_Rugby_Challenge \"Americas Rugby Challenge\") [RAN Women's Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Americas_North_Women%27s_Rugby_Championship \"Rugby Americas North Women's Rugby Championship\") [RAN Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Americas_North_Sevens \"Rugby Americas North Sevens\") [RAN Women's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Americas_North_Women%27s_Sevens \"Rugby Americas North Women's Sevens\") |\n| South America | [South American Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_American_Rugby_Championship \"South American Rugby Championship\") [Americas Rugby Trophy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Americas_Rugby_Trophy \"Americas Rugby Trophy\") [Sudamérica Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudam%C3%A9rica_Rugby_Sevens \"Sudamérica Rugby Sevens\") [Sudamérica Women's Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudam%C3%A9rica_Rugby_Women%27s_Sevens \"Sudamérica Rugby Women's Sevens\") [U20 Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_American_Junior_Rugby_Championship \"South American Junior Rugby Championship\") |\n| Defunct | [U20 Trophy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_U20_Trophy \"World Rugby U20 Trophy\") [Olympic Games (15s)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union_at_the_Summer_Olympics \"Rugby union at the Summer Olympics\") [Pacific Games (15s)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union_at_the_Pacific_Games \"Rugby union at the Pacific Games\") [World Games (7s)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_World_Games \"Rugby sevens at the World Games\") [Churchill Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Churchill_Cup \"Churchill Cup\") [Crescent Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crescent_Cup \"Crescent Cup\") [Nations Cup (2006–2019)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Nations_Cup_\$2006%E2%80%932019\$ \"World Rugby Nations Cup (2006–2019)\") [Pacific Rim Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pacific_Rim_Rugby_Championship \"Pacific Rim Rugby Championship\") [Pan American](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PARA_Pan_American_Championship \"PARA Pan American Championship\") [Serendib International Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Serendib_International_Cup \"Serendib International Cup\") [Super Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Super_Cup_\$rugby_union\$ \"Super Cup (rugby union)\") [Tbilisi Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Tbilisi_Cup \"World Rugby Tbilisi Cup\") [U-19 World Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Under_19_Rugby_World_Championship \"Under 19 Rugby World Championship\") [U-21 World Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Under_21_Rugby_World_Championship \"Under 21 Rugby World Championship\") [Women's Nations Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Nations_Cup_\$rugby_union\$ \"Women's Nations Cup (rugby union)\") [IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IRB_Women%27s_Sevens_Challenge_Cup \"IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup\") [World Cup Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens \"Rugby World Cup Sevens\") [Rugby X](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_X#Tournaments \"Rugby X\") [South Pacific Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Pacific_Championship \"South Pacific Championship\") [Super 10](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Super_10_\$rugby_union\$ \"Super 10 (rugby union)\") [ARFU Asian Rugby Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ARFU_Asian_Rugby_Series \"ARFU Asian Rugby Series\") |\n| [Women's international rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_international_rugby_union \"Women's international rugby union\") [World Rugby Rankings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Rankings \"World Rugby Rankings\") [World Rugby Awards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Awards \"World Rugby Awards\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Main_world_cups \"Template:Main world cups\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Main_world_cups \"Template talk:Main world cups\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Main_world_cups \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Main world cups\")[World cups](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_cup \"World cup\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [List of world cups](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_world_cups \"List of world cups\") |   |\n| Team | Association football [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup \"FIFA World Cup\") [men's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Club_World_Cup \"FIFA Club World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup \"FIFA Women's World Cup\") [women's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Women%27s_Club_World_Cup \"FIFA Women's Club World Cup\") [ConIFA](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/CONIFA_World_Football_Cup \"CONIFA World Football Cup\") [Athletics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Athletics_World_Cup \"Athletics World Cup\") [Continental](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IAAF_Continental_Cup \"IAAF Continental Cup\") [Australian rules football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australian_Football_International_Cup \"Australian Football International Cup\") Badminton [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thomas_Cup \"Thomas Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Uber_Cup \"Uber Cup\") [mixed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudirman_Cup \"Sudirman Cup\") Baseball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baseball_World_Cup \"Baseball World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Baseball_World_Cup \"Women's Baseball World Cup\") Basketball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup \"FIBA Basketball World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIBA_Women%27s_Basketball_World_Cup \"FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup\") [Beach soccer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Beach_Soccer_World_Cup \"FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup\") [Boxing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boxing_World_Cup \"Boxing World Cup\") [Bull riding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PBR_Global_Cup \"PBR Global Cup\") Cricket [Test](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Test_Championship \"World Test Championship\") [men ODI](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cricket_World_Cup \"Cricket World Cup\") [men T20](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_T20_World_Cup \"Men's T20 World Cup\") [women ODI](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Cricket_World_Cup \"Women's Cricket World Cup\") [women T20](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_T20_World_Cup \"Women's T20 World Cup\") Darts [PDC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PDC_World_Cup_of_Darts \"PDC World Cup of Darts\") [WDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WDF_World_Cup \"WDF World Cup\") [Fencing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fencing_World_Cup \"Fencing World Cup\") Field hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup \"Men's FIH Hockey World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup \"Women's FIH Hockey World Cup\") Futsal [FIFA men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Futsal_World_Cup \"FIFA Futsal World Cup\") [FIFA women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Futsal_Women%27s_World_Cup \"FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup\") [AMF men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/AMF_Futsal_World_Cup \"AMF Futsal World Cup\") [AMF women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/AMF_Futsal_World_Cup \"AMF Futsal World Cup\") Golf [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_\$men%27s_golf\$ \"World Cup (men's golf)\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_World_Cup_of_Golf \"Women's World Cup of Golf\") [Ice hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_of_Hockey \"World Cup of Hockey\") Kabaddi [Circle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kabaddi_World_Cup_\$circle_style\$ \"Kabaddi World Cup (circle style)\") [Standard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kabaddi_World_Cup_\$International_Kabaddi_Federation\$ \"Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)\") [Kho kho](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kho_Kho_World_Cup \"Kho Kho World Cup\") Lacrosse [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Lacrosse_Women%27s_World_Championship \"World Lacrosse Women's World Championship\") Para ice hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Ice_Hockey_Championships \"World Para Ice Hockey Championships\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_World_Challenge \"Women's World Challenge\") [Pesäpallo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pes%C3%A4pallo_World_Cup \"Pesäpallo World Cup\") [Pitch and putt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pitch_and_Putt_World_Cup \"Pitch and Putt World Cup\") [Pool (nine-ball)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_of_Pool \"World Cup of Pool\") [Quidditch\/Quadball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IQA_World_Cup \"IQA World Cup\") [Roll ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roll_Ball_World_Cup \"Roll Ball World Cup\") Motorsport [auto racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIA_Motorsport_Games \"FIA Motorsport Games\") [motocross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motocross_des_Nations \"Motocross des Nations\") [quadcross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Quadcross_of_Nations \"Quadcross of Nations\") [speedway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Speedway_of_Nations \"Speedway of Nations\") [trial](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Trial_World_Championship \"FIM Trial World Championship\") Roller derby [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_Roller_Derby_World_Cup \"Men's Roller Derby World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roller_Derby_World_Cup \"Roller Derby World Cup\") [Rowing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rowing_Cup \"World Rowing Cup\") Rugby league [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_League_World_Cup \"Rugby League World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_League_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby League World Cup\") [nines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_League_World_Cup_9s \"Rugby League World Cup 9s\") [wheelchair](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wheelchair_Rugby_League_World_Cup \"Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup\") Rugby union [men]() [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\") [sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens \"Rugby World Cup Sevens\") [Sepaktakraw](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISTAF_World_Cup \"ISTAF World Cup\") [Snooker](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_\$snooker\$ \"World Cup (snooker)\") Softball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_Softball_World_Cup \"Men's Softball World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Softball_World_Cup \"Women's Softball World Cup\") [Taekwondo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_Taekwondo_Team_Championships \"World Cup Taekwondo Team Championships\") Tennis [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Davis_Cup \"Davis Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Billie_Jean_King_Cup \"Billie Jean King Cup\") [mixed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hopman_Cup \"Hopman Cup\") [Touch football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Touch_World_Cup \"Touch World Cup\") Volleyball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Volleyball_Men%27s_World_Cup \"FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Volleyball_Women%27s_World_Cup \"FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup\") Water polo [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FINA_Water_Polo_World_Cup \"FINA Water Polo World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FINA_Women%27s_Water_Polo_World_Cup \"FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup\") Wrestling [teams](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wrestling_World_Cup \"Wrestling World Cup\") [clubs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Wrestling_Clubs_Cup \"World Wrestling Clubs Cup\") |\n| Individual | [Archery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archery_World_Cup \"Archery World Cup\") Bowling [Ten-pin bowling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/QubicaAMF_Bowling_World_Cup \"QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup\") [Nine-pin bowling classic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ninepin_Bowling_Classic_Singles_World_Cup \"Ninepin Bowling Classic Singles World Cup\") [Canoe slalom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_Slalom_World_Cup \"Canoe Slalom World Cup\") [Wildwater canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wildwater_Canoeing_World_Cup \"Wildwater Canoeing World Cup\") [Chess](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chess_World_Cup \"Chess World Cup\") [Cyclo-cross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Cyclo-cross_World_Cup \"UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup\") [Diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Aquatics_Diving_World_Cup \"World Aquatics Diving World Cup\") [Equestrian dressage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dressage_World_Cup \"Dressage World Cup\") [Fencing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fencing_World_Cup \"Fencing World Cup\") [Gymnastics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIG_World_Cup \"FIG World Cup\") [artistic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artistic_Gymnastics_World_Cup \"Artistic Gymnastics World Cup\") [rhythmic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rhythmic_Gymnastics_World_Cup \"Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup\") [Mountain bike racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Mountain_Bike_World_Cup \"UCI Mountain Bike World Cup\") [Orienteering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Orienteering_World_Cup \"Orienteering World Cup\") Paralympic [summer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paralympic_World_Cup \"Paralympic World Cup\") [winter](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paralympic_Winter_World_Cup \"Paralympic Winter World Cup\") Road bicycle racing [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Road_World_Cup \"UCI Road World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Women%27s_Road_World_Cup \"UCI Women's Road World Cup\") [Sailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sailing_World_Cup \"Sailing World Cup\") [Show jumping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Show_Jumping_World_Cup \"Show Jumping World Cup\") [Sport shooting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSF_World_Cup \"ISSF World Cup\") [Swimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Aquatics_Swimming_World_Cup \"World Aquatics Swimming World Cup\") [Table tennis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Table_Tennis_World_Cup \"Table Tennis World Cup\") [Track cycling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Track_Cycling_World_Cup \"UCI Track Cycling World Cup\") [Triathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Cup \"World Triathlon Cup\") [Weightlifting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IWF_World_Cup \"IWF World Cup\") Wushu [Taolu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taolu_World_Cup \"Taolu World Cup\") [Sanda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanda_World_Cup \"Sanda World Cup\") |\n| Winter sports | [Biathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biathlon_World_Cup \"Biathlon World Cup\") [Curling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Curling_World_Cup \"Curling World Cup\") Skiing [Alpine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Alpine_Ski_World_Cup \"FIS Alpine Ski World Cup\") [Cross-country](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Cross-Country_World_Cup \"FIS Cross-Country World Cup\") [Freestyle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Freestyle_Ski_World_Cup \"FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup\") [ski cross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Ski_Cross_World_Cup \"FIS Ski Cross World Cup\") [Nordic combined](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Nordic_Combined_World_Cup \"FIS Nordic Combined World Cup\") [Ski jumping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Ski_Jumping_World_Cup \"FIS Ski Jumping World Cup\") [ski flying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Ski_Flying_World_Cup \"FIS Ski Flying World Cup\") [Snowboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Snowboard_World_Cup \"FIS Snowboard World Cup\") [Ski mountaineering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISMF_Ski_Mountaineering_World_Cup \"ISMF Ski Mountaineering World Cup\") [Ski orienteering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_in_Ski_Orienteering \"World Cup in Ski Orienteering\") Sledding [Bobsleigh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bobsleigh_World_Cup \"Bobsleigh World Cup\") [Luge](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Luge_World_Cup \"Luge World Cup\") [Skeleton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skeleton_World_Cup \"Skeleton World Cup\") [Speed skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISU_Speed_Skating_World_Cup \"ISU Speed Skating World Cup\") [Short track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISU_Short_Track_World_Tour \"ISU Short Track World Tour\") [Telemark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Telemark_World_Cup \"FIS Telemark World Cup\") |\n| See also: [World championships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Main_world_championships \"Template:Main world championships\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Main_world_championships \"Template:Main world championships\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Main_world_championships \"Template talk:Main world championships\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Main_world_championships \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Main world championships\")[World championships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_championship \"World championship\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [List of world sports championships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_world_sports_championships \"List of world sports championships\") |   |\n| [Olympic sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympic_sports \"Olympic sports\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Team_sport#Olympic_team_sports \"Team sport\") | Association football [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup \"FIFA World Cup\") [men's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Club_World_Cup \"FIFA Club World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup \"FIFA Women's World Cup\") [women's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Women%27s_Club_World_Cup \"FIFA Women's Club World Cup\") Baseball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Baseball_Classic \"World Baseball Classic\") [men's 12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WBSC_Premier12 \"WBSC Premier12\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Baseball_World_Cup \"Women's Baseball World Cup\") Basketball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup \"FIBA Basketball World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIBA_Women%27s_Basketball_World_Cup \"FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup\") [3x3 basketball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIBA_3x3_World_Cup \"FIBA 3x3 World Cup\") [club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIBA_Intercontinental_Cup \"FIBA Intercontinental Cup\") [Beach volleyball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Beach_Volleyball_World_Championships \"FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships\") Cricket [T20 (men)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_T20_World_Cup \"Men's T20 World Cup\") [T20 (women)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_T20_World_Cup \"Women's T20 World Cup\") [Curling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Curling_Championships \"World Curling Championships\") [mixed doubles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Mixed_Doubles_Curling_Championship \"World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship\") [mixed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Mixed_Curling_Championship \"World Mixed Curling Championship\") Field hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup \"Men's FIH Hockey World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup \"Women's FIH Hockey World Cup\") [Flag football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFAF_Flag_Football_World_Championship \"IFAF Flag Football World Championship\") Handball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IHF_World_Men%27s_Handball_Championship \"IHF World Men's Handball Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IHF_World_Women%27s_Handball_Championship \"IHF World Women's Handball Championship\") Ice hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ice_Hockey_World_Championships \"Ice Hockey World Championships\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IIHF_Women%27s_World_Championship \"IIHF Women's World Championship\") Lacrosse [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Lacrosse_Men%27s_Championship \"World Lacrosse Men's Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Lacrosse_Women%27s_Championship \"World Lacrosse Women's Championship\") [Rugby 7s](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SVNS \"SVNS\") Softball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_Softball_World_Cup \"Men's Softball World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Softball_World_Cup \"Women's Softball World Cup\") Volleyball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Men%27s_Volleyball_World_Championship \"FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship\") [men's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Men%27s_Volleyball_Club_World_Championship \"FIVB Men's Volleyball Club World Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Women%27s_Volleyball_World_Championship \"FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship\") [women's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIVB_Women%27s_Volleyball_Club_World_Championship \"FIVB Women's Volleyball Club World Championship\") Water polo [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_polo_at_the_World_Aquatics_Championships#Men's_tournament \"Water polo at the World Aquatics Championships\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_polo_at_the_World_Aquatics_Championships#Women's_tournament \"Water polo at the World Aquatics Championships\") |\n| [Individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Individual_sport \"Individual sport\") | [Aquatic sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Aquatics_Championships \"World Aquatics Championships\") [Archery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Archery_Championships \"World Archery Championships\") Athletics [outdoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Athletics_Championships \"World Athletics Championships\") [race walking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Athletics_Race_Walking_Team_Championships \"World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships\") Badminton [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thomas_Cup \"Thomas Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Uber_Cup \"Uber Cup\") [mixed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudirman_Cup \"Sudirman Cup\") [individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BWF_World_Championships \"BWF World Championships\") [Biathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biathlon_World_Championships \"Biathlon World Championships\") [Bobsleigh and skeleton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IBSF_World_Championships_\$bobsleigh_and_skeleton\$ \"IBSF World Championships (bobsleigh and skeleton)\") [Boxing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Boxing_Championships \"World Boxing Championships\") Canoeing [slalom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships\") [sprint](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships\") Cycling [BMX](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_BMX_World_Championships \"UCI BMX World Championships\") [mountain biking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Mountain_Bike_World_Championships \"UCI Mountain Bike World Championships\") [road](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Road_World_Championships \"UCI Road World Championships\") [track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Track_Cycling_World_Championships \"UCI Track Cycling World Championships\") [urban](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Urban_Cycling_World_Championships \"UCI Urban Cycling World Championships\") [Equestrianism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FEI_World_Equestrian_Games \"FEI World Equestrian Games\") [dressage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Dressage_Championships \"World Dressage Championships\") [eventing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Eventing_Championships \"World Eventing Championships\") [show jumping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Show_Jumping_Championships \"World Show Jumping Championships\") [Fencing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Fencing_Championships \"World Fencing Championships\") Golf [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_\$men%27s_golf\$ \"World Cup (men's golf)\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_World_Cup_of_Golf \"Women's World Cup of Golf\") [Gymnastics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gymnastics_World_Championships \"Gymnastics World Championships\") [artistic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artistic_Gymnastics_World_Championships \"Artistic Gymnastics World Championships\") [rhythmic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rhythmic_Gymnastics_World_Championships \"Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships\") [trampoline](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trampoline_Gymnastics_World_Championships \"Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships\") Ice skating [figure](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Figure_Skating_Championships \"World Figure Skating Championships\") [short track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Short_Track_Speed_Skating_Championships \"World Short Track Speed Skating Championships\") [speed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Speed_Skating_Championships \"World Speed Skating Championships\") [Judo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Judo_Championships \"World Judo Championships\") Luge [artificial track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIL_World_Luge_Championships \"FIL World Luge Championships\") [natural track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIL_World_Luge_Natural_Track_Championships \"FIL World Luge Natural Track Championships\") [Modern pentathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Modern_Pentathlon_Championships \"World Modern Pentathlon Championships\") [Rowing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rowing_Championships \"World Rowing Championships\") [coastal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rowing_Coastal_Championships \"World Rowing Coastal Championships\") [Sailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_championships_in_sailing \"World championships in sailing\") [Olympic Class Combined Worlds](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sailing_World_Championships \"Sailing World Championships\") [Shooting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSF_World_Shooting_Championships \"ISSF World Shooting Championships\") [Skateboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Skateboarding_Championship \"World Skateboarding Championship\") Skiing [alpine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Alpine_World_Ski_Championships \"FIS Alpine World Ski Championships\") [Nordic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Nordic_World_Ski_Championships \"FIS Nordic World Ski Championships\") [freestyle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Freestyle_World_Ski_Championships \"FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships\") [snowboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Snowboard_World_Championships \"FIS Snowboard World Championships\") [Ski mountaineering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Championships_of_Ski_Mountaineering \"World Championships of Ski Mountaineering\") [Sport climbing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Climbing_Championship \"World Climbing Championship\") Squash [individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Squash_Championships \"World Squash Championships\") [doubles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Squash_Doubles_Championships \"World Squash Doubles Championships\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Squash_Team_Championships \"World Squash Team Championships\") [Surfing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Surfing_Games \"World Surfing Games\") [Table tennis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Table_Tennis_Championships \"World Table Tennis Championships\") [Taekwondo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Taekwondo_Championships \"World Taekwondo Championships\") Tennis [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Davis_Cup \"Davis Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Billie_Jean_King_Cup \"Billie Jean King Cup\") [Triathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Championship_Series \"World Triathlon Championship Series\") [mixed relay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Mixed_Relay_Championships \"World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships\") [Weightlifting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Weightlifting_Championships \"World Weightlifting Championships\") [Wrestling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Wrestling_Championships \"World Wrestling Championships\") |\n| Discontinued | [Basque pelota](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Basque_Pelota_World_Championships \"Basque Pelota World Championships\") Croquet [singles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Croquet_Federation#World_Champions_\$Singles\$ \"World Croquet Federation\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Croquet_Federation#World_Champions_\$Teams\$ \"World Croquet Federation\") Dance sport [breakdancing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_DanceSport_Federation#Breaking_world_champions_-_adult_-_b_boy \"World DanceSport Federation\") [Karate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Karate_World_Championships \"Karate World Championships\") [Polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Polo_Championship \"World Polo Championship\") [Rackets](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rackets_World_Championships \"Rackets World Championships\") [Real tennis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Real_Tennis_World_Championship \"Real Tennis World Championship\") Rugby union [men]() [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\") Tug of war [outdoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/TWIF_Outdoor_World_Championships \"TWIF Outdoor World Championships\") [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/TWIF_Indoor_World_Championships \"TWIF Indoor World Championships\") |\n| [Paralympic sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paralympic_sports \"Paralympic sports\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| Team | [Blind football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Blind_Football_Championships \"World Blind Football Championships\") Para ice hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Ice_Hockey_Championships \"World Para Ice Hockey Championships\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_World_Para_Ice_Hockey_Championships \"Women's World Para Ice Hockey Championships\") [Wheelchair basketball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wheelchair_Basketball_World_Championship \"Wheelchair Basketball World Championship\") [Wheelchair handball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IHF_Wheelchair_Handball_World_Championship \"IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship\") [Wheelchair rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Wheelchair_Rugby_Championships \"World Wheelchair Rugby Championships\") Wheelchair curling [mixed team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Wheelchair_Curling_Championship \"World Wheelchair Curling Championship\") [Goalball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Goalball_World_Championships \"Goalball World Championships\") [Sitting volleyball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Volleyball_Championship \"World Para Volleyball Championship\") |\n| Individual | [Archery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Archery_Championship \"World Para Archery Championship\") [Athletics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Athletics_Championships \"World Para Athletics Championships\") [Badminton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BWF_Para-Badminton_World_Championships \"BWF Para-Badminton World Championships\") Bobsleigh and skeleton [Climbing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFSC_Paraclimbing_World_Championships \"IFSC Paraclimbing World Championships\") Cycling [track cycling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Para-cycling_Track_World_Championships \"UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships\") [road cycling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Para-cycling_Road_World_Championships \"UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships\") [Powerlifting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Powerlifting_Championships \"World Para Powerlifting Championships\") [Shooting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Shooting_Para_Sport_Championships \"World Shooting Para Sport Championships\") [Snowboard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Snowboard_Championships \"World Para Snowboard Championships\") Skiing [alpine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Alpine_Skiing_Championships \"World Para Alpine Skiing Championships\") [Nordic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Nordic_Skiing_Championships \"World Para Nordic Skiing Championships\") [Swimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Swimming_Championships \"World Para Swimming Championships\") [Table tennis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Para_Table_Tennis_Championships \"World Para Table Tennis Championships\") |\n| [Combat sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Combat_sport \"Combat sport\") | [Brazilian jiu-jitsu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_IBJJF_Jiu-Jitsu_Championship \"World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship\") [Ju-Jitsu World Championships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ju-Jitsu_World_Championships \"Ju-Jitsu World Championships\") [Kendo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Kendo_Championship \"World Kendo Championship\") [Kickboxing (amateur)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WAKO_Amateur_World_Championships \"WAKO Amateur World Championships\") [Muaythai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFMA_World_Muaythai_Championships \"IFMA World Muaythai Championships\") [Sambo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Sambo_Championships \"World Sambo Championships\") [Sumo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sumo_World_Championships \"Sumo World Championships\") Wrestling [beach wrestling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Beach_Wrestling_Championships \"World Beach Wrestling Championships\") [catch](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Snake_Pit_World_Championships \"Snake Pit World Championships\") [grappling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Grappling_Championship \"World Grappling Championship\") [Wushu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Wushu_Championships \"World Wushu Championships\") |\n| [Cue sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cue_sports \"Cue sports\") | Carom billiards Three-cushion [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UMB_World_Three-cushion_Championship \"UMB World Three-cushion Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UMB_Women%27s_World_Three-cushion_Championship \"UMB Women's World Three-cushion Championship\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UMB_World_Three-cushion_Championship_for_National_Teams \"UMB World Three-cushion Championship for National Teams\") Five-pins [individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five-pin_billiards#World_Five-pins_Championship \"Five-pin billiards\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five-pin_billiards#World_Championship_5_Pins_National_Teams \"Five-pin billiards\") [artistic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artistic_Billiards_World_Championship \"Artistic Billiards World Championship\") [English billiards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Billiards_Championship_\$English_billiards\$ \"World Billiards Championship (English billiards)\") [amateurs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IBSF_World_Billiards_Championship \"IBSF World Billiards Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Women%27s_Billiards_Championship \"World Women's Billiards Championship\") Pool [artistic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trick_shot#Artistic_pool \"Trick shot\") [blackball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_world_eight-ball_champions#British-style_eight-ball_pool \"List of world eight-ball champions\") [chinese eight ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Eight-ball_World_Championship \"Chinese Eight-ball World Championship\") [eight-ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WPA_World_Eight-ball_Championship \"WPA World Eight-ball Championship\") [men nine-ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WPA_World_Nine-ball_Championship \"WPA World Nine-ball Championship\") [women nine-ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WPA_Women%27s_World_Nine-ball_Championship \"WPA Women's World Nine-ball Championship\") [team nine-ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_of_Pool \"World Cup of Pool\") [pyramid](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russian_pyramid#WPA_World_Pyramid_Pool_Championship \"Russian pyramid\") [straight pool](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Straight_Pool_Championship \"World Straight Pool Championship\") [ten-ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WPA_World_Ten-ball_Championship \"WPA World Ten-ball Championship\") Snooker [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Snooker_Championship \"World Snooker Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Women%27s_Snooker_Championship \"World Women's Snooker Championship\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Cup_\$snooker\$ \"World Cup (snooker)\") [amateurs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IBSF_World_Snooker_Championship \"IBSF World Snooker Championship\") [six-red](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six-red_World_Championship \"Six-red World Championship\") |\n| [Mind sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mind_sport \"Mind sport\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Esports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Esports \"Esports\") | [*Call of Duty*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Call_of_Duty_Championship \"Call of Duty Championship\") [*Counter-Strike*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Counter-Strike_Major_Championships \"Counter-Strike Major Championships\") [*Dota 2*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_International_\$esports\$ \"The International (esports)\") [*eSailing*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Esailing_World_Championship \"Esailing World Championship\") [*FIFA*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFAe_World_Cup \"FIFAe World Cup\") [*Fortnite*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FNCS_Global_Championship \"FNCS Global Championship\") [*League of Legends*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/League_of_Legends_World_Championship \"League of Legends World Championship\") [*Mobile Legends: Bang Bang*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mobile_Legends:_Bang_Bang_World_Championship \"Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship\") [*NES Tetris*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Classic_Tetris_World_Championship \"Classic Tetris World Championship\") [*Overwatch*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overwatch_World_Cup \"Overwatch World Cup\") [*Pro Evolution Soccer*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/EFootball.Open \"EFootball.Open\") [*Rainbow Six Siege*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Invitational \"Six Invitational\") [*Rocket League*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rocket_League_Championship_Series \"Rocket League Championship Series\") [*Smite*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Smite_World_Championship \"Smite World Championship\") [*StarCraft II*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/StarCraft_II_World_Championship_Series \"StarCraft II World Championship Series\") [*Valorant*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Valorant_Champions_Tour \"Valorant Champions Tour\") |\n| [Motorsport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motorsport \"Motorsport\") |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Automobile sport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Automobile_sport \"Automobile sport\") | [Formula E](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Formula_E \"Formula E\") [Formula One](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Formula_One \"Formula One\") [Hill climb](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIA_International_Hill_Climb_Cup \"FIA International Hill Climb Cup\") [Karting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Karting_World_Championship \"Karting World Championship\") [Rallying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rally_Championship \"World Rally Championship\") [Rallycross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIA_World_Rallycross_Championship \"FIA World Rallycross Championship\") [Rally raid](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rally-Raid_Championship \"World Rally-Raid Championship\") [Bajas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIA_World_Baja_Cup \"FIA World Baja Cup\") [Sports Car Endurance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIA_World_Endurance_Championship \"FIA World Endurance Championship\") [Touring Car](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/TCR_World_Tour \"TCR World Tour\") |\n| [Motorcycle sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motorcycle_sport \"Motorcycle sport\") | [Endurance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Endurance_World_Championship \"FIM Endurance World Championship\") [Enduro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Enduro_World_Championship \"Enduro World Championship\") [Beach Racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Sand_Races_World_Championship \"FIM Sand Races World Championship\") [SuperEnduro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_SuperEnduro_World_Championship \"FIM SuperEnduro World Championship\") [Hard Enduro](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Hard_Enduro_World_Championship \"FIM Hard Enduro World Championship\") [team endurance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Six_Days_Enduro \"International Six Days Enduro\") Ice racing [individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Individual_Ice_Speedway_World_Championship \"Individual Ice Speedway World Championship\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ice_Speedway_of_Nations \"Ice Speedway of Nations\") Grand Prix [MotoGP](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing \"Grand Prix motorcycle racing\") [Moto2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing \"Grand Prix motorcycle racing\") [Moto3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing \"Grand Prix motorcycle racing\") Motocross [individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motocross_World_Championship \"Motocross World Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Women%27s_Motocross_World_Championship \"FIM Women's Motocross World Championship\") [nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motocross_of_Nations \"Motocross of Nations\") [Supercross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Supercross_World_Championship \"FIM Supercross World Championship\") [SuperMotocross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SuperMotocross_World_Championship \"SuperMotocross World Championship\") [Sidecarcross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sidecarcross_World_Championship \"Sidecarcross World Championship\") [Snowcross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Snowcross_World_Championship \"FIM Snowcross World Championship\") Production [Superbike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Superbike_World_Championship \"Superbike World Championship\") [Supersport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supersport_World_Championship \"Supersport World Championship\") [Supersport 300](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supersport_300_World_Championship \"Supersport 300 World Championship\") [Women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Women%27s_Circuit_Racing_World_Championship \"FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship\") [Rally raid](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rally-Raid_Championship \"World Rally-Raid Championship\") [Bajas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Bajas_World_Cup \"FIM Bajas World Cup\") [Sand races](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Sand_Races_World_Championship \"FIM Sand Races World Championship\") [Sidecar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sidecar_World_Championship \"Sidecar World Championship\") Speedway [individual](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Speedway_Grand_Prix \"Speedway Grand Prix\") [of Nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Speedway_of_Nations \"Speedway of Nations\") [World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Speedway_World_Cup \"Speedway World Cup\") [long track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Long_Track_World_Championship \"FIM Long Track World Championship\") [team long track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Long_Track_of_Nations \"FIM Long Track of Nations\") [flat track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Flat_Track_World_Championship \"FIM Flat Track World Championship\") [Supermoto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Supermoto_World_Championship \"FIM Supermoto World Championship\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supermoto_of_Nations \"Supermoto of Nations\") [Trial](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_Trial_World_Championship \"FIM Trial World Championship\") [nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trial_des_Nations \"Trial des Nations\") E-Bike [cross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIM_E-Bike_Cross_World_Cup \"FIM E-Bike Cross World Cup\") |\n| Other | Aeroplane sport [Aerobatic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FAI_World_Aerobatic_Championships \"FAI World Aerobatic Championships\") [Aerobatic GP](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FAI_World_Grand_Prix \"FAI World Grand Prix\") Powerboating [Aquabike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aquabike_World_Championship \"Aquabike World Championship\") [F1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Formula_1_Powerboat_World_Championship \"Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship\") [F4s](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Formula_4S_Powerboat_World_Championship \"Formula 4S Powerboat World Championship\") [offshore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Class_1_World_Powerboat_Championship \"Class 1 World Powerboat Championship\") [E1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/E1_Series_\$boat_racing\$ \"E1 Series (boat racing)\") [Radio-controlled racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Federation_of_Model_Auto_Racing#Eligibility_to_IFMAR_World_Championship_event \"International Federation of Model Auto Racing\") [1:10 electric off-road](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFMAR_1:10_Electric_Off-Road_World_Championship \"IFMAR 1:10 Electric Off-Road World Championship\") [1:8 nitro off-road](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFMAR_1:8_IC_Off-Road_World_Championship \"IFMAR 1:8 IC Off-Road World Championship\") [Tank biathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tank_biathlon \"Tank biathlon\") |\n| Other sports |   |\n|   |   |\n| Team | American football [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFAF_World_Championship \"IFAF World Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IFAF_Women%27s_World_Championship \"IFAF Women's World Championship\") [Australian football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australian_Football_International_Cup \"Australian Football International Cup\") [Baseball5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baseball5_World_Cup \"Baseball5 World Cup\") [Ball hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ball_Hockey_World_Championship \"Ball Hockey World Championship\") Bandy [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bandy_World_Championship \"Bandy World Championship\") [men's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bandy_World_Cup \"Bandy World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Bandy_World_Championship \"Women's Bandy World Championship\") [women's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bandy_World_Cup_Women \"Bandy World Cup Women\") Cricket [ODI (men)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cricket_World_Cup \"Cricket World Cup\") [ODI (women)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Cricket_World_Cup \"Women's Cricket World Cup\") [Test](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Test_Championship \"World Test Championship\") [Beach handball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IHF_Beach_Handball_World_Championships \"IHF Beach Handball World Championships\") [Beach soccer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Beach_Soccer_World_Cup \"FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup\") [Beach tennis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beach_tennis#ITF_Beach_Tennis_World_Championship \"Beach tennis\") [Canoe polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Polo_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Polo World Championships\") Dancesport [Formation Latin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WDSF_World_Formation_Latin_Championships \"WDSF World Formation Latin Championships\") [Dodgeball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dodgeball_World_Championship \"Dodgeball World Championship\") [Fistball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fistball#Results \"Fistball\") Floorball [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_World_Floorball_Championship \"Men's World Floorball Championship\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_World_Floorball_Championship \"Women's World Floorball Championship\") Futsal [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Futsal_World_Cup \"FIFA Futsal World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_Futsal_Women%27s_World_Cup \"FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup\") [men's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Intercontinental_Futsal_Cup \"Intercontinental Futsal Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Futsal_World_Tournament \"Women's Futsal World Tournament\") Indoor hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_FIH_Indoor_Hockey_World_Cup \"Men's FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_FIH_Indoor_Hockey_World_Cup \"Women's FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup\") [Inline hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIRS_Inline_Hockey_World_Championships \"FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships\") Kabaddi [Circle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kabaddi_World_Cup_\$circle_style\$ \"Kabaddi World Cup (circle style)\") [Standard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kabaddi_World_Cup_\$International_Kabaddi_Federation\$ \"Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)\") [Kho kho](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kho_Kho_World_Cup \"Kho Kho World Cup\") [Korfball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IKF_World_Korfball_Championship \"IKF World Korfball Championship\") Lacrosse [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Lacrosse_Box_Championships \"World Lacrosse Box Championships\") [Life saving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Life_Saving_Championships \"World Life Saving Championships\") [Minifootball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WMF_World_Cup \"WMF World Cup\") [Netball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Netball_World_Cup \"Netball World Cup\") [Padel tennis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Padel_World_Championship \"Padel World Championship\") [Quadball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IQA_World_Cup \"IQA World Cup\") [Ringette](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Ringette_Championships \"World Ringette Championships\") [Rogaining](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rogaining_Championships \"World Rogaining Championships\") [Roll Ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roll_Ball_World_Cup \"Roll Ball World Cup\") Roller derby [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_Roller_Derby_World_Cup \"Men's Roller Derby World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roller_Derby_World_Cup \"Roller Derby World Cup\") Roller hockey [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Men%27s_Roller_Hockey_World_Cup \"Men's Roller Hockey World Cup\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Roller_Hockey_World_Cup \"Women's Roller Hockey World Cup\") Rugby league [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_League_World_Cup \"Rugby League World Cup\") [men's club](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Club_Challenge \"World Club Challenge\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_League_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby League World Cup\") Sailing [Yachts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISAF_Offshore_Team_Racing_World_Championship \"ISAF Offshore Team Racing World Championship\") [Dinghies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Sailing_Open_Team_Racing_World_Championships \"World Sailing Open Team Racing World Championships\") [Sepaktakraw](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISTAF_World_Cup \"ISTAF World Cup\") [Socca](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Socca_World_Cup \"Socca World Cup\") [Synchronized skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Synchronized_Skating_Championships \"World Synchronized Skating Championships\") [Tchoukball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tchoukball#World_events \"Tchoukball\") [Underwater hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_Hockey_World_Championships \"Underwater Hockey World Championships\") [Underwater rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_Rugby_World_Championships \"Underwater Rugby World Championships\") |\n| Individual | [Air sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Air_Games \"World Air Games\") [ballooning](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Hot_Air_Ballooning_Championships \"World Hot Air Ballooning Championships\") [gliding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Gliding_Championships \"World Gliding Championships\") [parachuting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Parachuting_Championships \"World Parachuting Championships\") [paragliding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Paragliding_Championships \"World Paragliding Championships\") Aquatics [water skiing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_Ski_World_Championships \"Water Ski World Championships\") [Armwrestling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Armwrestling_Championship \"World Armwrestling Championship\") Archery [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archery_World_Cup#Indoor_World_Cup_\$Indoor_Archery_World_Series\$ \"Archery World Cup\") [3D](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Archery_3D_Championships \"World Archery 3D Championships\") [field](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Field_Archery_Championships \"World Field Archery Championships\") Athletics [cross country](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Athletics_Cross_Country_Championships \"World Athletics Cross Country Championships\") [half marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Athletics_Road_Running_Championships \"World Athletics Road Running Championships\") [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Athletics_Indoor_Championships \"World Athletics Indoor Championships\") [women's decathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Decathlon_World_Championships \"Women's Decathlon World Championships\") [relays](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Athletics_Relays \"World Athletics Relays\") [100 km](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IAU_100_km_World_Championships \"IAU 100 km World Championships\") [mountain running](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Mountain_Running_Championships \"World Mountain Running Championships\") [long distance mountain running](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Long_Distance_Mountain_Running_Championships \"World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships\") [snowshoe running](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Snowshoe_Championships \"World Snowshoe Championships\") [skyrunning](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skyrunning_World_Championships \"Skyrunning World Championships\") [trail running](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IAU_Trail_World_Championships \"IAU Trail World Championships\") Bowling [Tenpin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Tenpin_Bowling_Championships \"World Tenpin Bowling Championships\") [Ninepin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nine-pin_bowling \"Nine-pin bowling\") ([singles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Singles_Ninepin_Bowling_Classic_Championships \"World Singles Ninepin Bowling Classic Championships\"), [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Team_Ninepin_Bowling_Classic_Championships \"World Team Ninepin Bowling Classic Championships\")) Bowls [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Indoor_Bowls_Championships \"World Indoor Bowls Championships\") [outdoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Bowls_Championship \"World Bowls Championship\") Canoeing [marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships\") [ocean race](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Ocean_Racing_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships\") [wildwater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wildwater_Canoeing_World_Championships \"Wildwater Canoeing World Championships\") [SUP](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Stand_Up_Paddling_World_Championships \"ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships\") [canoe sailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_Sailing_World_Championship \"Canoe Sailing World Championship\") [freestyle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Freestyle_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships\") [waveski](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Waveski_Surfing_Titles \"World Waveski Surfing Titles\") [Crokinole](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crokinole#World_Crokinole_Championship \"Crokinole\") [CrossFit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/CrossFit_Games \"CrossFit Games\") Cycling [cyclo-cross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Cyclo-cross_World_Championships \"UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships\") [gravel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Gravel_World_Championships \"UCI Gravel World Championships\") [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Indoor_Cycling_World_Championships \"UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships\") [mountain bike marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Mountain_Bike_Marathon_World_Championships \"UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships\") [snow bike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Snow_Bike_World_Championships \"UCI Snow Bike World Championships\") [trials](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UCI_Trials_World_Championships \"UCI Trials World Championships\") [Darts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Professional_Darts_Championship \"World Professional Darts Championship\") [WDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/WDF_World_Darts_Championship \"WDF World Darts Championship\") [PDC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PDC_World_Darts_Championship \"PDC World Darts Championship\") [team](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PDC_World_Cup_of_Darts \"PDC World Cup of Darts\") [Finswimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finswimming_World_Championships \"Finswimming World Championships\") Fishing [freshwater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Freshwater_Angling_Championships \"World Freshwater Angling Championships\") [fly fishing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Fly_Fishing_Championships \"World Fly Fishing Championships\") Gymnastics [acrobatic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Acrobatic_Gymnastics_World_Championships \"Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships\") [aerobic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aerobic_Gymnastics_World_Championships \"Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships\") [parkour](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parkour_World_Championships \"Parkour World Championships\") [Ice Climbing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UIAA_Ice_Climbing_World_Championships \"UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships\") Modern pentathlon [biathle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biathle#Biathle_World_Championships \"Biathle\") [triathle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Triathle#Triathle_World_Championships \"Triathle\") [laser run](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laser_Run_World_Championships \"Laser Run World Championships\") [Mounted games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mounted_games#World_Team_Championships \"Mounted games\") Orienteering [foot](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Orienteering_Championships \"World Orienteering Championships\") [ski](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Ski_Orienteering_Championships \"World Ski Orienteering Championships\") [mountain bike](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Mountain_Bike_Orienteering_Championships \"World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships\") [trail](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Trail_Orienteering_Championships \"World Trail Orienteering Championships\") [Pétanque](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/P%C3%A9tanque_World_Championships \"Pétanque World Championships\") [Powerlifting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IPF_Powerlifting_World_Championships \"IPF Powerlifting World Championships\") [Racquetball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Racquetball_World_Championships \"Racquetball World Championships\") [Roller Sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Skate_Games \"World Skate Games\") [artistic skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artistic_Skating_World_Championships \"Artistic Skating World Championships\") [inline alpine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Inline_Alpine_World_Championship \"Inline Alpine World Championship\") [inline downhill](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Inline_Downhill_World_Championship \"Inline Downhill World Championship\") [inline speed skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Inline_Speed_Skating_World_Championships \"Inline Speed Skating World Championships\") [roller freestyle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roller_Freestyle_Skating_World_Championship \"Roller Freestyle Skating World Championship\") [scootering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Scootering_Championship \"World Scootering Championship\") Rowing [indoor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rowing_Indoor_Championships \"World Rowing Indoor Championships\") Shooting [practical handgun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IPSC_Handgun_World_Shoots \"IPSC Handgun World Shoots\") [practical rifle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IPSC_Rifle_World_Shoots \"IPSC Rifle World Shoots\") [practical shotgun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/IPSC_Shotgun_World_Shoots \"IPSC Shotgun World Shoots\") Skiing [flying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Ski_Flying_World_Championships \"FIS Ski Flying World Championships\") [speed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIS_Speed_World_Ski_Championships \"FIS Speed World Ski Championships\") [telemark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Telemark_World_Championships \"Telemark World Championships\") [Summer biathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summer_Biathlon_World_Championships \"Summer Biathlon World Championships\") Strength athletics [men](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World%27s_Strongest_Man \"World's Strongest Man\") [women](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World%27s_Strongest_Woman \"World's Strongest Woman\") Surfing [short board](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Surf_League \"World Surf League\") [long board](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Surf_League#WSL_Longboard_Championship_Tour_champions \"World Surf League\") [big wave](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Surf_League#WSL_Big_Wave_Tour_champions \"World Surf League\") [SUP\/paddleboard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISA_World_SUP_and_Paddleboard_Championship \"ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship\") Swimming [short course](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Aquatics_Swimming_Championships_\$25m\$ \"World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m)\") [Teqball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Teqball_Federation#Teqball_World_Championships \"International Teqball Federation\") Triathlon [Aquathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Aquathlon_Championships \"World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships\") [Duathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Duathlon_Championships \"World Triathlon Duathlon Championships\") [Ironman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ironman_World_Championship \"Ironman World Championship\") [Ironman 70.3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ironman_70.3_World_Championship \"Ironman 70.3 World Championship\") [cross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Cross_Championships \"World Triathlon Cross Championships\") [cross duathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Cross_Duathlon_Championships \"World Triathlon Cross Duathlon Championships\") [long distance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Long_Distance_Championships \"World Triathlon Long Distance Championships\") [long distance duathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Long_Distance_Duathlon_Championships \"World Triathlon Long Distance Duathlon Championships\") [sprint](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Sprint_Distance_Championships \"World Triathlon Sprint Distance Championships\") [winter](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Triathlon_Winter_Championships \"World Triathlon Winter Championships\") [Wife-carrying](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wife-carrying \"Wife-carrying\") [Yo-yo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Yo-Yo_Contest \"World Yo-Yo Contest\") |\n| See also: [World cups](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Main_world_cups \"Template:Main world cups\") |   |\n\n| [Authority control databases](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Authority_control \"Help:Authority control\") [![Edit this at Wikidata](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/8\/8a\/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg\/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q16640#identifiers \"Edit this at Wikidata\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| International | [VIAF](https:\/\/viaf.org\/viaf\/358167931779229520001) [GND](https:\/\/d-nb.info\/gnd\/132360281X) |\n| National | [United States](https:\/\/id.loc.gov\/authorities\/n00092571) |\n| Other | [Yale LUX](https:\/\/lux.collections.yale.edu\/view\/group\/b8dfdedb-b611-4b3b-b9b1-bf6eb6e9942a) |\n\n![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:CentralAutoLogin\/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1)\n\nRetrieved from \"<https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&oldid=1343740080>\"\n\n[Categories](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Category \"Help:Category\"):\n\n- [Rugby World 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For the women's World Cup in union, see [Women's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\"). For other world cups for rugby, see [World cup of rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_cup_of_rugby_\$disambiguation\$ \"World cup of rugby (disambiguation)\").\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **Upcoming tournament** ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/07\/Rugby_football_current_event.svg\/40px-Rugby_football_current_event.svg.png) ***[2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\")*** |   |\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/66\/Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg\/330px-Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_\$post-2023\$.svg) |   |\n| Sport | [Rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") |\n| Instituted | 1987; 39 years ago |\n| Number of teams | 24 |\n| Regions | International ([World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\")) |\n| Holders | [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")  ([2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) |\n| Most titles | South Africa (4 titles) |\n| Website | [rugbyworldcup.com](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/) |\n\nThe **Men's Rugby World Cup** is a [rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the [world champions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_championship \"World championship\") of the sport.\n\nThe tournament is administered by [World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\"), the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the [Webb Ellis Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Webb_Ellis_Cup \"Webb Ellis Cup\"), named after [William Webb Ellis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/William_Webb_Ellis \"William Webb Ellis\") who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-1)\n\nThe tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") four times, [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") three times, [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") twice, and [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") once. [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") is the current champion, having defeated [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") in the [final](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2023 Rugby World Cup final\") of the [2023 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\").\n\nSixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the [2019 Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") and France hosted the [2023 Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"). The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in [Australia in 2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\").\n\nStarting in [2021](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2021_Rugby_World_Cup \"2021 Rugby World Cup\"), the [women's equivalent tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"Women's Rugby World Cup\") was officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men's tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the [2023 World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"), World Rugby announced that all future tournaments would include the words \"Men's\" or \"Women's\" in their titles. The first event to use this convention was the [2025 Women's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2025_Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2025 Women's Rugby World Cup\"), while the [2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\") will be the first to include \"Men's\" in its title.\n\nUnder the current format, 24 teams qualify for each Rugby World Cup. Twelve teams qualified automatically for the 2027 edition, as a consequence of finishing top three in their 2023 pool. The qualification for the remaining 12 spots was allocated regionally; with a total of ten teams allocated for Europe, seven for the Pacific, two for South America - an additional space for a play-off between South America and the Pacific - two for Africa, one for Asia. The last place is determined by an intercontinental play-off. [\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Qualifying-2)\n\nThe tournament involves twenty-four nations competing over six weeks in October and November.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2008Seedings-3)[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4) There are two stages—a pool, followed by a knockout round. Nations are divided into four pools, A through to F, of four nations each.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4)[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) The teams are [seeded](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seed_\$sports\$ \"Seed (sports)\") based on the [World Rankings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby_Rankings \"World Rugby Rankings\"). The six highest-ranked teams are drawn into pools A to F. This process is repeated down the seeding order, with a caveat to ensure the host country shall always be in Pool A.\n\nNations play three pool games, playing their respective pool members once each.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) A [bonus points system](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union_bonus_points_system \"Rugby union bonus points system\") is used during pool play. If two or more teams are level on points, a system of criteria determines the higher ranked.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5)\n\nSixteen teams-the winner and runner-up from each of the six pools, plus the four best third placed teams-enter the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round-of-sixteen, quarter-final, semi-finals, and then a final round which includes a bronze medal match and the [Rugby World Cup Final](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_Final \"Rugby World Cup Final\"). If a match in the knockout stages ends in a draw, the winner is determined through [extra time](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Extra_time \"Extra time\"). If that fails, the match goes into [sudden death](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sudden_death_\$sport\$ \"Sudden death (sport)\") and the next team to score any points is the winner.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5)\n\nBefore the Rugby World Cup, there was no truly global rugby union competition, but there were a number of other tournaments. One of the oldest is the annual [Six Nations Championship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Championship \"Six Nations Championship\"), which started in 1883 as the [Home Nations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Home_Nations \"Home Nations\") Championship,[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-6) a tournament between [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\"), [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team \"Ireland national rugby union team\"), [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") and [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\"). It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910, when [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") joined the tournament. France did not participate from 1931 to 1939, during which period it reverted to a Home Nations championship. In 2000, [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italy_national_rugby_union_team \"Italy national rugby union team\") joined the competition, which became the Six Nations.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-history-7)\n\nRugby union was also played at the [Summer Olympic Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summer_Olympic_Games \"Summer Olympic Games\"), first appearing at the [1900 Paris games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1900_Summer_Olympics \"1900 Summer Olympics\") and subsequently at [London in 1908](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1908_Summer_Olympics \"1908 Summer Olympics\"), [Antwerp in 1920](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1920_Summer_Olympics \"1920 Summer Olympics\"), and [Paris again in 1924](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1924_Summer_Olympics \"1924 Summer Olympics\"). France won the first gold medal, then Australasia, with the last two being won by the United States. However rugby union ceased to be on Olympic program after 1924.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8)[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-olympics2-9)[\\[a\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-10)\n\nThe idea of a Rugby World Cup had been suggested on numerous occasions going back to the 1950s, but met with opposition from most unions in the IRFB.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11) The idea resurfaced several times in the early 1980s, with the [Australian Rugby Union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_Australia \"Rugby Australia\") (ARU; now known as Rugby Australia) in 1983, and the [New Zealand Rugby Union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_Rugby \"New Zealand Rugby\") (NZRU; now known as New Zealand Rugby) in 1984 independently proposing the establishment of a world cup.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12) A proposal was again put to the IRFB in 1985 and this time passed 10–6. The delegates from Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa all voted for the proposal, and the delegates from Ireland and Scotland against; the English and Welsh delegates were split, with one from each country for and one against.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12)\n\nThe inaugural tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was held in May and June 1987, with sixteen nations taking part.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey31-13) The [inaugural World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") in 1987, did not involve any qualifying process; instead, the 16 places were automatically filled by seven eligible [International Rugby Football Board](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\") (IRFB, now World Rugby) member nations, and the rest by invitation.[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey34-14) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") became the first-ever champions, defeating [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") 29–9 in the final.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey42-15) The subsequent [1991 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by England, with matches played throughout Britain, Ireland and France. Qualifying tournaments were introduced for the [second tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), where eight of the sixteen places were contested in a twenty-four-nation tournament.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) This tournament saw the introduction of a qualifying tournament; eight places were allocated to the quarter-finalists from 1987, and the remaining eight decided by a thirty-five nation qualifying tournament.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) Australia won the second tournament, defeating [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") 12–6 in the final.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey77-17)\n\nIn 1992, eight years after their last official series,[\\[b\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-19) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") hosted New Zealand in a one-off test match. The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the [apartheid](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Apartheid \"Apartheid\") system.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18)[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey78-20) With their return to test rugby, South Africa were selected to host the [1995 Rugby World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\").[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey82-21) After upsetting Australia in the opening match, South Africa continued to advance through the tournament and met New Zealand in the final.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey87-22)[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) After a tense final that went into [extra time](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$ \"Overtime (sports)\"), South Africa emerged 15–12 winners,[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey99-24) with then President [Nelson Mandela](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nelson_Mandela \"Nelson Mandela\"), wearing a Springbok [jersey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_shirt \"Rugby shirt\"),[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) presenting the trophy to South Africa's captain, [Francois Pienaar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Francois_Pienaar \"Francois Pienaar\").[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding168-25)\n\nThe [1999 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by Wales with matches also being held throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The tournament included a [repechage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Repechage \"Repechage\") system,[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-26) alongside specific regional qualifying places.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-27) The number of participating nations was increased from sixteen to twenty—and has remained to date at twenty.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-28) Australia claimed their second title, defeating France in the final.[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-29) The combination of the sport turning professional after 1995 and the increase in teams from sixteen to twenty led to a number of remarkably lopsided results in both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, with two matches in each tournament resulting in teams scoring over 100 points; Australia's 142–0 win over Namibia in 2003 stands as the most lopsided score in Rugby World Cup history.[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-30)\n\nIn 2003 and 2007, the qualifying format allowed for eight of the twenty available positions to be automatically filled by the eight quarter-finalists of the previous tournament. The remaining twelve positions were filled by [continental](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Continent \"Continent\") qualifying tournaments.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Ten positions were filled by teams qualifying directly through continental competitions.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Another two places were allocated for a cross-continental [repechage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Repechage \"Repechage\").[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG27-32)\n\nThe [2003 event](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by Australia, although it was originally intended to be held jointly with New Zealand. England emerged as champions defeating Australia in extra time. England's win broke the [southern hemisphere](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SANZAAR \"SANZAAR\")'s dominance in the event. Such was the celebration of England's victory that an estimated 750,000 people gathered in central [London](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/London \"London\") to greet the team, making the day the largest sporting celebration of its kind ever in the United Kingdom.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-bbcrwc-33)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/02\/Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg\/250px-Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg)\n\nIreland v Argentina in 2007\n\nThe [2007 competition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") was hosted by France, with matches also being held in Wales and Scotland. South Africa claimed their second title by defeating defending champions England 15–6. The biggest story of the tournament, however, was Argentina who racked up wins against some of the [top European teams](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Six_Nations_Championship \"Six Nations Championship\")—France, Ireland, and Scotland—to finish first in the [Pool of death](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Group_of_death \"Group of death\") and finish third overall in the tournament.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-34) The attention from Argentina's performance led to Argentina participating in [SANZAAR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SANZAAR \"SANZAAR\")[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-35) and the professionalization of rugby in Argentina.\n\n[![A player holds a ball in front of two opposing groups of eight players. Each group is crouched and working together to push against the other team.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg\/250px-2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_\$6168183024\$.jpg)\n\nA scrum between [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team \"Samoa national rugby union team\") (in blue) and [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") (in red) during the 2011 World Cup\n\nThe [2011 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") was awarded to New Zealand in November 2005, ahead of bids from [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") and South Africa. The All Blacks reclaimed their place atop the rugby world with a narrow 8–7 win over France in the [2011 final](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup final\").[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-36)\n\nThe opening weekend of the [2015 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), hosted by England, generated the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan, who had not won a single World Cup match since 1991, defeated heavily favoured South Africa. Overall, New Zealand once again won the final, this time against Australia. In doing so, they became the first team in World Cup history to win three titles, as well as the first to successfully defend a title.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-37)\n\nJapan's hosting of the [2019 World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") marked the first time the tournament had been held outside the traditional rugby strongholds; Japan won all four of their pool matches to top their group and qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time. The tournament saw South Africa claim their third trophy to match New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup titles. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-38)\n\nStarting in 2021, gender designations were removed from the titles of the men's and women's World Cups. Accordingly, all World Cups for men and women will officially bear the \"Rugby World Cup\" name. The first tournament to be affected by the new policy was the 2022 women's tournament held in New Zealand, which retained its original title of \"Rugby World Cup 2021\" despite having been delayed from its original schedule due to [COVID-19](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/COVID-19_pandemic \"COVID-19 pandemic\") issues.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-39)\n\nFrance hosted the [2023 World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"). The tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated New Zealand 12–11 to become the second nation to successfully defend their World Champion title and the first nation to win the tournament four times.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG\/250px-Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG)\n\nThe Webb Ellis Cup\n\nWinners of the Rugby World Cup are presented with the Webb Ellis Cup, named after [William Webb Ellis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/William_Webb_Ellis \"William Webb Ellis\"). The trophy is also referred to simply as the *Rugby World Cup*. The trophy was chosen in 1987 for use in the competition, and was created in 1906 by Garrard's Crown Jewellers.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCTrophy-40)[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-QuinnPt3-41) The trophy is restored, repaired and its plinth engraved with the winner's name by [Thomas Lyte](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thomas_Lyte \"Thomas Lyte\") between tournaments.[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-BBC-42)[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RoyalWarrant-43) The words 'The International Rugby Football Board' and 'The Webb Ellis Cup' are engraved on the face of the cup.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-44) It stands thirty-eight centimetres high and is silver gilded in gold, and supported by two cast scroll handles, one with the head of a [satyr](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Satyr \"Satyr\"), and the other a head of a [nymph](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nymph \"Nymph\").[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WECup-45) In Australia the trophy is colloquially known as \"Bill\"—a reference to William Webb Ellis.\n\nTournaments are organised by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), which is itself owned by World Rugby. The selection of host is decided by a vote of World Rugby Council members.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-46)[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-JapEng2019-47) The voting procedure is managed by a team of independent auditors, and the voting kept secret. The host nation is generally selected five or six years before the competition.\n\nThe tournament has been hosted by multiple nations. For example, the 1987 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. World Rugby requires that the hosts must have a venue with a capacity of at least 60,000 spectators for the final.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48) Host nations sometimes construct or upgrade stadia in preparation for the World Cup, such as [Millennium Stadium](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Millennium_Stadium \"Millennium Stadium\")—purposely built for the 1999 tournament—and [Eden Park](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eden_Park \"Eden Park\"), upgraded for 2011.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48)[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-millen-49) The first country outside of the traditional rugby nations of [SANZAAR](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SANZAAR \"SANZAAR\") or the Six Nations to be awarded the hosting rights was [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") host Japan. France hosted the [2023 tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\"). The next tournament to be hosted by a nation outside the traditional nations will be the 2031 tournament in the [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\").[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-50)\n\nOrganizers of the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Global Sports Impact, state that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the [FIFA World Cup](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup \"FIFA World Cup\") and the [Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympics \"Olympics\"),[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-51)[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-52) although other sources question whether this is accurate.[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-53)\n\nReports emanating from World Rugby and its business partners have frequently touted the tournament's media growth, with cumulative worldwide television audiences of 300 million for the inaugural 1987 tournament, 1.75 billion in 1991, 2.67 billion in 1995, 3 billion in 1999,[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-seven-54) 3.5 billion in 2003,[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-visa-55) and 4 billion in 2007.[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Deloitte2008-56) The 4 billion figure was widely dismissed as the global audience for television is estimated to be about 4.2 billion.[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-57)\n\nHowever, independent reviews have called into question the methodology of those growth estimates, pointing to factual inconsistencies.[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-58) The event's supposed drawing power outside of a handful of rugby strongholds was also downplayed significantly, with an estimated 97 percent of the 33 million average audience produced by the 2007 final coming from [Australasia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australasia \"Australasia\"), South Africa, the [British Isles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/British_Isles \"British Isles\") and France.[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-59) Other sports have been accused of exaggerating their television reach over the years; such claims are not exclusive to the Rugby World Cup.\n\nWhile the event's global popularity remains a matter of dispute, high interest in traditional rugby nations is well documented. The 2003 final, between Australia and England, became the most watched [rugby union](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_union \"Rugby union\") match in the history of Australian television.[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-tv-60) The 2023 tournament achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours across all programming making it the most viewed rugby event of all time.[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-61)\n\n| Year | Host(s) | Total attendance | Matches | Avg attendance | % change  in avg att. | Stadium capacity | Attendance as  % of capacity |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | 604,500 | 32 | 18,891 | — | 1,006,350 | 60% |\n| [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland \"Ireland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland \"Scotland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | 1,007,760 | 32 | 31,493 | \\+67% | 1,212,800 | 79% |\n| [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa \"South Africa\") | 1,100,000 | 32 | 34,375 | \\+9% | 1,423,850 | 77% |\n| [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | 1,750,000 | 41 | 42,683 | \\+24% | 2,104,500 | 83% |\n| [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | 1,837,547 | 48 | 38,282 | –10% | 2,208,529 | 83% |\n| [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | 2,263,223 | 48 | 47,150 | \\+23% | 2,470,660 | 92% |\n| [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") | 1,477,294 | 48 | 30,777 | –35% | 1,732,000 | 85% |\n| [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") | 2,477,805 | 48 | 51,621 | \\+68% | 2,600,741 | 95% |\n| [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") | 1,698,528 | 45\\* | 37,745 | –27% | 1,811,866 | 90% |\n| [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | 2,437,208 | 48 | 50,775 | \\+26% | 2,586,173 | 94% |\n| [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | \\- | 52 | \\- | \\- | 2,779,320 | \\- |\n| \\*[Typhoon Hagibis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Typhoon_Hagibis_\$2019\$ \"Typhoon Hagibis (2019)\") caused 3 group stage matches to be cancelled. As a result, only 45 of the scheduled 48 matches were played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |\n\n| Key |   |\n|---|---|\n|   | Record high |\n|   | Record low |\n\n| Source | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")[\\[c\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-64)[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-65) | *[2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")* |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| [Gate receipts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gate_receipts \"Gate receipts\") (M [£](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pound_sterling \"Pound sterling\")) | N\/a | N\/a | 15 | 55 | 81 | 147 | 131 | 250 | 259[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-66) | N\/a |\n| Broadcasting (M £) | N\/a | N\/a | 19 | 44 | 60 | 82 | 93 | 155 | 136 | N\/a |\n| Sponsorship (M £) | N\/a | N\/a | 8 | 18 | 16 | 28 | 29 | N\/a | 105 | N\/a |\n| Surplus (M £) | 1 | 4 | 18 | 47 | 64 | 122 | 92 | 150 | 136 | N\/a |\n\nNotes:\n\n- The host union keeps revenue from gate receipts. World Rugby, through RWCL, receive revenue from sources including broadcasting rights, sponsorship and tournament fees.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2012YearInReview-62)\n\nKeys\n\n- aet: result\/match won [after extra time](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$ \"Overtime (sports)\")\n\n| Ed. | Year | Host | First place game | Third place game | Num. teams |   |   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| Champion | Score | Runner-up | Third | Score | Fourth |   |   |   |   |\n| 1 | [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **[29–9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1987 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | [22–21](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | 16 |\n| 2 | [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland \"Ireland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland \"Scotland\") ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\")** | **[12–6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1991 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | [13–6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") | 16 |\n| 3 | [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa \"South Africa\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[15–12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1995 Rugby World Cup final\")** ([a.e.t.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$#Rugby_union \"Overtime (sports)\")) | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | [19–9](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | 16 |\n| 4 | [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\")** | **[35–12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"1999 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") | [22–18](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 5 | [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\")** | **[20–17](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2003 Rugby World Cup final\")** ([a.e.t.](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overtime_\$sports\$#Rugby_union \"Overtime (sports)\")) | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | [40–13](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 6 | [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[15–6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2007 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | [34–10](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_France_vs_Argentina \"2007 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 7 | [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **[8–7](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | [21–18](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final \"2011 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 8 | [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **[34–17](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2015 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") | [24–13](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_South_Africa_vs_Argentina \"2015 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 9 | [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[32–12](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2019 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | [40–17](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_New_Zealand_v_Wales \"2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 10 | [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") | **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **[12–11](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final \"2023 Rugby World Cup final\")** | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | [26–23](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_Argentina_vs_England \"2023 Rugby World Cup knockout stage\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | 20 |\n| 11 | [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") | *To be determined* | *To be determined* | 24[\\[64\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-67) |   |   |   |   |\n| 12 | [2031](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2031 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg\/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\") | *To be determined* | *To be determined* | 24 |   |   |   |   |\n\n### Performance of nations\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Performance of nations\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png\/330px-Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png)\n\nMap of nations' best results (excluding qualifying tournaments)\n\nTwenty-six nations have participated at the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The only nations to host and win a tournament are New Zealand (1987 and 2011) and South Africa (1995). The performance of other host nations includes England (1991 final hosts) and Australia (2003 hosts) both finishing runners-up, while France (2007 hosts) finished fourth, and Wales (1999 hosts) and Japan (2019 hosts) reached the quarter-finals. Wales became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 1991 while England became the first solo host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 2015.[\\[65\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-68) Of the twenty-five nations that have participated in at least one tournament, ten of them have never missed a tournament.[\\[d\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-69)\n\n| Team | Champions | Runners-up | Third | Fourth | Quarter-finals | Apps in top 8 |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\")** | **4** ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | N\/a | **2** ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | N\/a | 2 ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **8**[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) |\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\")** | **3** ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | **2** ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **3** ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\")) | **10** |\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\")** | **2** ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\")) | **2** ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** ([2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\")) | 3 ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | **9** |\n| **![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\")** | **1** ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\")) | **3** ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** ([2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | 1 ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\")) | 3 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **9** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | N\/a | **3** ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** ([1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\")) | 4 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **10** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | **1** ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | 4 ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **7** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | **1** ([2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | 2 ([1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\")) | **5** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | 1 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\")) | 6 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\")) | **7** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team \"Ireland national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | 8 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\"), [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\"), [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\"), [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\"), [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **8** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Flag_of_Fiji.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team \"Fiji national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | 3 ([1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\"), [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\"), [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\")) | **3** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/31\/Flag_of_Samoa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team \"Samoa national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | 2 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\"), [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\")) | **2** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canada_national_rugby_union_team \"Canada national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | 1 ([1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_national_rugby_union_team \"Japan national rugby union team\") | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | N\/a | 1 ([2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\")) | **1** |\n\n### Qualification results\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=17 \"Edit section: Qualification results\")\\]\n\nAs of the 2027 World Cup, 27 nations have qualified to compete across 11 tournaments.\n\n| Team | [![New Zealand](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") [![Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") [1987](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1987_Rugby_World_Cup \"1987 Rugby World Cup\") | [![England](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") [![France](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") [![Ireland](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland \"Ireland\") [![Scotland](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland \"Scotland\") [![Wales](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") [1991](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1991_Rugby_World_Cup \"1991 Rugby World Cup\") | [![South Africa](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa \"South Africa\") [1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1995_Rugby_World_Cup \"1995 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Wales](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales \"Wales\") [1999](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1999_Rugby_World_Cup \"1999 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") [2003](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2003_Rugby_World_Cup \"2003 Rugby World Cup\") | [![France](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") [2007](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Rugby_World_Cup \"2007 Rugby World Cup\") | [![New Zealand](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand \"New Zealand\") [2011](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Rugby_World_Cup \"2011 Rugby World Cup\") | [![England](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England \"England\") [2015](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2015_Rugby_World_Cup \"2015 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Japan](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\") [2019](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2019_Rugby_World_Cup \"2019 Rugby World Cup\") | [![France](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France \"France\") [2023](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2023_Rugby_World_Cup \"2023 Rugby World Cup\") | [![Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia \"Australia\") [2027](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2027 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | [![United States](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg\/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\") [2031](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup \"2031 Men's Rugby World Cup\") | Years |\n|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Flag_of_Argentina.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team \"Argentina national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/88\/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_national_rugby_union_team \"Australia national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canada_national_rugby_union_team \"Canada national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/78\/Flag_of_Chile.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png) [Chile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chile_national_rugby_union_team \"Chile national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 2 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/b\/be\/Flag_of_England.svg\/20px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/England_national_rugby_union_team \"England national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Flag_of_Fiji.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team \"Fiji national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Flag_of_France.svg\/20px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/France_national_rugby_union_team \"France national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Flag_of_Georgia.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Georgia.svg.png) [Georgia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Georgia_national_rugby_union_team \"Georgia national rugby union team\") | *N\/A[\\[67\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71)* | *N\/A[\\[67\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71)* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 7 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg.png) [Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_national_rugby_union_team \"Hong Kong national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *TBD* | 1 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ad\/IRFU_flag.svg\/20px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team \"Ireland national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/0\/03\/Flag_of_Italy.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png) [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italy_national_rugby_union_team \"Italy national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg\/20px-Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg.png) [Ivory Coast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ivory_Coast_national_rugby_union_team \"Ivory Coast national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *TBD* | 1 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Flag_of_Japan.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_national_rugby_union_team \"Japan national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/0\/00\/Flag_of_Namibia.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Namibia.svg.png) [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team \"Namibia national rugby union team\") | *N\/A[\\[68\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72)* | *N\/A[\\[68\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72)* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *TBD* | 7 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg\/20px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team \"New Zealand national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg.png) [Portugal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portugal_national_rugby_union_team \"Portugal national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 3 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/73\/Flag_of_Romania.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Romania.svg.png) [Romania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Romania_national_rugby_union_team \"Romania national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *E[\\[69\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-73)* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Flag_of_Russia.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Russia.svg.png) [Russia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russia_national_rugby_union_team \"Russia national rugby union team\") | *[\\[70\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-74)* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *X* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *B[\\[71\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-75)* | *B[\\[72\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-76)* | *TBD* | 2 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/31\/Flag_of_Samoa.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team \"Samoa national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/10\/Flag_of_Scotland.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team \"Scotland national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/af\/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg\/20px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team \"South Africa national rugby union team\") | *B[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70)* | *B[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70)* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 9[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Flag_of_Spain.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png) [Spain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spain_national_rugby_union_team \"Spain national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *X* | *E[\\[73\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-77)* | *Q* | *TBD* | 2 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Flag_of_Tonga.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png) [Tonga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tonga_national_rugby_union_team \"Tonga national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 10 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg\/20px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States_national_rugby_union_team \"United States national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | 9 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Flag_of_Uruguay.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Uruguay.svg.png) [Uruguay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Uruguay_national_rugby_union_team \"Uruguay national rugby union team\") | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 6 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Flag_of_Wales.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wales_national_rugby_union_team \"Wales national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *Q* | *TBD* | 11 |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg\/20px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png) [Zimbabwe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zimbabwe_national_rugby_union_team \"Zimbabwe national rugby union team\") | *Q* | *Q* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *\\-* | *Q* | *TBD* | 3 |\n| Total | 16 | 16 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 24 | 24 |   |\n\nLegend\n\n- \\= Hosts\n- *Q* = Qualified (or just for the 1987 World Cup, invited)\n- *\\-* = Did not qualify (or not invited to the 1987 World Cup)\n- *X* = Expelled during qualification\n- *E* = Expelled after qualification\n- *B* = Banned\n\n## Records and statistics\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=18 \"Edit section: Records and statistics\")\\]\n\n[![A middle-aged man wearing a suit and tie holding the Scottish flag.](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Gavin_Hastings.jpg\/250px-Gavin_Hastings.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Gavin_Hastings.jpg)\n\n[Gavin Hastings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gavin_Hastings \"Gavin Hastings\") of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match.\n\nThe record for most points overall is held by English player [Jonny Wilkinson](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jonny_Wilkinson \"Jonny Wilkinson\"), who scored 277 during his World Cup career.[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) New Zealand All Black [Grant Fox](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grant_Fox \"Grant Fox\") holds the record for most points in one competition, with 126 in 1987;[\\[74\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) [Sam Whitelock](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sam_Whitelock \"Sam Whitelock\") of New Zealand holds the record for most World Cup matches: 26 between 2011 and 2023. All Black [Simon Culhane](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simon_Culhane \"Simon Culhane\") holds the record for most points in a match by one player, 45, as well as the record for most conversions in a match, 20.[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) All Black [Marc Ellis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marc_Ellis_\$rugby_footballer\$ \"Marc Ellis (rugby footballer)\") holds the record for most tries in a match, six, which he scored against Japan in 1995.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80)\n\nNew Zealand's [Jonah Lomu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jonah_Lomu \"Jonah Lomu\") is the youngest player to appear in a final—aged 20 years and 43 days in the 1995 final.[\\[77\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) Lomu (playing in two tournaments) and South African [Bryan Habana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bryan_Habana \"Bryan Habana\") (playing in three tournaments) share the record for most total World Cup tournament tries, both scoring 15.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) Lomu (in 1999) and Habana (in 2007) also share the record, along with All Black [Julian Savea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Julian_Savea \"Julian Savea\") (in 2015) and [Will Jordan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Will_Jordan_\$rugby_union\$ \"Will Jordan (rugby union)\") (in 2023), for most tries in a tournament, with 8 each.[\\[76\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) South Africa's [Jannie de Beer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jannie_de_Beer \"Jannie de Beer\") kicked five drop-goals against England in 1999—an individual record for a single World Cup match.[\\[77\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) The record for most penalties in a match is 8, held by Australian [Matt Burke](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matt_Burke_\$rugby_union,_born_1973\$ \"Matt Burke (rugby union, born 1973)\"), Argentinian [Gonzalo Quesada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gonzalo_Quesada \"Gonzalo Quesada\"), Scotland's [Gavin Hastings](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gavin_Hastings \"Gavin Hastings\") and France's [Thierry Lacroix](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thierry_Lacroix \"Thierry Lacroix\"),[\\[75\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) with Quesada also holding the record for most penalties in a tournament, with 31.\n\nThe most points scored in a game is 145, by the All Blacks against [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japan_national_rugby_union_team \"Japan national rugby union team\") in 1995, while the widest winning margin is 142, held by Australia in a match against [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team \"Namibia national rugby union team\") in 2003.[\\[78\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey242-82)\n\nA total of 25 players have been [sent off](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_red_cards \"List of Rugby World Cup red cards\") (red carded) in the tournament. Welsh lock [Huw Richards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Huw_Richards \"Huw Richards\") was the first, while playing against New Zealand in 1987. No player has been red carded more than once.\n\n- [International rugby union player records](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_rugby_union_player_records \"International rugby union player records\")\n- [International rugby union team records](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_rugby_union_team_records \"International rugby union team records\")\n- [Rugby World Cup Sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens \"Rugby World Cup Sevens\") – men's and women's tournaments held simultaneously at a single site\n\n- Collins, Tony (2008). \"'The First Principle of Our Game': The rise and fall of amateurism: 1886–1995\". In Ryan, Greg (ed.). *The Changing Face of Rugby: The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995*. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-1-84718-530-3](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-84718-530-3 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-84718-530-3\")\n  \n  .\n- Davies, Gerald (2004). *The History of the Rugby World Cup* Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-86074-602-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-86074-602-0 \"Special:BookSources\/1-86074-602-0\")\n  .\n- [Farr-Jones, Nick](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nick_Farr-Jones \"Nick Farr-Jones\"), (2003). *Story of the Rugby World Cup*, [Australian Post Corporation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australia_Post \"Australia Post\"). [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [0-642-36811-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-642-36811-2 \"Special:BookSources\/0-642-36811-2\")\n  .\n- Harding, Grant; Williams, David (2000). *The Toughest of Them All: New Zealand and South Africa: The Struggle for Rugby Supremacy*. [Auckland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Auckland \"Auckland\"), New Zealand: Penguin Books. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-0-14-029577-1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-0-14-029577-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-0-14-029577-1\")\n  \n  .\n- Martin, Gerard John (2005). *The Game is not the Same – a History of Professional Rugby in New Zealand* (Thesis). Auckland University of Technology.\n- Peatey, Lance (2011). *In Pursuit of Bill: A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup*. New Holland Publishers. [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\$identifier\$ \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  \n  [978-1-74257-191-1](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-74257-191-1 \"Special:BookSources\/978-1-74257-191-1\")\n  \n  .\n- Phillpots, Kyle (2000). [*The Professionalisation of Rugby Union*](http:\/\/wrap.warwick.ac.uk\/4498\/) (Thesis). University of Warwick.\n- Williams, Peter (2002). [\"Battle Lines on Three Fronts: The RFU and the Lost War Against Professionalism\"](https:\/\/salford-repository.worktribe.com\/output\/1432363\/battle-lines-on-three-fronts-the-rfu-and-the-lost-war-against-professionalism). *The International Journal of the History of Sport*. **19** (4): 114–136\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\$identifier\$ \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1080\/714001793](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080%2F714001793). [S2CID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S2CID_\$identifier\$ \"S2CID (identifier)\") [145705183](https:\/\/api.semanticscholar.org\/CorpusID:145705183).\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-10)** However an exhibition tournament, the [1936 FIRA Tournament](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1936_FIRA_Tournament \"1936 FIRA Tournament\"), did take place at the [1936 Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/1936_Summer_Olympics \"1936 Summer Olympics\"). Rugby [was reintroduced](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Summer_Olympics \"Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics\") to the Olympics in 2016, but as men's and women's [rugby sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens \"Rugby sevens\") (i.e., seven-a-side rugby).[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8)\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-19)** Against England in 1984.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18)\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-64)** Figures published by [World Rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Rugby \"World Rugby\") (WR) are for the entire year, and are not specific to the tournament.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-69)** Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are the nations that have never missed a tournament, playing in all nine thus far. South Africa has played in all eight in the post-apartheid era (as of 2023).\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-1)** As per the narrative of the sport's origins, at this point in time, handling the ball, by way of taking a [Mark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mark_\$rugby\$ \"Mark (rugby)\"), was within the laws of the Game. Webb Ellis' purported innovation was to then run with the ball in hand, giving the game its signature characteristic.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Qualifying_2-0)**\n   [\"Caribbean kick off for RWC 2011 qualifying\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110905162139\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/home\/news\/newsid%3D2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying). irb.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/home\/news\/newsid=2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying) on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2008Seedings_3-0)**\n   [\"AB boost as World Cup seedings confirmed\"](http:\/\/www.stuff.co.nz\/sport\/rugby\/news\/281939). *stuff.co.nz*. NZPA. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013.\n4. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-1)\n   [\"Fixtures\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150815053510\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/fixtures). *World Rugby*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/fixtures) on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.\n5. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-3)\n   [\"Tournament Rules\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160201091833\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/tournament-rules). *World Rugby*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/tournament-rules) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2015.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-6)**\n   cycles, This text provides general information Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct Due to varying update; Text, Statistics Can Display More up-to-Date Data Than Referenced in the. [\"Topic: Six Nations Championship\"](https:\/\/www.statista.com\/topics\/11881\/six-nations-championship\/). *Statista*. Retrieved 31 January 2024.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-history_7-0)**\n   [\"A brief history of the Six Nations rugby tournament\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071108180856\/http:\/\/www.6-nations-rugby.com\/six-nations-history). 6 Nations Rugby. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.6-nations-rugby.com\/six-nations-history) on 8 November 2007. Retrieved 31 October 2007.\n8. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WorldRugbyOlympics_8-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WorldRugbyOlympics_8-1)\n   [\"History of Rugby in the Olympics\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150627130524\/http:\/\/www.worldrugby.org\/olympics\/history). *World Rugby*. 9 November 2014. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.worldrugby.org\/olympics\/history) on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-olympics2_9-0)**\n   Richards, Huw (26 July 2012). [\"Rugby and the Olympics\"](http:\/\/www.espnscrum.com\/scrum\/rugby\/story\/167592.html). ESPN. Retrieved 13 April 2012.\n10. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-wcweb_11-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-wcweb_11-1)\n    [\"The History of RWC\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060414193531\/http:\/\/www.worldcupweb.com\/WCrugby\/history.asp). worldcupweb.com. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.worldcupweb.com\/WCrugby\/history.asp) on 14 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006.\n11. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Collins13_12-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Collins13_12-1) Collins (2008), p. 13.\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey31_13-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 31.\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey34_14-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 34.\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey42_15-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 42.\n15. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey59_16-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey59_16-1) Peatey (2011) p. 59.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey77_17-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 77.\n17. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding137_18-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding137_18-1) Harding (2000), p. 137\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey78_20-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 78.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey82_21-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 82.\n20. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey87_22-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 87.\n21. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding159_23-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding159_23-1) Harding (2000), pp. 159–160\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey99_24-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 99.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding168_25-0)** Harding (2000), p. 168\n24. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-26)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup history: The Wizards from Oz in 1999\"](https:\/\/www.skysports.com\/rugby-union\/news\/21971\/7079435\/rugby-world-cup-history-the-wizards-from-oz-in-1999). Sky Sports. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2018.\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-27)**\n    [\"1999 World Cup Qualifiers\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20040503171636\/http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/rugby\/world_cup\/news\/1998\/09\/27\/wc_qualifiers_standings\/). CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/rugby\/world_cup\/news\/1998\/09\/27\/wc_qualifiers_standings\/) on 3 May 2004. Retrieved 14 October 2018.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-28)**\n    Madden, Patrick (4 September 2015). [\"RWC \\#15: Ireland suffer play-off misery against Argentina\"](https:\/\/www.irishtimes.com\/sport\/rugby\/international\/rwc-15-ireland-suffer-play-off-misery-against-argentina-1.2340253). *The Irish Times*. Retrieved 14 October 2018.\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-29)**\n    Kitson, Robert (8 November 1999). [\"Wallaby siege mentality secures Holy Grail\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/rugbycup\/Story\/0,,196930,00.html). *The Guardian*. Retrieved 14 October 2018.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-30)**\n    Morse, Ben (27 September 2023). [\"'What chance did we have': Remembering Namibia's record-breaking 142-0 Rugby World Cup defeat\"](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/09\/27\/sport\/namibia-australia-2003-rugby-world-cup-record-spt-intl\/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved 31 January 2024.\n29. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG26_31-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG26_31-1)\n    \"Doin' it the Hard Way\". *Rugby News*. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 26.\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG27_32-0)**\n    \"Doin' it the Hard Way\". *Rugby News*. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 27.\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-bbcrwc_33-0)**\n    [\"England honours World Cup stars\"](https:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport2\/hi\/rugby_union\/rugby_world_cup\/3300061.stm). *bbc.co.uk*. 9 December 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2006.\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-34)** [\"Ireland exit courtesy of powerful Pumas\"](https:\/\/www.espn.com\/rugby\/report?gameId=25545&league=164205), ESPN, 30 September 2007.\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-35)**\n    Gowar, Rex (23 November 2011). 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Retrieved 6 June 2021.\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-38)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2019: fixtures, tables and results\"](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/ng-interactive\/2019\/sep\/18\/rugby-world-cup-2019-fixtures-tables-and-results). *The Guardian*. [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\$identifier\$ \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0261-3077](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0261-3077). Retrieved 6 June 2021.\n37. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-39)**\n    [\"World Rugby announces gender neutral naming for Rugby World Cup tournaments\"](https:\/\/www.world.rugby\/news\/444250) (Press release). World Rugby. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019.\n38. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCTrophy_40-0)**\n    [\"Second World Cup exists, Snedden confirms\"](http:\/\/www.nzherald.co.nz\/nz\/news\/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10745840). *The New Zealand Herald*. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2013.\n39. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-QuinnPt3_41-0)**\n    Quinn, Keith (30 August 2011). [\"Keith Quinn: Back-history of RWC – part three\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20140903095746\/https:\/\/tvnz.co.nz\/rugby-world-cup\/keith-quinn-back-history-rwc-part-three-4374234). *[TVNZ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/TVNZ \"TVNZ\")*. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/tvnz.co.nz\/rugby-world-cup\/keith-quinn-back-history-rwc-part-three-4374234) on 3 September 2014.\n40. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-BBC_42-0)**\n    [\"Friday Boss: Kevin Baker of silversmiths Thomas Lyte\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/av\/business-22213850). *BBC News*.\n41. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RoyalWarrant_43-0)**\n    [\"Thomas Lyte\"](https:\/\/www.royalwarrant.org\/company\/thomas-lyte?back=%2Fdirectory%3Fquery%3D%26page%3D66). *royalwarrant.org*.\n42. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-44)**\n    [\"Restorers of the Rugby World Cup - The Webb Ellis Cup\"](https:\/\/thomaslyte.com\/rugby-world-cup-trophy-the-webb-ellis-cup\/). *Thomas Lyte*. Retrieved 10 February 2025.\n43. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WECup_45-0)**\n    [\"The History of the Webb Ellis Cup\"](http:\/\/www.skysport.co.nz\/rugby-webb-ellis-cup\/). Sky Sport New Zealand. Retrieved 13 February 2013.\n    \n    `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service \"Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service\"))\n44. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-46)**\n    [\"Official Website of the Rugby World Cup\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20070202143044\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/en\/home\/Disclaimer). *rugbyworldcup.com*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/en\/home\/Disclaimer) on 2 February 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2007.\n45. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-JapEng2019_47-0)**\n    [\"England awarded 2015 Rugby World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2009-07-29\/england-awarded-2015-rugby-world-cup\/1371384). ABC News Australia. AFP. 29 July 2009. Retrieved 13 February 2013.\n46. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCStadium_48-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCStadium_48-1)\n    [\"New Zealand came close to losing Rugby World Cup 2011\"](http:\/\/www.rugbyweek.com\/news\/article.asp?id=17256). *Rugby Week*. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013.\n47. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-millen_49-0)**\n    [\"Millennium Stadium, Cardiff\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20070218040548\/http:\/\/www.virtualtourist.com\/travel\/Europe\/United_Kingdom\/Wales\/South_Glamorgan\/Cardiff-315777\/Things_To_Do-Cardiff-Millennium_Stadium-BR-1.html). *Virtual Tourist*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.virtualtourist.com\/travel\/Europe\/United_Kingdom\/Wales\/South_Glamorgan\/Cardiff-315777\/Things_To_Do-Cardiff-Millennium_Stadium-BR-1.html) on 18 February 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2007.\n48. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-50)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup Locations Confirmed Through to 2033\"](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/news\/714742\/rugby-world-cup-host-locations-confirmed-through-to-2033) (Press release). World Rugby. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.\n49. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-51)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Hospitality\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141207214944\/http:\/\/hospitality.rugbyworldcup.com\/rugby_world_cup_2015_official_hospitality_in_numbers.aspx). RWC Ltd. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/hospitality.rugbyworldcup.com\/rugby_world_cup_2015_official_hospitality_in_numbers.aspx) on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.\n50. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-52)**\n    [\"Olympics and World Cup are the biggest, but what comes next?\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport\/30326825). *BBC Sport*. 4 December 2014.\n51. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-53)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup: Logic debunks outrageous numbers game\"](http:\/\/www.nzherald.co.nz\/sport\/news\/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761073). *The New Zealand Herald*. 23 October 2011. [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\$identifier\$ \"ISSN (identifier)\") [1170-0777](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/1170-0777). Retrieved 3 April 2017.\n52. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-seven_54-0)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2003\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060415041733\/http:\/\/www.sevencorporate.com.au\/page.asp?partid=225). *sevencorporate.com.au*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.sevencorporate.com.au\/page.asp?partid=225) on 15 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006.\n53. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-visa_55-0)**\n    [\"Visa International Renews Rugby World Cup Partnership\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060427071525\/http:\/\/www.corporate.visa.com\/md\/nr\/press269.jsp). *corporate.visa.com*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.corporate.visa.com\/md\/nr\/press269.jsp) on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006.\n54. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Deloitte2008_56-0)**\n    [\"Potential Impact of the Rugby World Cup on a Host Nation\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20140413142158\/http:\/\/www.deloitte.com\/assets\/dcom-unitedkingdom\/Local%20assets\/documents\/uk_SBG_IrB2008.pdf) (PDF). Deloitte & Touche. 2008. p. 5. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.deloitte.com\/assets\/dcom-unitedkingdom\/Local%20assets\/documents\/uk_SBG_IrB2008.pdf) (PDF) on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.\n55. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-57)**\n    [\"Digital Divide: Global Household Penetration Rates for Technology\"](http:\/\/www.vrworld.com\/2011\/01\/26\/digital-divide-global-household-penetration-rates-for-technology\/). VRWorld. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2015.\n56. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-58)**\n    Nippert, Matt (2 May 2010). [\"Filling the Cup – cost \\$500m and climbing\"](http:\/\/www.nzherald.co.nz\/business\/news\/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10642274). *The New Zealand Herald*. APN New Zealand. Retrieved 2 December 2014.\n57. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-59)**\n    Burgess, Michael (23 October 2011). [\"Logic debunks outrageous numbers game\"](http:\/\/www.nzherald.co.nz\/sport\/news\/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761073). *The New Zealand Herald*. APN New Zealand. Retrieved 2 December 2014.\n58. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-tv_60-0)**\n    Derriman, Phillip (1 July 2006). [\"Rivals must assess impact of Cup fever\"](http:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/news\/sport\/rivals-must-assess-impact-of-cup-fever\/2006\/06\/30\/1151174394285.html?page=2). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. Fairfax. Retrieved 1 July 2006.\n59. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-61)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2023 was the most viewed rugby event of all time\"](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/2023\/news\/904424\/rugby-world-cup-2023-was-the-most-viewed-rugby-event-of-all-time). *Rugby World Cup*. Retrieved 21 March 2024.\n60. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-2)\n    [*International Rugby Board Year in Review 2012*](https:\/\/images.worldrugby.org\/view-item?i=38261). International Rugby Board. p. 62. Retrieved 21 July 2015.\n61. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWC_Surplus_63-0)**\n    [\"Year in Review 2015\"](http:\/\/publications.worldrugby.org\/yearinreview2015\/en\/96-1). *World Rugby*. Retrieved 3 June 2021.\n62. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-65)**\n    [\"World Rugby Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019\"](https:\/\/resources.world.rugby\/worldrugby\/document\/2020\/07\/09\/a5110686-c0e7-45d9-8688-e39d92a9d9c7\/WR-Financial-Report.pdf) (PDF). *resources.world.rugby*. World Rugby (WR). 2020.\n63. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-66)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2019: Review of Outcomes\"](https:\/\/assets.ey.com\/content\/dam\/ey-sites\/ey-com\/ja_jp\/topics\/library\/report\/pdf\/ey-japan-report-2020-08-14-rwc2019-en.pdf) (PDF). *assets.ey.com*. [Ernst & Young](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ernst_%26_Young \"Ernst & Young\"). 24 June 2020.\n64. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-67)**\n    [\"Rugby World Cup 2027 expanded to 24 teams\"](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/2023\/news\/885620\/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams). *rugbyworldcup.com*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20231025171432\/https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/2023\/news\/885620\/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams) from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.\n65. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-68)** [\"England become first host nation eliminated at pool stage of Rugby World Cup\"](https:\/\/www.standard.co.uk\/sport\/rugby\/england-become-first-host-nation-eliminated-at-pool-stage-of-rugby-world-cup-a3072231.html), Evening Standard, Tom Dutton, 3 October 2015.\n66. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-3) South Africa was excluded from the first two tournaments due to a sporting boycott during the apartheid era.\n67. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-1) Georgia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of the USSR and not an independent country yet.\n68. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-1) Namibia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of South Africa and not an independent country yet.\n69. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-73)** Romania initially qualified for the 2019 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in 6 qualifying matches, resulting in their non-qualification.\n70. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-74)** The USSR rugby team declined the invite to the 1987 World Cup.\n71. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-75)** After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition.\n72. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-76)** After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition.\n73. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-77)** Spain initially qualified for the 2023 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in two qualifiers, resulting in their non-qualification.\n74. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-1) Peatey (2011) p. 243.\n75. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-1)\n    [\"All Time RWC Statistics\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141202180522\/http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/statistics). International Rugby Board. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/statistics\/) on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.\n76. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-2) Peatey (2011) p. 244.\n77. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-1) Peatey (2011) p. 245.\n78. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey242_82-0)** Peatey (2011) p. 242.\n\n[![logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/2\/24\/Wikinews-logo.svg\/40px-Wikinews-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wikinews-logo.svg)\n\nWikinews has news related to:\n\n- [Official website](https:\/\/www.rugbyworldcup.com\/) [![Edit this at Wikidata](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/8\/8a\/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg\/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q16640#P856 \"Edit this at Wikidata\")\n- [World Rugby](https:\/\/www.world.rugby\/)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This article is about the men's rugby union tournament. For the women's World Cup in union, see Women's Rugby World Cup . For other world cups for rugby, see World cup of rugby . Rugby World Cup Upcoming tournament 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup Sport Rugby union Instituted 1987 ; 39 years ago Number of teams 24 Regions International ( World Rugby ) Holders South Africa ( 2023 ) Most titles South Africa (4 titles) Website rugbyworldcup.com The Men's Rugby World Cup is a rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the world champions of the sport. The tournament is administered by World Rugby , the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the Webb Ellis Cup , named after William Webb Ellis who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it. [ 1 ] The tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; South Africa four times, New Zealand three times, Australia twice, and England once. South Africa is the current champion, having defeated New Zealand in the final of the 2023 tournament . Sixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup and France hosted the 2023 Rugby World Cup . The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in Australia in 2027 . Starting in 2021 , the women's equivalent tournament was officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men's tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the 2023 World Cup , World Rugby announced that all future tournaments would include the words "Men's" or "Women's" in their titles. The first event to use this convention was the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup , while the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup will be the first to include "Men's" in its title. Under the current format, 24 teams qualify for each Rugby World Cup. Twelve teams qualified automatically for the 2027 edition, as a consequence of finishing top three in their 2023 pool. The qualification for the remaining 12 spots was allocated regionally; with a total of ten teams allocated for Europe, seven for the Pacific, two for South America - an additional space for a play-off between South America and the Pacific - two for Africa, one for Asia. The last place is determined by an intercontinental play-off. [ 2 ] The tournament involves twenty-four nations competing over six weeks in October and November. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] There are two stages—a pool, followed by a knockout round. Nations are divided into four pools, A through to F, of four nations each. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] The teams are seeded based on the World Rankings . The six highest-ranked teams are drawn into pools A to F. This process is repeated down the seeding order, with a caveat to ensure the host country shall always be in Pool A. Nations play three pool games, playing their respective pool members once each. [ 5 ] A bonus points system is used during pool play. If two or more teams are level on points, a system of criteria determines the higher ranked. [ 5 ] Sixteen teams-the winner and runner-up from each of the six pools, plus the four best third placed teams-enter the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round-of-sixteen, quarter-final, semi-finals, and then a final round which includes a bronze medal match and the Rugby World Cup Final . If a match in the knockout stages ends in a draw, the winner is determined through extra time . If that fails, the match goes into sudden death and the next team to score any points is the winner. [ 5 ] Before the Rugby World Cup, there was no truly global rugby union competition, but there were a number of other tournaments. One of the oldest is the annual Six Nations Championship , which started in 1883 as the Home Nations Championship, [ 6 ] a tournament between England , Ireland , Scotland and Wales . It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910, when France joined the tournament. France did not participate from 1931 to 1939, during which period it reverted to a Home Nations championship. In 2000, Italy joined the competition, which became the Six Nations. [ 7 ] Rugby union was also played at the Summer Olympic Games , first appearing at the 1900 Paris games and subsequently at London in 1908 , Antwerp in 1920 , and Paris again in 1924 . France won the first gold medal, then Australasia, with the last two being won by the United States. However rugby union ceased to be on Olympic program after 1924. [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ a ] The idea of a Rugby World Cup had been suggested on numerous occasions going back to the 1950s, but met with opposition from most unions in the IRFB. [ 10 ] The idea resurfaced several times in the early 1980s, with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU; now known as Rugby Australia) in 1983, and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU; now known as New Zealand Rugby) in 1984 independently proposing the establishment of a world cup. [ 11 ] A proposal was again put to the IRFB in 1985 and this time passed 10–6. The delegates from Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa all voted for the proposal, and the delegates from Ireland and Scotland against; the English and Welsh delegates were split, with one from each country for and one against. [ 10 ] [ 11 ] The inaugural tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was held in May and June 1987, with sixteen nations taking part. [ 12 ] The inaugural World Cup in 1987, did not involve any qualifying process; instead, the 16 places were automatically filled by seven eligible International Rugby Football Board (IRFB, now World Rugby) member nations, and the rest by invitation. [ 13 ] New Zealand became the first-ever champions, defeating France 29–9 in the final. [ 14 ] The subsequent 1991 tournament was hosted by England, with matches played throughout Britain, Ireland and France. Qualifying tournaments were introduced for the second tournament , where eight of the sixteen places were contested in a twenty-four-nation tournament. [ 15 ] This tournament saw the introduction of a qualifying tournament; eight places were allocated to the quarter-finalists from 1987, and the remaining eight decided by a thirty-five nation qualifying tournament. [ 15 ] Australia won the second tournament, defeating England 12–6 in the final. [ 16 ] In 1992, eight years after their last official series, [ b ] South Africa hosted New Zealand in a one-off test match. The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the apartheid system. [ 17 ] [ 18 ] With their return to test rugby, South Africa were selected to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup . [ 19 ] After upsetting Australia in the opening match, South Africa continued to advance through the tournament and met New Zealand in the final. [ 20 ] [ 21 ] After a tense final that went into extra time , South Africa emerged 15–12 winners, [ 22 ] with then President Nelson Mandela , wearing a Springbok jersey , [ 21 ] presenting the trophy to South Africa's captain, Francois Pienaar . [ 23 ] The 1999 tournament was hosted by Wales with matches also being held throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The tournament included a repechage system, [ 24 ] alongside specific regional qualifying places. [ 25 ] The number of participating nations was increased from sixteen to twenty—and has remained to date at twenty. [ 26 ] Australia claimed their second title, defeating France in the final. [ 27 ] The combination of the sport turning professional after 1995 and the increase in teams from sixteen to twenty led to a number of remarkably lopsided results in both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, with two matches in each tournament resulting in teams scoring over 100 points; Australia's 142–0 win over Namibia in 2003 stands as the most lopsided score in Rugby World Cup history. [ 28 ] In 2003 and 2007, the qualifying format allowed for eight of the twenty available positions to be automatically filled by the eight quarter-finalists of the previous tournament. The remaining twelve positions were filled by continental qualifying tournaments. [ 29 ] Ten positions were filled by teams qualifying directly through continental competitions. [ 29 ] Another two places were allocated for a cross-continental repechage . [ 30 ] The 2003 event was hosted by Australia, although it was originally intended to be held jointly with New Zealand. England emerged as champions defeating Australia in extra time. England's win broke the southern hemisphere 's dominance in the event. Such was the celebration of England's victory that an estimated 750,000 people gathered in central London to greet the team, making the day the largest sporting celebration of its kind ever in the United Kingdom. [ 31 ] Ireland v Argentina in 2007 The 2007 competition was hosted by France, with matches also being held in Wales and Scotland. South Africa claimed their second title by defeating defending champions England 15–6. The biggest story of the tournament, however, was Argentina who racked up wins against some of the top European teams —France, Ireland, and Scotland—to finish first in the Pool of death and finish third overall in the tournament. [ 32 ] The attention from Argentina's performance led to Argentina participating in SANZAAR [ 33 ] and the professionalization of rugby in Argentina. A scrum between Samoa (in blue) and Wales (in red) during the 2011 World Cup The 2011 tournament was awarded to New Zealand in November 2005, ahead of bids from Japan and South Africa. The All Blacks reclaimed their place atop the rugby world with a narrow 8–7 win over France in the 2011 final . [ 34 ] The opening weekend of the 2015 tournament , hosted by England, generated the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan, who had not won a single World Cup match since 1991, defeated heavily favoured South Africa. Overall, New Zealand once again won the final, this time against Australia. In doing so, they became the first team in World Cup history to win three titles, as well as the first to successfully defend a title. [ 35 ] Japan's hosting of the 2019 World Cup marked the first time the tournament had been held outside the traditional rugby strongholds; Japan won all four of their pool matches to top their group and qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time. The tournament saw South Africa claim their third trophy to match New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup titles. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final. [ 36 ] Starting in 2021, gender designations were removed from the titles of the men's and women's World Cups. Accordingly, all World Cups for men and women will officially bear the "Rugby World Cup" name. The first tournament to be affected by the new policy was the 2022 women's tournament held in New Zealand, which retained its original title of "Rugby World Cup 2021" despite having been delayed from its original schedule due to COVID-19 issues. [ 37 ] France hosted the 2023 World Cup . The tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated New Zealand 12–11 to become the second nation to successfully defend their World Champion title and the first nation to win the tournament four times. The Webb Ellis Cup Winners of the Rugby World Cup are presented with the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis . The trophy is also referred to simply as the Rugby World Cup . The trophy was chosen in 1987 for use in the competition, and was created in 1906 by Garrard's Crown Jewellers. [ 38 ] [ 39 ] The trophy is restored, repaired and its plinth engraved with the winner's name by Thomas Lyte between tournaments. [ 40 ] [ 41 ] The words 'The International Rugby Football Board' and 'The Webb Ellis Cup' are engraved on the face of the cup. [ 42 ] It stands thirty-eight centimetres high and is silver gilded in gold, and supported by two cast scroll handles, one with the head of a satyr , and the other a head of a nymph . [ 43 ] In Australia the trophy is colloquially known as "Bill"—a reference to William Webb Ellis. Tournaments are organised by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), which is itself owned by World Rugby. The selection of host is decided by a vote of World Rugby Council members. [ 44 ] [ 45 ] The voting procedure is managed by a team of independent auditors, and the voting kept secret. The host nation is generally selected five or six years before the competition. The tournament has been hosted by multiple nations. For example, the 1987 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. World Rugby requires that the hosts must have a venue with a capacity of at least 60,000 spectators for the final. [ 46 ] Host nations sometimes construct or upgrade stadia in preparation for the World Cup, such as Millennium Stadium —purposely built for the 1999 tournament—and Eden Park , upgraded for 2011. [ 46 ] [ 47 ] The first country outside of the traditional rugby nations of SANZAAR or the Six Nations to be awarded the hosting rights was 2019 host Japan. France hosted the 2023 tournament . The next tournament to be hosted by a nation outside the traditional nations will be the 2031 tournament in the United States . [ 48 ] Organizers of the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Global Sports Impact, state that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics , [ 49 ] [ 50 ] although other sources question whether this is accurate. [ 51 ] Reports emanating from World Rugby and its business partners have frequently touted the tournament's media growth, with cumulative worldwide television audiences of 300 million for the inaugural 1987 tournament, 1.75 billion in 1991, 2.67 billion in 1995, 3 billion in 1999, [ 52 ] 3.5 billion in 2003, [ 53 ] and 4 billion in 2007. [ 54 ] The 4 billion figure was widely dismissed as the global audience for television is estimated to be about 4.2 billion. [ 55 ] However, independent reviews have called into question the methodology of those growth estimates, pointing to factual inconsistencies. [ 56 ] The event's supposed drawing power outside of a handful of rugby strongholds was also downplayed significantly, with an estimated 97 percent of the 33 million average audience produced by the 2007 final coming from Australasia , South Africa, the British Isles and France. [ 57 ] Other sports have been accused of exaggerating their television reach over the years; such claims are not exclusive to the Rugby World Cup. While the event's global popularity remains a matter of dispute, high interest in traditional rugby nations is well documented. The 2003 final, between Australia and England, became the most watched rugby union match in the history of Australian television. [ 58 ] The 2023 tournament achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours across all programming making it the most viewed rugby event of all time. [ 59 ] Attendance figures [ 60 ] Year Host(s) Total attendance Matches Avg attendance % change in avg att. Stadium capacity Attendance as % of capacity 1987 New Zealand Australia 604,500 32 18,891 — 1,006,350 60% 1991 England France Ireland Scotland Wales 1,007,760 32 31,493 +67% 1,212,800 79% 1995 South Africa 1,100,000 32 34,375 +9% 1,423,850 77% 1999 Wales 1,750,000 41 42,683 +24% 2,104,500 83% 2003 Australia 1,837,547 48 38,282 –10% 2,208,529 83% 2007 France 2,263,223 48 47,150 +23% 2,470,660 92% 2011 New Zealand 1,477,294 48 30,777 –35% 1,732,000 85% 2015 England 2,477,805 48 51,621 +68% 2,600,741 95% 2019 Japan 1,698,528 45* 37,745 –27% 1,811,866 90% 2023 France 2,437,208 48 50,775 +26% 2,586,173 94% 2027 Australia - 52 - - 2,779,320 - * Typhoon Hagibis caused 3 group stage matches to be cancelled. As a result, only 45 of the scheduled 48 matches were played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Key Record high Record low Revenue for Rugby World Cup tournaments [ 60 ] [ 61 ] Source 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2015 2019 [ c ] [ 62 ] 2023 Gate receipts (M £ ) N/a N/a 15 55 81 147 131 250 259 [ 63 ] N/a Broadcasting (M £) N/a N/a 19 44 60 82 93 155 136 N/a Sponsorship (M £) N/a N/a 8 18 16 28 29 N/a 105 N/a Surplus (M £) 1 4 18 47 64 122 92 150 136 N/a Notes: The host union keeps revenue from gate receipts. World Rugby, through RWCL, receive revenue from sources including broadcasting rights, sponsorship and tournament fees. [ 60 ] Keys aet: result/match won after extra time Ed. Year Host First place game Third place game Num. teams Champion Score Runner-up Third Score Fourth 1 1987 New Zealand Australia New Zealand 29–9 France Wales 22–21 Australia 16 2 1991 England France Ireland Scotland Wales Australia 12–6 England New Zealand 13–6 Scotland 16 3 1995 South Africa South Africa 15–12 ( a.e.t. ) New Zealand France 19–9 England 16 4 1999 Wales Australia 35–12 France South Africa 22–18 New Zealand 20 5 2003 Australia England 20–17 ( a.e.t. ) Australia New Zealand 40–13 France 20 6 2007 France South Africa 15–6 England Argentina 34–10 France 20 7 2011 New Zealand New Zealand 8–7 France Australia 21–18 Wales 20 8 2015 England New Zealand 34–17 Australia South Africa 24–13 Argentina 20 9 2019 Japan South Africa 32–12 England New Zealand 40–17 Wales 20 10 2023 France South Africa 12–11 New Zealand England 26–23 Argentina 20 11 2027 Australia To be determined To be determined 24 [ 64 ] 12 2031 United States To be determined To be determined 24 Performance of nations [ edit ] Map of nations' best results (excluding qualifying tournaments) Twenty-six nations have participated at the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The only nations to host and win a tournament are New Zealand (1987 and 2011) and South Africa (1995). The performance of other host nations includes England (1991 final hosts) and Australia (2003 hosts) both finishing runners-up, while France (2007 hosts) finished fourth, and Wales (1999 hosts) and Japan (2019 hosts) reached the quarter-finals. Wales became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 1991 while England became the first solo host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 2015. [ 65 ] Of the twenty-five nations that have participated in at least one tournament, ten of them have never missed a tournament. [ d ] Team Champions Runners-up Third Fourth Quarter-finals Apps in top 8 South Africa 4 ( 1995 , 2007 , 2019 , 2023 ) N/a 2 ( 1999 , 2015 ) N/a 2 ( 2003 , 2011 ) 8 [ 66 ] New Zealand 3 ( 1987 , 2011 , 2015 ) 2 ( 1995 , 2023 ) 3 ( 1991 , 2003 , 2019 ) 1 ( 1999 ) 1 ( 2007 ) 10 Australia 2 ( 1991 , 1999 ) 2 ( 2003 , 2015 ) 1 ( 2011 ) 1 ( 1987 ) 3 ( 1995 , 2007 , 2019 ) 9 England 1 ( 2003 ) 3 ( 1991 , 2007 , 2019 ) 1 ( 2023 ) 1 ( 1995 ) 3 ( 1987 , 1999 , 2011 ) 9 France N/a 3 ( 1987 , 1999 , 2011 ) 1 ( 1995 ) 2 ( 2003 , 2007 ) 4 ( 1991 , 2015 , 2019 , 2023 ) 10 Wales N/a N/a 1 ( 1987 ) 2 ( 2011 , 2019 ) 4 ( 1999 , 2003 , 2015 , 2023 ) 7 Argentina N/a N/a 1 ( 2007 ) 2 ( 2015 , 2023 ) 2 ( 1999 , 2011 ) 5 Scotland N/a N/a N/a 1 ( 1991 ) 6 ( 1987 , 1995 , 1999 , 2003 , 2007 , 2015 ) 7 Ireland N/a N/a N/a N/a 8 ( 1987 , 1991 , 1995 , 2003 , 2011 , 2015 , 2019 , 2023 ) 8 Fiji N/a N/a N/a N/a 3 ( 1987 , 2007 , 2023 ) 3 Samoa N/a N/a N/a N/a 2 ( 1991 , 1995 ) 2 Canada N/a N/a N/a N/a 1 ( 1991 ) 1 Japan N/a N/a N/a N/a 1 ( 2019 ) 1 Qualification results [ edit ] As of the 2027 World Cup, 27 nations have qualified to compete across 11 tournaments. Team 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2015 2019 2023 2027 2031 Years Argentina Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Australia Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Canada Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q - Q TBD 10 Chile - - - - - - - - - Q Q TBD 2 England Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Fiji Q Q - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 10 France Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Georgia N/A [ 67 ] N/A [ 67 ] - - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 7 Hong Kong - - - - - - - - - - Q TBD 1 Ireland Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Italy Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Ivory Coast - - Q - - - - - - - - TBD 1 Japan Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Namibia N/A [ 68 ] N/A [ 68 ] - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q - TBD 7 New Zealand Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Portugal - - - - - Q - - - Q Q TBD 3 Romania Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q E [ 69 ] Q Q TBD 10 Russia [ 70 ] - - - X - Q - Q B [ 71 ] B [ 72 ] TBD 2 Samoa - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 10 Scotland Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 South Africa B [ 66 ] B [ 66 ] Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 9 [ 66 ] Spain - - - Q - - - - X E [ 73 ] Q TBD 2 Tonga Q - Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 10 United States Q Q - Q Q Q Q Q Q - Q Q 9 Uruguay - - - Q Q - - Q Q Q Q TBD 6 Wales Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q TBD 11 Zimbabwe Q Q - - - - - - - - Q TBD 3 Total 16 16 16 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 24 24 Legend = Hosts Q = Qualified (or just for the 1987 World Cup, invited) - = Did not qualify (or not invited to the 1987 World Cup) X = Expelled during qualification E = Expelled after qualification B = Banned Records and statistics [ edit ] Gavin Hastings of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match. The record for most points overall is held by English player Jonny Wilkinson , who scored 277 during his World Cup career. [ 74 ] New Zealand All Black Grant Fox holds the record for most points in one competition, with 126 in 1987; [ 74 ] Sam Whitelock of New Zealand holds the record for most World Cup matches: 26 between 2011 and 2023. All Black Simon Culhane holds the record for most points in a match by one player, 45, as well as the record for most conversions in a match, 20. [ 75 ] All Black Marc Ellis holds the record for most tries in a match, six, which he scored against Japan in 1995. [ 76 ] New Zealand's Jonah Lomu is the youngest player to appear in a final—aged 20 years and 43 days in the 1995 final. [ 77 ] Lomu (playing in two tournaments) and South African Bryan Habana (playing in three tournaments) share the record for most total World Cup tournament tries, both scoring 15. [ 76 ] Lomu (in 1999) and Habana (in 2007) also share the record, along with All Black Julian Savea (in 2015) and Will Jordan (in 2023), for most tries in a tournament, with 8 each. [ 76 ] South Africa's Jannie de Beer kicked five drop-goals against England in 1999—an individual record for a single World Cup match. [ 77 ] The record for most penalties in a match is 8, held by Australian Matt Burke , Argentinian Gonzalo Quesada , Scotland's Gavin Hastings and France's Thierry Lacroix , [ 75 ] with Quesada also holding the record for most penalties in a tournament, with 31. The most points scored in a game is 145, by the All Blacks against Japan in 1995, while the widest winning margin is 142, held by Australia in a match against Namibia in 2003. [ 78 ] A total of 25 players have been sent off (red carded) in the tournament. Welsh lock Huw Richards was the first, while playing against New Zealand in 1987. No player has been red carded more than once. International rugby union player records International rugby union team records Rugby World Cup Sevens – men's and women's tournaments held simultaneously at a single site Collins, Tony (2008). " 'The First Principle of Our Game': The rise and fall of amateurism: 1886–1995". In Ryan, Greg (ed.). The Changing Face of Rugby: The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995 . Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84718-530-3 . Davies, Gerald (2004). The History of the Rugby World Cup Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1-86074-602-0 . Farr-Jones, Nick , (2003). Story of the Rugby World Cup , Australian Post Corporation . ISBN 0-642-36811-2 . Harding, Grant; Williams, David (2000). The Toughest of Them All: New Zealand and South Africa: The Struggle for Rugby Supremacy . Auckland , New Zealand: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-029577-1 . Martin, Gerard John (2005). The Game is not the Same – a History of Professional Rugby in New Zealand (Thesis). Auckland University of Technology. Peatey, Lance (2011). In Pursuit of Bill: A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup . New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-74257-191-1 . Phillpots, Kyle (2000). The Professionalisation of Rugby Union (Thesis). University of Warwick. Williams, Peter (2002). "Battle Lines on Three Fronts: The RFU and the Lost War Against Professionalism" . The International Journal of the History of Sport . 19 (4): 114– 136. doi : 10.1080/714001793 . S2CID 145705183 . ^ However an exhibition tournament, the 1936 FIRA Tournament , did take place at the 1936 Games . Rugby was reintroduced to the Olympics in 2016, but as men's and women's rugby sevens (i.e., seven-a-side rugby). [ 8 ] ^ Against England in 1984. [ 17 ] ^ Figures published by World Rugby (WR) are for the entire year, and are not specific to the tournament. ^ Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are the nations that have never missed a tournament, playing in all nine thus far. South Africa has played in all eight in the post-apartheid era (as of 2023). ^ As per the narrative of the sport's origins, at this point in time, handling the ball, by way of taking a Mark , was within the laws of the Game. Webb Ellis' purported innovation was to then run with the ball in hand, giving the game its signature characteristic. ^ "Caribbean kick off for RWC 2011 qualifying" . irb.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from the original on 5 September 2011 . Retrieved 13 February 2012 . ^ "AB boost as World Cup seedings confirmed" . stuff.co.nz . NZPA. 22 February 2008 . Retrieved 13 February 2013 . ^ a b "Fixtures" . World Rugby . Archived from the original on 15 August 2015 . Retrieved 21 July 2015 . ^ a b c d "Tournament Rules" . World Rugby . Archived from the original on 1 February 2016 . Retrieved 21 July 2015 . ^ cycles, This text provides general information Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct Due to varying update; Text, Statistics Can Display More up-to-Date Data Than Referenced in the. "Topic: Six Nations Championship" . Statista . Retrieved 31 January 2024 . ^ "A brief history of the Six Nations rugby tournament" . 6 Nations Rugby. Archived from the original on 8 November 2007 . Retrieved 31 October 2007 . ^ a b "History of Rugby in the Olympics" . World Rugby . 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2015 . Retrieved 21 July 2015 . ^ Richards, Huw (26 July 2012). "Rugby and the Olympics" . ESPN . Retrieved 13 April 2012 . ^ a b "The History of RWC" . worldcupweb.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2006 . Retrieved 25 April 2006 . ^ a b Collins (2008), p. 13. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 31. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 34. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 42. ^ a b Peatey (2011) p. 59. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 77. ^ a b Harding (2000), p. 137 ^ Peatey (2011) p. 78. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 82. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 87. ^ a b Harding (2000), pp. 159–160 ^ Peatey (2011) p. 99. ^ Harding (2000), p. 168 ^ "Rugby World Cup history: The Wizards from Oz in 1999" . Sky Sports. 11 September 2015 . Retrieved 14 October 2018 . ^ "1999 World Cup Qualifiers" . CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 3 May 2004 . Retrieved 14 October 2018 . ^ Madden, Patrick (4 September 2015). "RWC #15: Ireland suffer play-off misery against Argentina" . The Irish Times . Retrieved 14 October 2018 . ^ Kitson, Robert (8 November 1999). "Wallaby siege mentality secures Holy Grail" . The Guardian . Retrieved 14 October 2018 . ^ Morse, Ben (27 September 2023). " 'What chance did we have': Remembering Namibia's record-breaking 142-0 Rugby World Cup defeat" . CNN . Retrieved 31 January 2024 . ^ a b "Doin' it the Hard Way". Rugby News . Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 26. ^ "Doin' it the Hard Way". Rugby News . Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 27. ^ "England honours World Cup stars" . bbc.co.uk . 9 December 2003 . Retrieved 3 May 2006 . ^ "Ireland exit courtesy of powerful Pumas" , ESPN, 30 September 2007. ^ Gowar, Rex (23 November 2011). "Argentina has talent to meet challenge, says Sanzar" . Reuters . ^ "New Zealand 8-7 France" . BBC Sport . Retrieved 6 June 2021 . ^ Aylwin, Michael (31 October 2015). "New Zealand 34-17 Australia: Rugby World Cup 2015 final player ratings \| Rugby World Cup 2015" . The Guardian . Retrieved 6 June 2021 . ^ "Rugby World Cup 2019: fixtures, tables and results" . The Guardian . ISSN 0261-3077 . Retrieved 6 June 2021 . ^ "World Rugby announces gender neutral naming for Rugby World Cup tournaments" (Press release). World Rugby. 21 August 2019 . Retrieved 22 August 2019 . ^ "Second World Cup exists, Snedden confirms" . The New Zealand Herald . 18 August 2011 . Retrieved 13 February 2013 . ^ Quinn, Keith (30 August 2011). "Keith Quinn: Back-history of RWC – part three" . TVNZ . Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. ^ "Friday Boss: Kevin Baker of silversmiths Thomas Lyte" . BBC News . ^ "Thomas Lyte" . royalwarrant.org . ^ "Restorers of the Rugby World Cup - The Webb Ellis Cup" . Thomas Lyte . Retrieved 10 February 2025 . ^ "The History of the Webb Ellis Cup" . Sky Sport New Zealand . Retrieved 13 February 2013 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ( link ) ^ "Official Website of the Rugby World Cup" . rugbyworldcup.com . Archived from the original on 2 February 2007 . Retrieved 14 April 2007 . ^ "England awarded 2015 Rugby World Cup" . ABC News Australia. AFP. 29 July 2009 . Retrieved 13 February 2013 . ^ a b "New Zealand came close to losing Rugby World Cup 2011" . Rugby Week . 12 December 2008 . Retrieved 13 February 2013 . ^ "Millennium Stadium, Cardiff" . Virtual Tourist . Archived from the original on 18 February 2007 . Retrieved 23 February 2007 . ^ "Rugby World Cup Locations Confirmed Through to 2033" (Press release). World Rugby. 12 May 2022 . Retrieved 19 May 2022 . ^ "Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Hospitality" . RWC Ltd. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014 . Retrieved 4 December 2014 . ^ "Olympics and World Cup are the biggest, but what comes next?" . BBC Sport . 4 December 2014. ^ "Rugby World Cup: Logic debunks outrageous numbers game" . The New Zealand Herald . 23 October 2011. ISSN 1170-0777 . Retrieved 3 April 2017 . ^ "Rugby World Cup 2003" . sevencorporate.com.au . Archived from the original on 15 April 2006 . Retrieved 25 April 2006 . ^ "Visa International Renews Rugby World Cup Partnership" . corporate.visa.com . Archived from the original on 27 April 2006 . Retrieved 25 April 2006 . ^ "Potential Impact of the Rugby World Cup on a Host Nation" (PDF) . Deloitte & Touche. 2008. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 April 2014 . Retrieved 12 April 2014 . ^ "Digital Divide: Global Household Penetration Rates for Technology" . VRWorld. 26 January 2011 . Retrieved 1 September 2015 . ^ Nippert, Matt (2 May 2010). "Filling the Cup – cost $500m and climbing" . The New Zealand Herald . APN New Zealand . Retrieved 2 December 2014 . ^ Burgess, Michael (23 October 2011). "Logic debunks outrageous numbers game" . The New Zealand Herald . APN New Zealand . Retrieved 2 December 2014 . ^ Derriman, Phillip (1 July 2006). "Rivals must assess impact of Cup fever" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Fairfax . Retrieved 1 July 2006 . ^ "Rugby World Cup 2023 was the most viewed rugby event of all time" . Rugby World Cup . Retrieved 21 March 2024 . ^ a b c International Rugby Board Year in Review 2012 . International Rugby Board. p. 62 . Retrieved 21 July 2015 . ^ "Year in Review 2015" . World Rugby . Retrieved 3 June 2021 . ^ "World Rugby Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019" (PDF) . resources.world.rugby . World Rugby (WR). 2020. ^ "Rugby World Cup 2019: Review of Outcomes" (PDF) . assets.ey.com . Ernst & Young . 24 June 2020. ^ "Rugby World Cup 2027 expanded to 24 teams" . rugbyworldcup.com . Archived from the original on 25 October 2023 . Retrieved 24 October 2023 . ^ "England become first host nation eliminated at pool stage of Rugby World Cup" , Evening Standard, Tom Dutton, 3 October 2015. ^ a b c d South Africa was excluded from the first two tournaments due to a sporting boycott during the apartheid era. ^ a b Georgia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of the USSR and not an independent country yet. ^ a b Namibia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of South Africa and not an independent country yet. ^ Romania initially qualified for the 2019 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in 6 qualifying matches, resulting in their non-qualification. ^ The USSR rugby team declined the invite to the 1987 World Cup. ^ After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. ^ After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. ^ Spain initially qualified for the 2023 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in two qualifiers, resulting in their non-qualification. ^ a b Peatey (2011) p. 243. ^ a b "All Time RWC Statistics" . International Rugby Board. Archived from the original on 2 December 2014 . Retrieved 12 April 2014 . ^ a b c Peatey (2011) p. 244. ^ a b Peatey (2011) p. 245. ^ Peatey (2011) p. 242. Wikinews has news related to: Official website World Rugby
Markdown	[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Rugby+World+Cup "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Rugby+World+Cup "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup) - [1 Format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Format) Toggle Format subsection - [1\.1 Qualification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Qualification) - [1\.2 Tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Tournament) - [2 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#History) Toggle History subsection - [2\.1 Beginnings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Beginnings) - [2\.2 Professional era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Professional_era) - [3 Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Trophy) - [4 Selection of hosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Selection_of_hosts) - [5 Tournament growth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Tournament_growth) Toggle Tournament growth subsection - [5\.1 Media coverage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Media_coverage) - [5\.2 Attendance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Attendance) - [5\.3 Revenue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Revenue) - [6 Results](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Results) Toggle Results subsection - [6\.1 Tournaments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Tournaments) - [6\.2 Performance of nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Performance_of_nations) - [6\.3 Team records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Team_records) - [6\.4 Qualification results](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Qualification_results) - [7 Records and statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Records_and_statistics) - [8 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#See_also) - [9 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#References) Toggle References subsection - [9\.1 Printed sources](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Printed_sources) - [9\.2 Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Notes) - [9\.3 Citations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#Citations) - [10 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # Rugby World Cup 59 languages - [Afrikaans](https://af.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugbyw%C3%AAreldbeker "Rugbywêreldbeker – Afrikaans") - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%83%D8%A3%D8%B3_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85_%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%BA%D8%A8%D9%8A "كأس العالم للرغبي – Arabic") - [বাংলা](https://bn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AA "রাগবি বিশ্বকাপ – Bangla") - [Brezhoneg](https://br.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kib_rugbi_ar_bed "Kib rugbi ar bed – Breton") - [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_del_M%C3%B3n_de_Rugbi "Copa del Món de Rugbi – Catalan") - [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistrovstv%C3%AD_sv%C4%9Bta_v_ragby "Mistrovství světa v ragby – Czech") - [Cymraeg](https://cy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cwpan_Rygbi%27r_Byd "Cwpan Rygbi'r Byd – Welsh") - [Dansk](https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/VM_i_rugby "VM i rugby – Danish") - [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby-Union-Weltmeisterschaft "Rugby-Union-Weltmeisterschaft – German") - [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%A0%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF_%CF%81%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%BA%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%B9 "Παγκόσμιο κύπελλο ράγκμπι – Greek") - [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugbea_Monda_Pokalo "Rugbea Monda Pokalo – Esperanto") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_del_Mundo_de_Rugby "Copa del Mundo de Rugby – Spanish") - [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gizonezkoen_Munduko_Errugbi_Kopa "Gizonezkoen Munduko Errugbi Kopa – Basque") - [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C_%D8%B1%D8%A7%DA%AF%D8%A8%DB%8C "جام جهانی راگبی – Persian") - [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugbyn_maailmanmestaruuskilpailut "Rugbyn maailmanmestaruuskilpailut – Finnish") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupe_du_monde_de_rugby_%C3%A0_XV "Coupe du monde de rugby à XV – French") - [Gaeilge](https://ga.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_an_Domhain_sa_Rugba%C3%AD "Corn an Domhain sa Rugbaí – Irish") - [Galego](https://gl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_do_Mundo_de_Rugby "Copa do Mundo de Rugby – Galician") - [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%92%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A2_%D7%94%D7%A2%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%9D_%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%92%D7%91%D7%99 "גביע העולם ברוגבי – Hebrew") - [हिन्दी](https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5_%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AA "रग्बी यूनियन विश्व कप – Hindi") - [Fiji Hindi](https://hif.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Union_Viswa_Cup "Rugby Union Viswa Cup – Fiji Hindi") - [Hrvatski](https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svjetski_kup_u_ragbiju "Svjetski kup u ragbiju – Croatian") - [Magyar](https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B6gbi-vil%C3%A1gbajnoks%C3%A1g "Rögbi-világbajnokság – Hungarian") - [Հայերեն](https://hy.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D5%8C%D5%A5%D5%A3%D5%A2%D5%AB%D5%AB_%D5%BF%D5%B2%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D6%81_%D5%A1%D5%B7%D5%AD%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B0%D5%AB_%D5%A3%D5%A1%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%A9 "Ռեգբիի տղամարդկանց աշխարհի գավաթ – Armenian") - [Interlingua](https://ia.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuppa_del_Mundo_de_Rugby "Cuppa del Mundo de Rugby – Interlingua") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piala_Dunia_Rugbi "Piala Dunia Rugbi – Indonesian") - [Íslenska](https://is.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimsmeistaram%C3%B3t_landsli%C3%B0a_%C3%AD_ru%C3%B0ningi_karla "Heimsmeistaramót landsliða í ruðningi karla – Icelandic") - [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppa_del_Mondo_di_rugby "Coppa del Mondo di rugby – Italian") - [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B0%E3%83%93%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%AB%E3%83%83%E3%83%97 "ラグビーワールドカップ – Japanese") - [ქართული](https://ka.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%92%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1_%E1%83%9B%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A4%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D_%E1%83%A9%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%A2%E1%83%98 "რაგბის მსოფლიო ჩემპიონატი – Georgian") - [Қазақша](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D3%99%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BC_%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B "Регбиден әлем чемпионаты – Kazakh") - [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%9F%AD%EB%B9%84_%EC%9B%94%EB%93%9C%EC%BB%B5 "럭비 월드컵 – Korean") - [Latina](https://la.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certamen_mundanum_harpasticum "Certamen mundanum harpasticum – Latin") - [Lietuvių](https://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasaulio_regbio_%C4%8Dempionatas "Pasaulio regbio čempionatas – Lithuanian") - [Latviešu](https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasaules_kauss_regbij%C4%81 "Pasaules kauss regbijā – Latvian") - [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piala_Dunia_Ragbi "Piala Dunia Ragbi – Malay") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wereldkampioenschap_rugby "Wereldkampioenschap rugby – Dutch") - [Norsk bokmål](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdensmesterskapet_i_rugby_union_for_menn "Verdensmesterskapet i rugby union for menn – Norwegian Bokmål") - [Occitan](https://oc.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_del_mond_de_rugbi_de_XV "Copa del mond de rugbi de XV – Occitan") - [ਪੰਜਾਬੀ](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%97%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%80_%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%B2%E0%A8%A1_%E0%A8%95%E0%A9%B1%E0%A8%AA "ਰਗਬੀ ਵਰਲਡ ਕੱਪ – Punjabi") - [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puchar_%C5%9Bwiata_w_rugby_union_m%C4%99%C5%BCczyzn "Puchar świata w rugby union mężczyzn – Polish") - [Piemontèis](https://pms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_d%C3%ABl_Mond_%C3%ABd_Rugby "Copa dël Mond ëd Rugby – Piedmontese") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_do_Mundo_de_Rugby_Union "Copa do Mundo de Rugby Union – Portuguese") - [Română](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupa_Mondial%C4%83_de_Rugby "Cupa Mondială de Rugby – Romanian") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82_%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D0%BE_%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B1%D0%B8 "Чемпионат мира по регби – Russian") - [Scots](https://sco.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Warld_Cup "Rugby Warld Cup – Scots") - [Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски](https://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svjetsko_prvenstvo_u_ragbiju "Svjetsko prvenstvo u ragbiju – Serbo-Croatian") - [සිංහල](https://si.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B6%BB%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B6%E0%B7%92_%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%9D%E0%B6%9A_%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%94%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%B1%E0%B6%BA "රග්බි ලෝක කුසලානය – Sinhala") - 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International men's rugby union competition This article is about the men's rugby union tournament. For the women's World Cup in union, see [Women's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup"). For other world cups for rugby, see [World cup of rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_cup_of_rugby_$disambiguation$ "World cup of rugby (disambiguation)"). Not to be confused with [Rugby League World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_League_World_Cup "Rugby League World Cup"). "RWC" redirects here. For other uses, see [RWC (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RWC_$disambiguation$ "RWC (disambiguation)"). \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Upcoming tournament ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Rugby_football_current_event.svg/40px-Rugby_football_current_event.svg.png) *[2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup")* \| \| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg/330px-Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_$post-2023$.svg) \| \| \| Sport \| [Rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") \| \| Instituted \| 1987; 39 years ago (1987) \| \| Number of teams \| 24 \| \| Regions \| International ([World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby")) \| \| Holders \| [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") ([2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| \| Most titles \| South Africa (4 titles) \| \| Website \| [rugbyworldcup.com](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/) \| \| \| \|---\| \| [![A rugby field with drummers on the perimeter, and a large multicoloured flag in the middle.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Rugby_World_Cup_190920d6.jpg/330px-Rugby_World_Cup_190920d6.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_World_Cup_190920d6.jpg)The opening ceremony of the 2019 tournament \| \| Tournaments \| \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") [2031](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2031 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| The Men's Rugby World Cup is a [rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the [world champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_championship "World championship") of the sport. The tournament is administered by [World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby"), the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the [Webb Ellis Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webb_Ellis_Cup "Webb Ellis Cup"), named after [William Webb Ellis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Webb_Ellis "William Webb Ellis") who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-1) The tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") four times, [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") three times, [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") twice, and [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") once. [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") is the current champion, having defeated [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") in the [final](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2023 Rugby World Cup final") of the [2023 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). Sixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the [2019 Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") and France hosted the [2023 Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in [Australia in 2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup"). Starting in [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Rugby_World_Cup "2021 Rugby World Cup"), the [women's equivalent tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup") was officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men's tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the [2023 World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"), World Rugby announced that all future tournaments would include the words "Men's" or "Women's" in their titles. The first event to use this convention was the [2025 Women's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2025 Women's Rugby World Cup"), while the [2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") will be the first to include "Men's" in its title. ## Format \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Format")\] ### Qualification \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Qualification")\] Main article: [Rugby World Cup qualification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_qualification "Rugby World Cup qualification") Under the current format, 24 teams qualify for each Rugby World Cup. Twelve teams qualified automatically for the 2027 edition, as a consequence of finishing top three in their 2023 pool. The qualification for the remaining 12 spots was allocated regionally; with a total of ten teams allocated for Europe, seven for the Pacific, two for South America - an additional space for a play-off between South America and the Pacific - two for Africa, one for Asia. The last place is determined by an intercontinental play-off. [\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Qualifying-2) ### Tournament \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Tournament")\] The tournament involves twenty-four nations competing over six weeks in October and November.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2008Seedings-3)[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4) There are two stages—a pool, followed by a knockout round. Nations are divided into four pools, A through to F, of four nations each.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) The teams are [seeded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_$sports$ "Seed (sports)") based on the [World Rankings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Rankings "World Rugby Rankings"). The six highest-ranked teams are drawn into pools A to F. This process is repeated down the seeding order, with a caveat to ensure the host country shall always be in Pool A. Nations play three pool games, playing their respective pool members once each.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) A [bonus points system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_bonus_points_system "Rugby union bonus points system") is used during pool play. If two or more teams are level on points, a system of criteria determines the higher ranked.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) Sixteen teams-the winner and runner-up from each of the six pools, plus the four best third placed teams-enter the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round-of-sixteen, quarter-final, semi-finals, and then a final round which includes a bronze medal match and the [Rugby World Cup Final](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_Final "Rugby World Cup Final"). If a match in the knockout stages ends in a draw, the winner is determined through [extra time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_time "Extra time"). If that fails, the match goes into [sudden death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_death_$sport$ "Sudden death (sport)") and the next team to score any points is the winner.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) ## History \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: History")\] Main article: [History of the Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup "History of the Rugby World Cup") ### Beginnings \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Beginnings")\] Before the Rugby World Cup, there was no truly global rugby union competition, but there were a number of other tournaments. One of the oldest is the annual [Six Nations Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship "Six Nations Championship"), which started in 1883 as the [Home Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Nations "Home Nations") Championship,[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-6) a tournament between [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team"), [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team "Ireland national rugby union team"), [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") and [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team"). It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910, when [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") joined the tournament. France did not participate from 1931 to 1939, during which period it reverted to a Home Nations championship. In 2000, [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_rugby_union_team "Italy national rugby union team") joined the competition, which became the Six Nations.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-history-7) Rugby union was also played at the [Summer Olympic Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Olympic_Games "Summer Olympic Games"), first appearing at the [1900 Paris games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_Summer_Olympics "1900 Summer Olympics") and subsequently at [London in 1908](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1908_Summer_Olympics "1908 Summer Olympics"), [Antwerp in 1920](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_Summer_Olympics "1920 Summer Olympics"), and [Paris again in 1924](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1924_Summer_Olympics "1924 Summer Olympics"). France won the first gold medal, then Australasia, with the last two being won by the United States. However rugby union ceased to be on Olympic program after 1924.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-olympics2-9)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-10) The idea of a Rugby World Cup had been suggested on numerous occasions going back to the 1950s, but met with opposition from most unions in the IRFB.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11) The idea resurfaced several times in the early 1980s, with the [Australian Rugby Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Australia "Rugby Australia") (ARU; now known as Rugby Australia) in 1983, and the [New Zealand Rugby Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Rugby "New Zealand Rugby") (NZRU; now known as New Zealand Rugby) in 1984 independently proposing the establishment of a world cup.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12) A proposal was again put to the IRFB in 1985 and this time passed 10–6. The delegates from Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa all voted for the proposal, and the delegates from Ireland and Scotland against; the English and Welsh delegates were split, with one from each country for and one against.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12) The inaugural tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was held in May and June 1987, with sixteen nations taking part.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey31-13) The [inaugural World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") in 1987, did not involve any qualifying process; instead, the 16 places were automatically filled by seven eligible [International Rugby Football Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby") (IRFB, now World Rugby) member nations, and the rest by invitation.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey34-14) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") became the first-ever champions, defeating [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") 29–9 in the final.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey42-15) The subsequent [1991 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by England, with matches played throughout Britain, Ireland and France. Qualifying tournaments were introduced for the [second tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), where eight of the sixteen places were contested in a twenty-four-nation tournament.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) This tournament saw the introduction of a qualifying tournament; eight places were allocated to the quarter-finalists from 1987, and the remaining eight decided by a thirty-five nation qualifying tournament.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) Australia won the second tournament, defeating [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") 12–6 in the final.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey77-17) In 1992, eight years after their last official series,[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-19) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") hosted New Zealand in a one-off test match. The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the [apartheid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid "Apartheid") system.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey78-20) With their return to test rugby, South Africa were selected to host the [1995 Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup").[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey82-21) After upsetting Australia in the opening match, South Africa continued to advance through the tournament and met New Zealand in the final.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey87-22)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) After a tense final that went into [extra time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$ "Overtime (sports)"), South Africa emerged 15–12 winners,[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey99-24) with then President [Nelson Mandela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela "Nelson Mandela"), wearing a Springbok [jersey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_shirt "Rugby shirt"),[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) presenting the trophy to South Africa's captain, [Francois Pienaar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francois_Pienaar "Francois Pienaar").[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding168-25) ### Professional era \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Professional era")\] The [1999 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by Wales with matches also being held throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The tournament included a [repechage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repechage "Repechage") system,[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-26) alongside specific regional qualifying places.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-27) The number of participating nations was increased from sixteen to twenty—and has remained to date at twenty.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-28) Australia claimed their second title, defeating France in the final.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-29) The combination of the sport turning professional after 1995 and the increase in teams from sixteen to twenty led to a number of remarkably lopsided results in both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, with two matches in each tournament resulting in teams scoring over 100 points; Australia's 142–0 win over Namibia in 2003 stands as the most lopsided score in Rugby World Cup history.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-30) In 2003 and 2007, the qualifying format allowed for eight of the twenty available positions to be automatically filled by the eight quarter-finalists of the previous tournament. The remaining twelve positions were filled by [continental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continent "Continent") qualifying tournaments.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Ten positions were filled by teams qualifying directly through continental competitions.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Another two places were allocated for a cross-continental [repechage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repechage "Repechage").[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG27-32) The [2003 event](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by Australia, although it was originally intended to be held jointly with New Zealand. England emerged as champions defeating Australia in extra time. England's win broke the [southern hemisphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANZAAR "SANZAAR")'s dominance in the event. Such was the celebration of England's victory that an estimated 750,000 people gathered in central [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London "London") to greet the team, making the day the largest sporting celebration of its kind ever in the United Kingdom.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-bbcrwc-33) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg/250px-Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg) Ireland v Argentina in 2007 The [2007 competition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by France, with matches also being held in Wales and Scotland. South Africa claimed their second title by defeating defending champions England 15–6. The biggest story of the tournament, however, was Argentina who racked up wins against some of the [top European teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship "Six Nations Championship")—France, Ireland, and Scotland—to finish first in the [Pool of death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_death "Group of death") and finish third overall in the tournament.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-34) The attention from Argentina's performance led to Argentina participating in [SANZAAR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANZAAR "SANZAAR")[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-35) and the professionalization of rugby in Argentina. [![A player holds a ball in front of two opposing groups of eight players. Each group is crouched and working together to push against the other team.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg/250px-2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_$6168183024$.jpg) A scrum between [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team "Samoa national rugby union team") (in blue) and [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") (in red) during the 2011 World Cup The [2011 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") was awarded to New Zealand in November 2005, ahead of bids from [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") and South Africa. The All Blacks reclaimed their place atop the rugby world with a narrow 8–7 win over France in the [2011 final](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2011 Rugby World Cup final").[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-36) The opening weekend of the [2015 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), hosted by England, generated the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan, who had not won a single World Cup match since 1991, defeated heavily favoured South Africa. Overall, New Zealand once again won the final, this time against Australia. In doing so, they became the first team in World Cup history to win three titles, as well as the first to successfully defend a title.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-37) Japan's hosting of the [2019 World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") marked the first time the tournament had been held outside the traditional rugby strongholds; Japan won all four of their pool matches to top their group and qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time. The tournament saw South Africa claim their third trophy to match New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup titles. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-38) Starting in 2021, gender designations were removed from the titles of the men's and women's World Cups. Accordingly, all World Cups for men and women will officially bear the "Rugby World Cup" name. The first tournament to be affected by the new policy was the 2022 women's tournament held in New Zealand, which retained its original title of "Rugby World Cup 2021" despite having been delayed from its original schedule due to [COVID-19](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic "COVID-19 pandemic") issues.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-39) France hosted the [2023 World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). The tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated New Zealand 12–11 to become the second nation to successfully defend their World Champion title and the first nation to win the tournament four times. ## Trophy \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Trophy")\] Main article: [Webb Ellis Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webb_Ellis_Cup "Webb Ellis Cup") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG/250px-Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG) The Webb Ellis Cup Winners of the Rugby World Cup are presented with the Webb Ellis Cup, named after [William Webb Ellis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Webb_Ellis "William Webb Ellis"). The trophy is also referred to simply as the Rugby World Cup. The trophy was chosen in 1987 for use in the competition, and was created in 1906 by Garrard's Crown Jewellers.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCTrophy-40)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-QuinnPt3-41) The trophy is restored, repaired and its plinth engraved with the winner's name by [Thomas Lyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Lyte "Thomas Lyte") between tournaments.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-BBC-42)[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RoyalWarrant-43) The words 'The International Rugby Football Board' and 'The Webb Ellis Cup' are engraved on the face of the cup.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-44) It stands thirty-eight centimetres high and is silver gilded in gold, and supported by two cast scroll handles, one with the head of a [satyr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyr "Satyr"), and the other a head of a [nymph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymph "Nymph").[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WECup-45) In Australia the trophy is colloquially known as "Bill"—a reference to William Webb Ellis. ## Selection of hosts \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Selection of hosts")\] Main article: [Rugby World Cup hosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_hosts "Rugby World Cup hosts") Tournaments are organised by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), which is itself owned by World Rugby. The selection of host is decided by a vote of World Rugby Council members.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-46)[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-JapEng2019-47) The voting procedure is managed by a team of independent auditors, and the voting kept secret. The host nation is generally selected five or six years before the competition. The tournament has been hosted by multiple nations. For example, the 1987 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. World Rugby requires that the hosts must have a venue with a capacity of at least 60,000 spectators for the final.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48) Host nations sometimes construct or upgrade stadia in preparation for the World Cup, such as [Millennium Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Stadium "Millennium Stadium")—purposely built for the 1999 tournament—and [Eden Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Park "Eden Park"), upgraded for 2011.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-millen-49) The first country outside of the traditional rugby nations of [SANZAAR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANZAAR "SANZAAR") or the Six Nations to be awarded the hosting rights was [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") host Japan. France hosted the [2023 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). The next tournament to be hosted by a nation outside the traditional nations will be the 2031 tournament in the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States").[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-50) ## Tournament growth \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Tournament growth")\] ### Media coverage \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: Media coverage")\] Organizers of the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Global Sports Impact, state that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the [FIFA World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup "FIFA World Cup") and the [Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympics "Olympics"),[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-51)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-52) although other sources question whether this is accurate.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-53) Reports emanating from World Rugby and its business partners have frequently touted the tournament's media growth, with cumulative worldwide television audiences of 300 million for the inaugural 1987 tournament, 1.75 billion in 1991, 2.67 billion in 1995, 3 billion in 1999,[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-seven-54) 3.5 billion in 2003,[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-visa-55) and 4 billion in 2007.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Deloitte2008-56) The 4 billion figure was widely dismissed as the global audience for television is estimated to be about 4.2 billion.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-57) However, independent reviews have called into question the methodology of those growth estimates, pointing to factual inconsistencies.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-58) The event's supposed drawing power outside of a handful of rugby strongholds was also downplayed significantly, with an estimated 97 percent of the 33 million average audience produced by the 2007 final coming from [Australasia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasia "Australasia"), South Africa, the [British Isles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Isles "British Isles") and France.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-59) Other sports have been accused of exaggerating their television reach over the years; such claims are not exclusive to the Rugby World Cup. While the event's global popularity remains a matter of dispute, high interest in traditional rugby nations is well documented. The 2003 final, between Australia and England, became the most watched [rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") match in the history of Australian television.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-tv-60) The 2023 tournament achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours across all programming making it the most viewed rugby event of all time.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-61) ### Attendance \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: Attendance")\] See also: [List of sports attendance figures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sports_attendance_figures "List of sports attendance figures") \| Year \| Host(s) \| Total attendance \| Matches \| Avg attendance \| % change in avg att. \| Stadium capacity \| Attendance as % of capacity \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| 604,500 \| 32 \| 18,891 \| — \| 1,006,350 \| 60% \| \| [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland "Ireland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland "Scotland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| 1,007,760 \| 32 \| 31,493 \| \+67% \| 1,212,800 \| 79% \| \| [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa "South Africa") \| 1,100,000 \| 32 \| 34,375 \| \+9% \| 1,423,850 \| 77% \| \| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| 1,750,000 \| 41 \| 42,683 \| \+24% \| 2,104,500 \| 83% \| \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| 1,837,547 \| 48 \| 38,282 \| –10% \| 2,208,529 \| 83% \| \| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| 2,263,223 \| 48 \| 47,150 \| \+23% \| 2,470,660 \| 92% \| \| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") \| 1,477,294 \| 48 \| 30,777 \| –35% \| 1,732,000 \| 85% \| \| [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") \| 2,477,805 \| 48 \| 51,621 \| \+68% \| 2,600,741 \| 95% \| \| [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| 1,698,528 \| 45\* \| 37,745 \| –27% \| 1,811,866 \| 90% \| \| [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| 2,437,208 \| 48 \| 50,775 \| \+26% \| 2,586,173 \| 94% \| \| [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| \- \| 52 \| \- \| \- \| 2,779,320 \| \- \| \| \[Typhoon Hagibis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Hagibis_$2019$ "Typhoon Hagibis (2019)") caused 3 group stage matches to be cancelled. As a result, only 45 of the scheduled 48 matches were played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| Key \| \| \|---\|---\| \| \| Record high \| \| \| Record low \| ### Revenue \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: Revenue")\] \| Source \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-64)[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-65) \| [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")* \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| [Gate receipts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_receipts "Gate receipts") (M [£](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound_sterling "Pound sterling")) \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 15 \| 55 \| 81 \| 147 \| 131 \| 250 \| 259[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-66) \| —N/a \| \| Broadcasting (M £) \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 19 \| 44 \| 60 \| 82 \| 93 \| 155 \| 136 \| —N/a \| \| Sponsorship (M £) \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 8 \| 18 \| 16 \| 28 \| 29 \| —N/a \| 105 \| —N/a \| \| Surplus (M £) \| 1 \| 4 \| 18 \| 47 \| 64 \| 122 \| 92 \| 150 \| 136 \| —N/a \| Notes: - The host union keeps revenue from gate receipts. World Rugby, through RWCL, receive revenue from sources including broadcasting rights, sponsorship and tournament fees.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2012YearInReview-62) ## Results \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Results")\] ### Tournaments \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=14 "Edit section: Tournaments")\] Keys - aet: result/match won [after extra time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$ "Overtime (sports)") \| Ed. \| Year \| Host \| First place game \| Third place game \| Num. teams \| \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| Champion \| Score \| Runner-up \| Third \| Score \| Fourth \| \| \| \| \| \| 1 \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [29–9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1987 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| [22–21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| 16 \| \| 2 \| [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland "Ireland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland "Scotland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| [12–6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1991 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [13–6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") \| 16 \| \| 3 \| [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa "South Africa") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [15–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1995 Rugby World Cup final") ([a.e.t.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$#Rugby_union "Overtime (sports)")) \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| [19–9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| 16 \| \| 4 \| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| [35–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1999 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [22–18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 5 \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| [20–17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2003 Rugby World Cup final") ([a.e.t.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$#Rugby_union "Overtime (sports)")) \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [40–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 6 \| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [15–6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2007 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| [34–10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_France_vs_Argentina "2007 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 7 \| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [8–7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2011 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| [21–18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final "2011 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 8 \| [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [34–17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2015 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [24–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_South_Africa_vs_Argentina "2015 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 9 \| [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [32–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2019 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [40–17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_New_Zealand_v_Wales "2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 10 \| [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [12–11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2023 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| [26–23](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_Argentina_vs_England "2023 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 11 \| [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| To be determined \| To be determined \| 24[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-67) \| \| \| \| \| \| 12 \| [2031](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2031 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") \| To be determined \| To be determined \| 24 \| \| \| \| \| ### Performance of nations \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Performance of nations")\] See also: [National team appearances in the Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_team_appearances_in_the_Rugby_World_Cup "National team appearances in the Rugby World Cup") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png/330px-Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png) Map of nations' best results (excluding qualifying tournaments) Twenty-six nations have participated at the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The only nations to host and win a tournament are New Zealand (1987 and 2011) and South Africa (1995). The performance of other host nations includes England (1991 final hosts) and Australia (2003 hosts) both finishing runners-up, while France (2007 hosts) finished fourth, and Wales (1999 hosts) and Japan (2019 hosts) reached the quarter-finals. Wales became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 1991 while England became the first solo host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 2015.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-68) Of the twenty-five nations that have participated in at least one tournament, ten of them have never missed a tournament.[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-69) ### Team records \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Team records")\] \| Team \| Champions \| Runners-up \| Third \| Fourth \| Quarter-finals \| Apps in top 8 \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| 4 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| —N/a \| 2 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| —N/a \| 2 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 8[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup")) \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| 2 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 9 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| 1 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 9 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup")) \| 4 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 1 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 4 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 1 ([2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 5 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 1 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup")) \| 6 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team "Ireland national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 8 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 8 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Flag_of_Fiji.svg/40px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team "Fiji national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Flag_of_Samoa.svg/40px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team "Samoa national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 2 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_national_rugby_union_team "Canada national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 1 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_rugby_union_team "Japan national rugby union team") \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| —N/a \| 1 ([2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 \| ### Qualification results \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: Qualification results")\] As of the 2027 World Cup, 27 nations have qualified to compete across 11 tournaments. \| Team \| [![New Zealand](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") [![Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| [![England](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") [![France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") [![Ireland](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland "Ireland") [![Scotland](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland "Scotland") [![Wales](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| [![South Africa](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa "South Africa") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Wales](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| [![France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| [![New Zealand](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| [![England](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Japan](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") \| [![France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| [![United States](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") [2031](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2031 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| Years \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/20px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/20px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg/20px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_national_rugby_union_team "Canada national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Flag_of_Chile.svg/20px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png) [Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile_national_rugby_union_team "Chile national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/20px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Flag_of_Fiji.svg/20px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team "Fiji national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/20px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Flag_of_Georgia.svg/20px-Flag_of_Georgia.svg.png) [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_national_rugby_union_team "Georgia national rugby union team") \| N/A[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71) \| N/A[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71) \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg/20px-Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg.png) [Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_national_rugby_union_team "Hong Kong national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| TBD \| 1 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/20px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team "Ireland national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/03/Flag_of_Italy.svg/20px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png) [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_rugby_union_team "Italy national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg/20px-Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg.png) [Ivory Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivory_Coast_national_rugby_union_team "Ivory Coast national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| TBD \| 1 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/20px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_rugby_union_team "Japan national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Flag_of_Namibia.svg/20px-Flag_of_Namibia.svg.png) [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team "Namibia national rugby union team") \| N/A[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72) \| N/A[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72) \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| \- \| TBD \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/20px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg/20px-Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg.png) [Portugal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_national_rugby_union_team "Portugal national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 3 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Flag_of_Romania.svg/20px-Flag_of_Romania.svg.png) [Romania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania_national_rugby_union_team "Romania national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| E[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-73) \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f3/Flag_of_Russia.svg/20px-Flag_of_Russia.svg.png) [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia_national_rugby_union_team "Russia national rugby union team") \| [\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-74) \| \- \| \- \| \- \| X \| \- \| Q \| \- \| Q \| B[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-75) \| B[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-76) \| TBD \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Flag_of_Samoa.svg/20px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team "Samoa national rugby union team") \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/20px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/20px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| B[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| B[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 9[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Spain.svg/20px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png) [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_national_rugby_union_team "Spain national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| X \| E[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-77) \| Q \| TBD \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Tonga.svg/20px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png) [Tonga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga_national_rugby_union_team "Tonga national rugby union team") \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/20px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_national_rugby_union_team "United States national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| 9 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Flag_of_Uruguay.svg/20px-Flag_of_Uruguay.svg.png) [Uruguay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay_national_rugby_union_team "Uruguay national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 6 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/20px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg/20px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png) [Zimbabwe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe_national_rugby_union_team "Zimbabwe national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| TBD \| 3 \| \| Total \| 16 \| 16 \| 16 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 24 \| 24 \| \| Legend - \= Hosts - Q = Qualified (or just for the 1987 World Cup, invited) - \- = Did not qualify (or not invited to the 1987 World Cup) - X = Expelled during qualification - E = Expelled after qualification - B = Banned ## Records and statistics \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=18 "Edit section: Records and statistics")\] Main articles: [Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Records_and_statistics_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup "Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup"), [List of Rugby World Cup try scorers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_try_scorers "List of Rugby World Cup try scorers"), and [List of Rugby World Cup hat-tricks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_hat-tricks "List of Rugby World Cup hat-tricks") [![A middle-aged man wearing a suit and tie holding the Scottish flag.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Gavin_Hastings.jpg/250px-Gavin_Hastings.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gavin_Hastings.jpg) [Gavin Hastings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Hastings "Gavin Hastings") of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match. The record for most points overall is held by English player [Jonny Wilkinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Wilkinson "Jonny Wilkinson"), who scored 277 during his World Cup career.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) New Zealand All Black [Grant Fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Fox "Grant Fox") holds the record for most points in one competition, with 126 in 1987;[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) [Sam Whitelock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Whitelock "Sam Whitelock") of New Zealand holds the record for most World Cup matches: 26 between 2011 and 2023. All Black [Simon Culhane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Culhane "Simon Culhane") holds the record for most points in a match by one player, 45, as well as the record for most conversions in a match, 20.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) All Black [Marc Ellis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Ellis_$rugby_footballer$ "Marc Ellis (rugby footballer)") holds the record for most tries in a match, six, which he scored against Japan in 1995.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) New Zealand's [Jonah Lomu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_Lomu "Jonah Lomu") is the youngest player to appear in a final—aged 20 years and 43 days in the 1995 final.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) Lomu (playing in two tournaments) and South African [Bryan Habana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Habana "Bryan Habana") (playing in three tournaments) share the record for most total World Cup tournament tries, both scoring 15.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) Lomu (in 1999) and Habana (in 2007) also share the record, along with All Black [Julian Savea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Savea "Julian Savea") (in 2015) and [Will Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Jordan_$rugby_union$ "Will Jordan (rugby union)") (in 2023), for most tries in a tournament, with 8 each.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) South Africa's [Jannie de Beer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jannie_de_Beer "Jannie de Beer") kicked five drop-goals against England in 1999—an individual record for a single World Cup match.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) The record for most penalties in a match is 8, held by Australian [Matt Burke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Burke_$rugby_union,_born_1973$ "Matt Burke (rugby union, born 1973)"), Argentinian [Gonzalo Quesada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonzalo_Quesada "Gonzalo Quesada"), Scotland's [Gavin Hastings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Hastings "Gavin Hastings") and France's [Thierry Lacroix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thierry_Lacroix "Thierry Lacroix"),[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) with Quesada also holding the record for most penalties in a tournament, with 31. The most points scored in a game is 145, by the All Blacks against [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_rugby_union_team "Japan national rugby union team") in 1995, while the widest winning margin is 142, held by Australia in a match against [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team "Namibia national rugby union team") in 2003.[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey242-82) A total of 25 players have been [sent off](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_red_cards "List of Rugby World Cup red cards") (red carded) in the tournament. Welsh lock [Huw Richards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huw_Richards "Huw Richards") was the first, while playing against New Zealand in 1987. No player has been red carded more than once. ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=19 "Edit section: See also")\] - ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Sports_icon.png/40px-Sports_icon.png)[Sports portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Sports "Portal:Sports") - [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg/40px-The_Blue_Marble%2C_AS17-148-22727.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Blue_Marble,_AS17-148-22727.jpg)[World portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:World "Portal:World") - [International rugby union player records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rugby_union_player_records "International rugby union player records") - [International rugby union team records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rugby_union_team_records "International rugby union team records") - [Rugby World Cup Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens "Rugby World Cup Sevens") – men's and women's tournaments held simultaneously at a single site ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=20 "Edit section: References")\] ### Printed sources \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=21 "Edit section: Printed sources")\] - Collins, Tony (2008). "'The First Principle of Our Game': The rise and fall of amateurism: 1886–1995". In Ryan, Greg (ed.). The Changing Face of Rugby: The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-84718-530-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84718-530-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-84718-530-3") . - Davies, Gerald (2004). The History of the Rugby World Cup Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [1-86074-602-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86074-602-0 "Special:BookSources/1-86074-602-0") . - [Farr-Jones, Nick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Farr-Jones "Nick Farr-Jones"), (2003). Story of the Rugby World Cup, [Australian Post Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Post "Australia Post"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [0-642-36811-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-642-36811-2 "Special:BookSources/0-642-36811-2") . - Harding, Grant; Williams, David (2000). The Toughest of Them All: New Zealand and South Africa: The Struggle for Rugby Supremacy. [Auckland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland "Auckland"), New Zealand: Penguin Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-14-029577-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-14-029577-1 "Special:BookSources/978-0-14-029577-1") . - Martin, Gerard John (2005). The Game is not the Same – a History of Professional Rugby in New Zealand (Thesis). Auckland University of Technology. - Peatey, Lance (2011). In Pursuit of Bill: A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup. New Holland Publishers. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-74257-191-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-74257-191-1 "Special:BookSources/978-1-74257-191-1") . - Phillpots, Kyle (2000). [The Professionalisation of Rugby Union](http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4498/) (Thesis). University of Warwick. - Williams, Peter (2002). ["Battle Lines on Three Fronts: The RFU and the Lost War Against Professionalism"](https://salford-repository.worktribe.com/output/1432363/battle-lines-on-three-fronts-the-rfu-and-the-lost-war-against-professionalism). The International Journal of the History of Sport. 19 (4): 114–136\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_$identifier$ "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1080/714001793](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F714001793). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_$identifier$ "S2CID (identifier)") [145705183](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:145705183). ### Notes \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=22 "Edit section: Notes")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-10) However an exhibition tournament, the [1936 FIRA Tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1936_FIRA_Tournament "1936 FIRA Tournament"), did take place at the [1936 Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1936_Summer_Olympics "1936 Summer Olympics"). Rugby [was reintroduced](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Summer_Olympics "Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics") to the Olympics in 2016, but as men's and women's [rugby sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens "Rugby sevens") (i.e., seven-a-side rugby).[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8) 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-19) Against England in 1984.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18) 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-64) Figures published by [World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby") (WR) are for the entire year, and are not specific to the tournament. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-69) Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are the nations that have never missed a tournament, playing in all nine thus far. South Africa has played in all eight in the post-apartheid era (as of 2023). ### Citations \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: Citations")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-1) As per the narrative of the sport's origins, at this point in time, handling the ball, by way of taking a [Mark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_$rugby$ "Mark (rugby)"), was within the laws of the Game. Webb Ellis' purported innovation was to then run with the ball in hand, giving the game its signature characteristic. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Qualifying_2-0) ["Caribbean kick off for RWC 2011 qualifying"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110905162139/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid%3D2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying). irb.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying) on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2008Seedings_3-0) ["AB boost as World Cup seedings confirmed"](http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/281939). stuff.co.nz. NZPA. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 4. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-1) ["Fixtures"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150815053510/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/fixtures). World Rugby. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/fixtures) on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 5. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-3) ["Tournament Rules"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160201091833/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tournament-rules). World Rugby. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tournament-rules) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-6)* cycles, This text provides general information Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct Due to varying update; Text, Statistics Can Display More up-to-Date Data Than Referenced in the. ["Topic: Six Nations Championship"](https://www.statista.com/topics/11881/six-nations-championship/). Statista. Retrieved 31 January 2024. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-history_7-0) ["A brief history of the Six Nations rugby tournament"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071108180856/http://www.6-nations-rugby.com/six-nations-history). 6 Nations Rugby. Archived from [the original](http://www.6-nations-rugby.com/six-nations-history) on 8 November 2007. Retrieved 31 October 2007. 8. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WorldRugbyOlympics_8-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WorldRugbyOlympics_8-1) ["History of Rugby in the Olympics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150627130524/http://www.worldrugby.org/olympics/history). World Rugby. 9 November 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.worldrugby.org/olympics/history) on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-olympics2_9-0)* Richards, Huw (26 July 2012). ["Rugby and the Olympics"](http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/167592.html). ESPN. Retrieved 13 April 2012. 10. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-wcweb_11-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-wcweb_11-1) ["The History of RWC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060414193531/http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp). worldcupweb.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp) on 14 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006. 11. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Collins13_12-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Collins13_12-1) Collins (2008), p. 13. 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey31_13-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 31. 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey34_14-0) Peatey (2011) p. 34. 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey42_15-0) Peatey (2011) p. 42. 15. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey59_16-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey59_16-1) Peatey (2011) p. 59. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey77_17-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 77. 17. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding137_18-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding137_18-1) Harding (2000), p. 137 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey78_20-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 78. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey82_21-0) Peatey (2011) p. 82. 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey87_22-0) Peatey (2011) p. 87. 21. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding159_23-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding159_23-1) Harding (2000), pp. 159–160 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey99_24-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 99. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding168_25-0) Harding (2000), p. 168 24. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-26) ["Rugby World Cup history: The Wizards from Oz in 1999"](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/21971/7079435/rugby-world-cup-history-the-wizards-from-oz-in-1999). Sky Sports. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-27) ["1999 World Cup Qualifiers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040503171636/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1998/09/27/wc_qualifiers_standings/). CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1998/09/27/wc_qualifiers_standings/) on 3 May 2004. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-28) Madden, Patrick (4 September 2015). ["RWC \#15: Ireland suffer play-off misery against Argentina"](https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rwc-15-ireland-suffer-play-off-misery-against-argentina-1.2340253). The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-29) Kitson, Robert (8 November 1999). ["Wallaby siege mentality secures Holy Grail"](https://www.theguardian.com/rugbycup/Story/0,,196930,00.html). The Guardian. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-30) Morse, Ben (27 September 2023). ["'What chance did we have': Remembering Namibia's record-breaking 142-0 Rugby World Cup defeat"](https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/27/sport/namibia-australia-2003-rugby-world-cup-record-spt-intl/index.html). CNN. Retrieved 31 January 2024. 29. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG26_31-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG26_31-1) "Doin' it the Hard Way". Rugby News. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 26. 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG27_32-0)* "Doin' it the Hard Way". Rugby News. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 27. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-bbcrwc_33-0) ["England honours World Cup stars"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/3300061.stm). bbc.co.uk. 9 December 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2006. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-34) ["Ireland exit courtesy of powerful Pumas"](https://www.espn.com/rugby/report?gameId=25545&league=164205), ESPN, 30 September 2007. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-35) Gowar, Rex (23 November 2011). ["Argentina has talent to meet challenge, says Sanzar"](https://www.reuters.com/article/rugby-argentina-sanzar-idUKLDE7AL02H20111123/). [Reuters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters "Reuters"). 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-36) ["New Zealand 8-7 France"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15405316). BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 35. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-37) Aylwin, Michael (31 October 2015). ["New Zealand 34-17 Australia: Rugby World Cup 2015 final player ratings \\| Rugby World Cup 2015"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/31/rugby-world-cup-final-new-zealand-australia-ratings). The Guardian. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-38) ["Rugby World Cup 2019: fixtures, tables and results"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2019/sep/18/rugby-world-cup-2019-fixtures-tables-and-results). The Guardian. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_$identifier$ "ISSN (identifier)") [0261-3077](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077). Retrieved 6 June 2021. 37. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-39) ["World Rugby announces gender neutral naming for Rugby World Cup tournaments"](https://www.world.rugby/news/444250) (Press release). World Rugby. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019. 38. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCTrophy_40-0) ["Second World Cup exists, Snedden confirms"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10745840). The New Zealand Herald. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 39. 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[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-44) ["Restorers of the Rugby World Cup - The Webb Ellis Cup"](https://thomaslyte.com/rugby-world-cup-trophy-the-webb-ellis-cup/). Thomas Lyte. Retrieved 10 February 2025. 43. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WECup_45-0) ["The History of the Webb Ellis Cup"](http://www.skysport.co.nz/rugby-webb-ellis-cup/). Sky Sport New Zealand. Retrieved 13 February 2013. `{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service")) 44. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-46) ["Official Website of the Rugby World Cup"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070202143044/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/en/home/Disclaimer). rugbyworldcup.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/en/home/Disclaimer) on 2 February 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2007. 45. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-JapEng2019_47-0) ["England awarded 2015 Rugby World Cup"](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-29/england-awarded-2015-rugby-world-cup/1371384). ABC News Australia. AFP. 29 July 2009. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 46. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCStadium_48-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCStadium_48-1) ["New Zealand came close to losing Rugby World Cup 2011"](http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=17256). Rugby Week. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 47. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-millen_49-0)* ["Millennium Stadium, Cardiff"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070218040548/http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/United_Kingdom/Wales/South_Glamorgan/Cardiff-315777/Things_To_Do-Cardiff-Millennium_Stadium-BR-1.html). Virtual Tourist. Archived from [the original](http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/United_Kingdom/Wales/South_Glamorgan/Cardiff-315777/Things_To_Do-Cardiff-Millennium_Stadium-BR-1.html) on 18 February 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2007. 48. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-50) ["Rugby World Cup Locations Confirmed Through to 2033"](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/714742/rugby-world-cup-host-locations-confirmed-through-to-2033) (Press release). World Rugby. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022. 49. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-51) ["Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Hospitality"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141207214944/http://hospitality.rugbyworldcup.com/rugby_world_cup_2015_official_hospitality_in_numbers.aspx). RWC Ltd. Archived from [the original](http://hospitality.rugbyworldcup.com/rugby_world_cup_2015_official_hospitality_in_numbers.aspx) on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. 50. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-52) ["Olympics and World Cup are the biggest, but what comes next?"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/30326825). BBC Sport. 4 December 2014. 51. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-53) ["Rugby World Cup: Logic debunks outrageous numbers game"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761073). The New Zealand Herald. 23 October 2011. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_$identifier$ "ISSN (identifier)") [1170-0777](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1170-0777). Retrieved 3 April 2017. 52. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-seven_54-0) ["Rugby World Cup 2003"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060415041733/http://www.sevencorporate.com.au/page.asp?partid=225). sevencorporate.com.au. Archived from [the original](http://www.sevencorporate.com.au/page.asp?partid=225) on 15 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006. 53. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-visa_55-0) ["Visa International Renews Rugby World Cup Partnership"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060427071525/http://www.corporate.visa.com/md/nr/press269.jsp). corporate.visa.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.corporate.visa.com/md/nr/press269.jsp) on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006. 54. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Deloitte2008_56-0) ["Potential Impact of the Rugby World Cup on a Host Nation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142158/http://www.deloitte.com/assets/dcom-unitedkingdom/Local%20assets/documents/uk_SBG_IrB2008.pdf) (PDF). Deloitte & Touche. 2008. p. 5. Archived from [the original](http://www.deloitte.com/assets/dcom-unitedkingdom/Local%20assets/documents/uk_SBG_IrB2008.pdf) (PDF) on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014. 55. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-57) ["Digital Divide: Global Household Penetration Rates for Technology"](http://www.vrworld.com/2011/01/26/digital-divide-global-household-penetration-rates-for-technology/). VRWorld. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2015. 56. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-58) Nippert, Matt (2 May 2010). ["Filling the Cup – cost \$500m and climbing"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10642274). The New Zealand Herald. APN New Zealand. Retrieved 2 December 2014. 57. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-59) Burgess, Michael (23 October 2011). ["Logic debunks outrageous numbers game"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761073). The New Zealand Herald. APN New Zealand. Retrieved 2 December 2014. 58. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-tv_60-0) Derriman, Phillip (1 July 2006). ["Rivals must assess impact of Cup fever"](http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/rivals-must-assess-impact-of-cup-fever/2006/06/30/1151174394285.html?page=2). The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax. Retrieved 1 July 2006. 59. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-61) ["Rugby World Cup 2023 was the most viewed rugby event of all time"](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/904424/rugby-world-cup-2023-was-the-most-viewed-rugby-event-of-all-time). Rugby World Cup. Retrieved 21 March 2024. 60. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-2) [International Rugby Board Year in Review 2012](https://images.worldrugby.org/view-item?i=38261). International Rugby Board. p. 62. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 61. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWC_Surplus_63-0)* ["Year in Review 2015"](http://publications.worldrugby.org/yearinreview2015/en/96-1). World Rugby. Retrieved 3 June 2021. 62. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-65) ["World Rugby Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019"](https://resources.world.rugby/worldrugby/document/2020/07/09/a5110686-c0e7-45d9-8688-e39d92a9d9c7/WR-Financial-Report.pdf) (PDF). resources.world.rugby. World Rugby (WR). 2020. 63. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-66) ["Rugby World Cup 2019: Review of Outcomes"](https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/ja_jp/topics/library/report/pdf/ey-japan-report-2020-08-14-rwc2019-en.pdf) (PDF). assets.ey.com. [Ernst & Young](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_%26_Young "Ernst & Young"). 24 June 2020. 64. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-67) ["Rugby World Cup 2027 expanded to 24 teams"](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/885620/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams). rugbyworldcup.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231025171432/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/885620/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams) from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023. 65. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-68) ["England become first host nation eliminated at pool stage of Rugby World Cup"](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/england-become-first-host-nation-eliminated-at-pool-stage-of-rugby-world-cup-a3072231.html), Evening Standard, Tom Dutton, 3 October 2015. 66. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-3) South Africa was excluded from the first two tournaments due to a sporting boycott during the apartheid era. 67. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-1) Georgia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of the USSR and not an independent country yet. 68. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-1) Namibia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of South Africa and not an independent country yet. 69. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-73)* Romania initially qualified for the 2019 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in 6 qualifying matches, resulting in their non-qualification. 70. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-74) The USSR rugby team declined the invite to the 1987 World Cup. 71. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-75) After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. 72. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-76) After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. 73. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-77) Spain initially qualified for the 2023 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in two qualifiers, resulting in their non-qualification. 74. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-1) Peatey (2011) p. 243. 75. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-1) ["All Time RWC Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141202180522/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/statistics). International Rugby Board. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/statistics/) on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014. 76. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-2) Peatey (2011) p. 244. 77. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-1) Peatey (2011) p. 245. 78. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey242_82-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 242. ## External links \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=24 "Edit section: External links")\] [![logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Rugby World Cup](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rugby_World_Cup "commons:Category:Rugby World Cup"). [![logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Wikinews-logo.svg/40px-Wikinews-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikinews-logo.svg) Wikinews has news related to: *[Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Category:Rugby_World_Cup "wikinews:Category:Rugby World Cup")* - [Official website](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/) [![Edit this at Wikidata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16640#P856 "Edit this at Wikidata") - [World Rugby](https://www.world.rugby/) \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Rugby_World_Cup_winners "Template:Rugby World Cup winners") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Rugby_World_Cup_winners "Template talk:Rugby World Cup winners") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Rugby_World_Cup_winners "Special:EditPage/Template:Rugby World Cup winners")[Rugby World Cup]() [winners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_finals "List of Rugby World Cup finals") \| \|---\| \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"): ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Rugby_World_Cup "Template:Rugby World Cup") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Rugby_World_Cup "Template talk:Rugby World Cup") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Rugby_World_Cup "Special:EditPage/Template:Rugby World Cup")[Rugby World Cup]() \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Tournaments \| [New Zealand / Australia 1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") [England / France / Ireland / Scotland / Wales 1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") [South Africa 1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") [Wales 1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") [Australia 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") [France 2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") [New Zealand 2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") [England 2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") [Japan 2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") [France 2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") [Australia 2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") [United States 2031](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2031 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| \| Warm-up matches \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches "2003 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches "2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches "2011 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches "2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches "2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches "2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches") [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup_warm-up_matches&action=edit&redlink=1 "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches (page does not exist)") 2031 \| \| [Qualifying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_qualification "Rugby World Cup qualification") \| 1987 [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "1991 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "1995 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "1999 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2003 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2007 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying") [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup_qualifying "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup qualifying") 2031 \| \| Knockout stages \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "1987 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1991_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage&action=edit&redlink=1 "1991 Rugby World Cup knockout stage (page does not exist)") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1995_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage&action=edit&redlink=1 "1995 Rugby World Cup knockout stage (page does not exist)") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1999_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage&action=edit&redlink=1 "1999 Rugby World Cup knockout stage (page does not exist)") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "2003 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "2007 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "2011 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "2015 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage "2023 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") 2027 2031 \| \| [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_finals "List of Rugby World Cup finals") \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1987 Rugby World Cup final") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1991 Rugby World Cup final") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1995 Rugby World Cup final") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1999 Rugby World Cup final") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2003 Rugby World Cup final") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2007 Rugby World Cup final") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2011 Rugby World Cup final") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2015 Rugby World Cup final") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2019 Rugby World Cup final") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2023 Rugby World Cup final") 2027 2031 \| \| Squads \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "1987 Rugby World Cup squads") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "1991 Rugby World Cup squads") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "1995 Rugby World Cup squads") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "1999 Rugby World Cup squads") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "2003 Rugby World Cup squads") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "2007 Rugby World Cup squads") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "2011 Rugby World Cup squads") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "2015 Rugby World Cup squads") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "2019 Rugby World Cup squads") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_squads "2023 Rugby World Cup squads") 2027 2031 \| \| Statistics \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "1987 Rugby World Cup statistics") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "1991 Rugby World Cup statistics") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "1995 Rugby World Cup statistics") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "1999 Rugby World Cup statistics") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "2003 Rugby World Cup statistics") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "2007 Rugby World Cup statistics") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "2011 Rugby World Cup statistics") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "2015 Rugby World Cup statistics") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "2019 Rugby World Cup statistics") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_statistics "2023 Rugby World Cup statistics") 2027 2031 \| \| Overview \| [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup "History of the Rugby World Cup") [Hosts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_hosts "Rugby World Cup hosts") [Qualification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_qualification "Rugby World Cup qualification") [Theme song](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_in_Union "World in Union") [Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webb_Ellis_Cup "Webb Ellis Cup") \| \| Overall records \| [All-time table](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_all-time_table "Rugby World Cup all-time table") [Hat-tricks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_hat-tricks "List of Rugby World Cup hat-tricks") [Multiple winners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_winners_of_multiple_Rugby_World_Cups "List of winners of multiple Rugby World Cups") [Records and statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Records_and_statistics_of_the_Rugby_World_Cup "Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup") [Red cards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_red_cards "List of Rugby World Cup red cards") [Team appearances](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_team_appearances_in_the_Rugby_World_Cup "National team appearances in the Rugby World Cup") [Try scorers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_try_scorers "List of Rugby World Cup try scorers") \| \| Notes: There was no qualification for the 1987 World Cup as places were given by invitation only. \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:International_rugby_union "Template:International rugby union") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:International_rugby_union "Template talk:International rugby union") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:International_rugby_union "Special:EditPage/Template:International rugby union")International [rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") competitions \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby") [Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Africa "Rugby Africa") [Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Rugby "Asia Rugby") [Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe "Rugby Europe") [North America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Americas_North "Rugby Americas North") [South America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudam%C3%A9rica_Rugby "Sudamérica Rugby") [Oceania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Rugby "Oceania Rugby") \| \| \| Worldwide \| \| \| \| \| \| Men \| [World Cup]() [Nations Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nations_Championship "Nations Championship") [Nations Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Nations_Cup_$2026%E2%80%93$ "World Rugby Nations Cup (2026–)") [SVNS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SVNS "SVNS") [Project 7s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_7s "Project 7s") [U20 World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_U20_Championship "World Rugby U20 Championship") \| \| Women \| [World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup") [WXV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WXV "WXV") [SVNS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_SVNS "Women's SVNS") [Project 7s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_7s "Project 7s") \| \| Multi-sport events \| [Olympic Games (7s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Summer_Olympics "Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics") [Asian Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_at_the_Asian_Games "Rugby union at the Asian Games") [Commonwealth Games (7s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Commonwealth_Games "Rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games") [Mediterranean Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_at_the_Mediterranean_Games "Rugby union at the Mediterranean Games") [Pacific Games (7s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Pacific_Games "Rugby sevens at the Pacific Games") [Pan American Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Pan_American_Games "Rugby sevens at the Pan American Games") [World Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_World_Games "Rugby sevens at the World Games") \| \| Intercontinental \| [Americas Pacific Challenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Americas_Pacific_Challenge "World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge") [Pacific Nations Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Pacific_Nations_Cup "World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup") [Pacific Rugby Challenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Pacific_Challenge "World Rugby Pacific Challenge") [The Rugby Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rugby_Championship "The Rugby Championship") [Pacific Four Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Four_Series "Pacific Four Series") [Arab Rugby Sevens Men's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Rugby_Sevens_Men%27s_Tournament "Arab Rugby Sevens Men's Tournament") [Arab Rugby Sevens Women's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Rugby_Sevens_Women%27s_Tournament "Arab Rugby Sevens Women's Tournament") [The Rugby Championship U20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rugby_Championship#U20_Rugby_Championship "The Rugby Championship") \| \| Continental \| \| \| \| \| \| Africa \| [Rugby Africa Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Africa_Cup "Rugby Africa Cup") [Rugby Africa Women's Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Africa_Women%27s_Cup "Rugby Africa Women's Cup") [Africa Men's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_Men%27s_Sevens "Africa Men's Sevens") [Africa Women's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_Women%27s_Sevens "Africa Women's Sevens") [U20 Barthés Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U20_Barth%C3%A9s_Trophy "U20 Barthés Trophy") \| \| Asia \| [Asia Rugby Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Rugby_Championship "Asia Rugby Championship") [Asian Sevens Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Rugby_Sevens_Series "Asia Rugby Sevens Series") [Asia Rugby Women's Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Rugby_Women%27s_Championship "Asia Rugby Women's Championship") [Asia Rugby Women's Sevens Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Rugby_Women%27s_Sevens_Series "Asia Rugby Women's Sevens Series") [U19 Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Rugby_U19_Championship "Asia Rugby U19 Championship") \| \| Europe \| [Six Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship "Six Nations Championship") [Europe International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_International_Championships "Rugby Europe International Championships") [Women's Six Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Six_Nations_Championship "Women's Six Nations Championship") [Europe Women's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Women%27s_Championship "Rugby Europe Women's Championship") [Europe Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Sevens "Rugby Europe Sevens") [Europe Women's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Women%27s_Sevens "Rugby Europe Women's Sevens") [U21 Women's Six Nations Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Women%27s_U21_Series "Six Nations Women's U21 Series") [U20 Six Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Under_20s_Championship "Six Nations Under 20s Championship") [U20 Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Under-20_Championship "Rugby Europe Under-20 Championship") [U18 Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Under-18_Championship "Rugby Europe Under-18 Championship") [U18 Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Under-18_Sevens_Championship "Rugby Europe Under-18 Sevens Championship") [U18 Women's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Europe_Women%27s_Under-18_Sevens_Championship "Rugby Europe Women's Under-18 Sevens Championship") \| \| Oceania \| [Oceania Men's Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Rugby_Men%27s_Championship "Oceania Rugby Men's Championship") [Oceania Women's Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Rugby_Women%27s_Championship "Oceania Rugby Women's Championship") [Oceania Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Rugby_Men%27s_Sevens_Championship "Oceania Rugby Men's Sevens Championship") [Oceania Women's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Rugby_Women%27s_Sevens_Championship "Oceania Rugby Women's Sevens Championship") [U20 Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Rugby_Under_20_Championship "Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship") \| \| North America \| [RAN Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Americas_North_Championship "Rugby Americas North Championship") [Americas Rugby Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americas_Rugby_Championship "Americas Rugby Championship") [Americas Rugby Challenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americas_Rugby_Challenge "Americas Rugby Challenge") [RAN Women's Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Americas_North_Women%27s_Rugby_Championship "Rugby Americas North Women's Rugby Championship") [RAN Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Americas_North_Sevens "Rugby Americas North Sevens") [RAN Women's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Americas_North_Women%27s_Sevens "Rugby Americas North Women's Sevens") \| \| South America \| [South American Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_American_Rugby_Championship "South American Rugby Championship") [Americas Rugby Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americas_Rugby_Trophy "Americas Rugby Trophy") [Sudamérica Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudam%C3%A9rica_Rugby_Sevens "Sudamérica Rugby Sevens") [Sudamérica Women's Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudam%C3%A9rica_Rugby_Women%27s_Sevens "Sudamérica Rugby Women's Sevens") [U20 Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_American_Junior_Rugby_Championship "South American Junior Rugby Championship") \| \| Defunct \| [U20 Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_U20_Trophy "World Rugby U20 Trophy") [Olympic Games (15s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_at_the_Summer_Olympics "Rugby union at the Summer Olympics") [Pacific Games (15s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_at_the_Pacific_Games "Rugby union at the Pacific Games") [World Games (7s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_World_Games "Rugby sevens at the World Games") [Churchill Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill_Cup "Churchill Cup") [Crescent Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent_Cup "Crescent Cup") [Nations Cup (2006–2019)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Nations_Cup_$2006%E2%80%932019$ "World Rugby Nations Cup (2006–2019)") [Pacific Rim Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Rim_Rugby_Championship "Pacific Rim Rugby Championship") [Pan American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PARA_Pan_American_Championship "PARA Pan American Championship") [Serendib International Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendib_International_Cup "Serendib International Cup") [Super Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Cup_$rugby_union$ "Super Cup (rugby union)") [Tbilisi Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Tbilisi_Cup "World Rugby Tbilisi Cup") [U-19 World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_19_Rugby_World_Championship "Under 19 Rugby World Championship") [U-21 World Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_21_Rugby_World_Championship "Under 21 Rugby World Championship") [Women's Nations Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Nations_Cup_$rugby_union$ "Women's Nations Cup (rugby union)") [IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRB_Women%27s_Sevens_Challenge_Cup "IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup") [World Cup Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens "Rugby World Cup Sevens") [Rugby X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_X#Tournaments "Rugby X") [South Pacific Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Pacific_Championship "South Pacific Championship") [Super 10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_10_$rugby_union$ "Super 10 (rugby union)") [ARFU Asian Rugby Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARFU_Asian_Rugby_Series "ARFU Asian Rugby Series") \| \| [Women's international rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_international_rugby_union "Women's international rugby union") [World Rugby Rankings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Rankings "World Rugby Rankings") [World Rugby Awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Awards "World Rugby Awards") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Main_world_cups "Template:Main world cups") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Main_world_cups "Template talk:Main world cups") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Main_world_cups "Special:EditPage/Template:Main world cups")[World cups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_cup "World cup") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [List of world cups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_cups "List of world cups") \| \| \| Team \| Association football [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup "FIFA World Cup") [men's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Club_World_Cup "FIFA Club World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup "FIFA Women's World Cup") [women's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Women%27s_Club_World_Cup "FIFA Women's Club World Cup") [ConIFA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONIFA_World_Football_Cup "CONIFA World Football Cup") [Athletics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_World_Cup "Athletics World Cup") [Continental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAAF_Continental_Cup "IAAF Continental Cup") [Australian rules football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Football_International_Cup "Australian Football International Cup") Badminton [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cup "Thomas Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber_Cup "Uber Cup") [mixed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudirman_Cup "Sudirman Cup") Baseball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_World_Cup "Baseball World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Baseball_World_Cup "Women's Baseball World Cup") Basketball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup "FIBA Basketball World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Women%27s_Basketball_World_Cup "FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup") [Beach soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Beach_Soccer_World_Cup "FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup") [Boxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_World_Cup "Boxing World Cup") [Bull riding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBR_Global_Cup "PBR Global Cup") Cricket [Test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Test_Championship "World Test Championship") [men ODI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_World_Cup "Cricket World Cup") [men T20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_T20_World_Cup "Men's T20 World Cup") [women ODI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Cricket_World_Cup "Women's Cricket World Cup") [women T20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_T20_World_Cup "Women's T20 World Cup") Darts [PDC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDC_World_Cup_of_Darts "PDC World Cup of Darts") [WDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WDF_World_Cup "WDF World Cup") [Fencing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencing_World_Cup "Fencing World Cup") Field hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup "Men's FIH Hockey World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup "Women's FIH Hockey World Cup") Futsal [FIFA men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Futsal_World_Cup "FIFA Futsal World Cup") [FIFA women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Futsal_Women%27s_World_Cup "FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup") [AMF men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMF_Futsal_World_Cup "AMF Futsal World Cup") [AMF women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMF_Futsal_World_Cup "AMF Futsal World Cup") Golf [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_$men%27s_golf$ "World Cup (men's golf)") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_World_Cup_of_Golf "Women's World Cup of Golf") [Ice hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_of_Hockey "World Cup of Hockey") Kabaddi [Circle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabaddi_World_Cup_$circle_style$ "Kabaddi World Cup (circle style)") [Standard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabaddi_World_Cup_$International_Kabaddi_Federation$ "Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)") [Kho kho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kho_Kho_World_Cup "Kho Kho World Cup") Lacrosse [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Lacrosse_Women%27s_World_Championship "World Lacrosse Women's World Championship") Para ice hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Ice_Hockey_Championships "World Para Ice Hockey Championships") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_World_Challenge "Women's World Challenge") [Pesäpallo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pes%C3%A4pallo_World_Cup "Pesäpallo World Cup") [Pitch and putt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_and_Putt_World_Cup "Pitch and Putt World Cup") [Pool (nine-ball)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_of_Pool "World Cup of Pool") [Quidditch/Quadball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IQA_World_Cup "IQA World Cup") [Roll ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_Ball_World_Cup "Roll Ball World Cup") Motorsport [auto racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_Motorsport_Games "FIA Motorsport Games") [motocross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross_des_Nations "Motocross des Nations") [quadcross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadcross_of_Nations "Quadcross of Nations") [speedway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway_of_Nations "Speedway of Nations") [trial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Trial_World_Championship "FIM Trial World Championship") Roller derby [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_Roller_Derby_World_Cup "Men's Roller Derby World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_Derby_World_Cup "Roller Derby World Cup") [Rowing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rowing_Cup "World Rowing Cup") Rugby league [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_League_World_Cup "Rugby League World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_League_World_Cup "Women's Rugby League World Cup") [nines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_League_World_Cup_9s "Rugby League World Cup 9s") [wheelchair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair_Rugby_League_World_Cup "Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup") Rugby union [men]() [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup") [sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens "Rugby World Cup Sevens") [Sepaktakraw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISTAF_World_Cup "ISTAF World Cup") [Snooker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_$snooker$ "World Cup (snooker)") Softball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_Softball_World_Cup "Men's Softball World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Softball_World_Cup "Women's Softball World Cup") [Taekwondo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_Taekwondo_Team_Championships "World Cup Taekwondo Team Championships") Tennis [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Cup "Davis Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Jean_King_Cup "Billie Jean King Cup") [mixed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopman_Cup "Hopman Cup") [Touch football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touch_World_Cup "Touch World Cup") Volleyball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Volleyball_Men%27s_World_Cup "FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Volleyball_Women%27s_World_Cup "FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup") Water polo [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FINA_Water_Polo_World_Cup "FINA Water Polo World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FINA_Women%27s_Water_Polo_World_Cup "FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup") Wrestling [teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrestling_World_Cup "Wrestling World Cup") [clubs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wrestling_Clubs_Cup "World Wrestling Clubs Cup") \| \| Individual \| [Archery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archery_World_Cup "Archery World Cup") Bowling [Ten-pin bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QubicaAMF_Bowling_World_Cup "QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup") [Nine-pin bowling classic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninepin_Bowling_Classic_Singles_World_Cup "Ninepin Bowling Classic Singles World Cup") [Canoe slalom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_Slalom_World_Cup "Canoe Slalom World Cup") [Wildwater canoeing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildwater_Canoeing_World_Cup "Wildwater Canoeing World Cup") [Chess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_World_Cup "Chess World Cup") [Cyclo-cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Cyclo-cross_World_Cup "UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup") [Diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Aquatics_Diving_World_Cup "World Aquatics Diving World Cup") [Equestrian dressage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dressage_World_Cup "Dressage World Cup") [Fencing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencing_World_Cup "Fencing World Cup") [Gymnastics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIG_World_Cup "FIG World Cup") [artistic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_Gymnastics_World_Cup "Artistic Gymnastics World Cup") [rhythmic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhythmic_Gymnastics_World_Cup "Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup") [Mountain bike racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Mountain_Bike_World_Cup "UCI Mountain Bike World Cup") [Orienteering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienteering_World_Cup "Orienteering World Cup") Paralympic [summer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_World_Cup "Paralympic World Cup") [winter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_Winter_World_Cup "Paralympic Winter World Cup") Road bicycle racing [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Road_World_Cup "UCI Road World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Women%27s_Road_World_Cup "UCI Women's Road World Cup") [Sailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_World_Cup "Sailing World Cup") [Show jumping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_Jumping_World_Cup "Show Jumping World Cup") [Sport shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSF_World_Cup "ISSF World Cup") [Swimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Aquatics_Swimming_World_Cup "World Aquatics Swimming World Cup") [Table tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Tennis_World_Cup "Table Tennis World Cup") [Track cycling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Track_Cycling_World_Cup "UCI Track Cycling World Cup") [Triathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Cup "World Triathlon Cup") [Weightlifting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWF_World_Cup "IWF World Cup") Wushu [Taolu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taolu_World_Cup "Taolu World Cup") [Sanda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanda_World_Cup "Sanda World Cup") \| \| Winter sports \| [Biathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biathlon_World_Cup "Biathlon World Cup") [Curling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curling_World_Cup "Curling World Cup") Skiing [Alpine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Alpine_Ski_World_Cup "FIS Alpine Ski World Cup") [Cross-country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Cross-Country_World_Cup "FIS Cross-Country World Cup") [Freestyle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Freestyle_Ski_World_Cup "FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup") [ski cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Ski_Cross_World_Cup "FIS Ski Cross World Cup") [Nordic combined](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Nordic_Combined_World_Cup "FIS Nordic Combined World Cup") [Ski jumping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Ski_Jumping_World_Cup "FIS Ski Jumping World Cup") [ski flying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Ski_Flying_World_Cup "FIS Ski Flying World Cup") [Snowboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Snowboard_World_Cup "FIS Snowboard World Cup") [Ski mountaineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISMF_Ski_Mountaineering_World_Cup "ISMF Ski Mountaineering World Cup") [Ski orienteering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_in_Ski_Orienteering "World Cup in Ski Orienteering") Sledding [Bobsleigh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobsleigh_World_Cup "Bobsleigh World Cup") [Luge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luge_World_Cup "Luge World Cup") [Skeleton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeleton_World_Cup "Skeleton World Cup") [Speed skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISU_Speed_Skating_World_Cup "ISU Speed Skating World Cup") [Short track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISU_Short_Track_World_Tour "ISU Short Track World Tour") [Telemark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Telemark_World_Cup "FIS Telemark World Cup") \| \| See also: [World championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Main_world_championships "Template:Main world championships") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Main_world_championships "Template:Main world championships") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Main_world_championships "Template talk:Main world championships") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Main_world_championships "Special:EditPage/Template:Main world championships")[World championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_championship "World championship") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [List of world sports championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_sports_championships "List of world sports championships") \| \| \| [Olympic sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_sports "Olympic sports") \| \| \| \| \| \| [Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_sport#Olympic_team_sports "Team sport") \| Association football [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup "FIFA World Cup") [men's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Club_World_Cup "FIFA Club World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup "FIFA Women's World Cup") [women's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Women%27s_Club_World_Cup "FIFA Women's Club World Cup") Baseball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic "World Baseball Classic") [men's 12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WBSC_Premier12 "WBSC Premier12") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Baseball_World_Cup "Women's Baseball World Cup") Basketball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Basketball_World_Cup "FIBA Basketball World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Women%27s_Basketball_World_Cup "FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup") [3x3 basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_3x3_World_Cup "FIBA 3x3 World Cup") [club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIBA_Intercontinental_Cup "FIBA Intercontinental Cup") [Beach volleyball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Beach_Volleyball_World_Championships "FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships") Cricket [T20 (men)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_T20_World_Cup "Men's T20 World Cup") [T20 (women)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_T20_World_Cup "Women's T20 World Cup") [Curling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Curling_Championships "World Curling Championships") [mixed doubles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Mixed_Doubles_Curling_Championship "World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship") [mixed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Mixed_Curling_Championship "World Mixed Curling Championship") Field hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup "Men's FIH Hockey World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_FIH_Hockey_World_Cup "Women's FIH Hockey World Cup") [Flag football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFAF_Flag_Football_World_Championship "IFAF Flag Football World Championship") Handball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IHF_World_Men%27s_Handball_Championship "IHF World Men's Handball Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IHF_World_Women%27s_Handball_Championship "IHF World Women's Handball Championship") Ice hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Hockey_World_Championships "Ice Hockey World Championships") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IIHF_Women%27s_World_Championship "IIHF Women's World Championship") Lacrosse [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Lacrosse_Men%27s_Championship "World Lacrosse Men's Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Lacrosse_Women%27s_Championship "World Lacrosse Women's Championship") [Rugby 7s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SVNS "SVNS") Softball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_Softball_World_Cup "Men's Softball World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Softball_World_Cup "Women's Softball World Cup") Volleyball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Men%27s_Volleyball_World_Championship "FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship") [men's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Men%27s_Volleyball_Club_World_Championship "FIVB Men's Volleyball Club World Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Women%27s_Volleyball_World_Championship "FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship") [women's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIVB_Women%27s_Volleyball_Club_World_Championship "FIVB Women's Volleyball Club World Championship") Water polo [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_polo_at_the_World_Aquatics_Championships#Men's_tournament "Water polo at the World Aquatics Championships") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_polo_at_the_World_Aquatics_Championships#Women's_tournament "Water polo at the World Aquatics Championships") \| \| [Individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_sport "Individual sport") \| [Aquatic sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Aquatics_Championships "World Aquatics Championships") [Archery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Archery_Championships "World Archery Championships") Athletics [outdoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Championships "World Athletics Championships") [race walking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Race_Walking_Team_Championships "World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships") Badminton [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cup "Thomas Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber_Cup "Uber Cup") [mixed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudirman_Cup "Sudirman Cup") [individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BWF_World_Championships "BWF World Championships") [Biathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biathlon_World_Championships "Biathlon World Championships") [Bobsleigh and skeleton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBSF_World_Championships_$bobsleigh_and_skeleton$ "IBSF World Championships (bobsleigh and skeleton)") [Boxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Boxing_Championships "World Boxing Championships") Canoeing [slalom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships") [sprint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships") Cycling [BMX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_BMX_World_Championships "UCI BMX World Championships") [mountain biking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Mountain_Bike_World_Championships "UCI Mountain Bike World Championships") [road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Road_World_Championships "UCI Road World Championships") [track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Track_Cycling_World_Championships "UCI Track Cycling World Championships") [urban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Urban_Cycling_World_Championships "UCI Urban Cycling World Championships") [Equestrianism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FEI_World_Equestrian_Games "FEI World Equestrian Games") [dressage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Dressage_Championships "World Dressage Championships") [eventing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Eventing_Championships "World Eventing Championships") [show jumping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Show_Jumping_Championships "World Show Jumping Championships") [Fencing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Fencing_Championships "World Fencing Championships") Golf [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_$men%27s_golf$ "World Cup (men's golf)") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_World_Cup_of_Golf "Women's World Cup of Golf") [Gymnastics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnastics_World_Championships "Gymnastics World Championships") [artistic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_Gymnastics_World_Championships "Artistic Gymnastics World Championships") [rhythmic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhythmic_Gymnastics_World_Championships "Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships") [trampoline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trampoline_Gymnastics_World_Championships "Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships") Ice skating [figure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Figure_Skating_Championships "World Figure Skating Championships") [short track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Short_Track_Speed_Skating_Championships "World Short Track Speed Skating Championships") [speed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Speed_Skating_Championships "World Speed Skating Championships") [Judo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Judo_Championships "World Judo Championships") Luge [artificial track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIL_World_Luge_Championships "FIL World Luge Championships") [natural track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIL_World_Luge_Natural_Track_Championships "FIL World Luge Natural Track Championships") [Modern pentathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Modern_Pentathlon_Championships "World Modern Pentathlon Championships") [Rowing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rowing_Championships "World Rowing Championships") [coastal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rowing_Coastal_Championships "World Rowing Coastal Championships") [Sailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_championships_in_sailing "World championships in sailing") [Olympic Class Combined Worlds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_World_Championships "Sailing World Championships") [Shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSF_World_Shooting_Championships "ISSF World Shooting Championships") [Skateboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Skateboarding_Championship "World Skateboarding Championship") Skiing [alpine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Alpine_World_Ski_Championships "FIS Alpine World Ski Championships") [Nordic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Nordic_World_Ski_Championships "FIS Nordic World Ski Championships") [freestyle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Freestyle_World_Ski_Championships "FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships") [snowboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Snowboard_World_Championships "FIS Snowboard World Championships") [Ski mountaineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Championships_of_Ski_Mountaineering "World Championships of Ski Mountaineering") [Sport climbing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Climbing_Championship "World Climbing Championship") Squash [individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Squash_Championships "World Squash Championships") [doubles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Squash_Doubles_Championships "World Squash Doubles Championships") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Squash_Team_Championships "World Squash Team Championships") [Surfing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Surfing_Games "World Surfing Games") [Table tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Table_Tennis_Championships "World Table Tennis Championships") [Taekwondo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Taekwondo_Championships "World Taekwondo Championships") Tennis [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Cup "Davis Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Jean_King_Cup "Billie Jean King Cup") [Triathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Championship_Series "World Triathlon Championship Series") [mixed relay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Mixed_Relay_Championships "World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships") [Weightlifting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Weightlifting_Championships "World Weightlifting Championships") [Wrestling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wrestling_Championships "World Wrestling Championships") \| \| Discontinued \| [Basque pelota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Pelota_World_Championships "Basque Pelota World Championships") Croquet [singles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Croquet_Federation#World_Champions_$Singles$ "World Croquet Federation") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Croquet_Federation#World_Champions_$Teams$ "World Croquet Federation") Dance sport [breakdancing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_DanceSport_Federation#Breaking_world_champions_-_adult_-_b_boy "World DanceSport Federation") [Karate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate_World_Championships "Karate World Championships") [Polo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Polo_Championship "World Polo Championship") [Rackets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rackets_World_Championships "Rackets World Championships") [Real tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_Tennis_World_Championship "Real Tennis World Championship") Rugby union [men]() [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup") Tug of war [outdoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWIF_Outdoor_World_Championships "TWIF Outdoor World Championships") [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWIF_Indoor_World_Championships "TWIF Indoor World Championships") \| \| [Paralympic sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_sports "Paralympic sports") \| \| \| \| \| \| Team \| [Blind football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Blind_Football_Championships "World Blind Football Championships") Para ice hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Ice_Hockey_Championships "World Para Ice Hockey Championships") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_World_Para_Ice_Hockey_Championships "Women's World Para Ice Hockey Championships") [Wheelchair basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair_Basketball_World_Championship "Wheelchair Basketball World Championship") [Wheelchair handball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IHF_Wheelchair_Handball_World_Championship "IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship") [Wheelchair rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wheelchair_Rugby_Championships "World Wheelchair Rugby Championships") Wheelchair curling [mixed team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wheelchair_Curling_Championship "World Wheelchair Curling Championship") [Goalball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goalball_World_Championships "Goalball World Championships") [Sitting volleyball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Volleyball_Championship "World Para Volleyball Championship") \| \| Individual \| [Archery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Archery_Championship "World Para Archery Championship") [Athletics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Athletics_Championships "World Para Athletics Championships") [Badminton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BWF_Para-Badminton_World_Championships "BWF Para-Badminton World Championships") Bobsleigh and skeleton [Climbing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFSC_Paraclimbing_World_Championships "IFSC Paraclimbing World Championships") Cycling [track cycling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Para-cycling_Track_World_Championships "UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships") [road cycling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Para-cycling_Road_World_Championships "UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships") [Powerlifting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Powerlifting_Championships "World Para Powerlifting Championships") [Shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Shooting_Para_Sport_Championships "World Shooting Para Sport Championships") [Snowboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Snowboard_Championships "World Para Snowboard Championships") Skiing [alpine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Alpine_Skiing_Championships "World Para Alpine Skiing Championships") [Nordic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Nordic_Skiing_Championships "World Para Nordic Skiing Championships") [Swimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Swimming_Championships "World Para Swimming Championships") [Table tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Para_Table_Tennis_Championships "World Para Table Tennis Championships") \| \| [Combat sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_sport "Combat sport") \| [Brazilian jiu-jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_IBJJF_Jiu-Jitsu_Championship "World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship") [Ju-Jitsu World Championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ju-Jitsu_World_Championships "Ju-Jitsu World Championships") [Kendo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Kendo_Championship "World Kendo Championship") [Kickboxing (amateur)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAKO_Amateur_World_Championships "WAKO Amateur World Championships") [Muaythai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFMA_World_Muaythai_Championships "IFMA World Muaythai Championships") [Sambo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Sambo_Championships "World Sambo Championships") [Sumo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo_World_Championships "Sumo World Championships") Wrestling [beach wrestling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Beach_Wrestling_Championships "World Beach Wrestling Championships") [catch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_Pit_World_Championships "Snake Pit World Championships") [grappling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Grappling_Championship "World Grappling Championship") [Wushu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wushu_Championships "World Wushu Championships") \| \| [Cue sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cue_sports "Cue sports") \| Carom billiards Three-cushion [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMB_World_Three-cushion_Championship "UMB World Three-cushion Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMB_Women%27s_World_Three-cushion_Championship "UMB Women's World Three-cushion Championship") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMB_World_Three-cushion_Championship_for_National_Teams "UMB World Three-cushion Championship for National Teams") Five-pins [individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five-pin_billiards#World_Five-pins_Championship "Five-pin billiards") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five-pin_billiards#World_Championship_5_Pins_National_Teams "Five-pin billiards") [artistic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_Billiards_World_Championship "Artistic Billiards World Championship") [English billiards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Billiards_Championship_$English_billiards$ "World Billiards Championship (English billiards)") [amateurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBSF_World_Billiards_Championship "IBSF World Billiards Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Women%27s_Billiards_Championship "World Women's Billiards Championship") Pool [artistic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trick_shot#Artistic_pool "Trick shot") [blackball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_eight-ball_champions#British-style_eight-ball_pool "List of world eight-ball champions") [chinese eight ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Eight-ball_World_Championship "Chinese Eight-ball World Championship") [eight-ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPA_World_Eight-ball_Championship "WPA World Eight-ball Championship") [men nine-ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPA_World_Nine-ball_Championship "WPA World Nine-ball Championship") [women nine-ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPA_Women%27s_World_Nine-ball_Championship "WPA Women's World Nine-ball Championship") [team nine-ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_of_Pool "World Cup of Pool") [pyramid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_pyramid#WPA_World_Pyramid_Pool_Championship "Russian pyramid") [straight pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Straight_Pool_Championship "World Straight Pool Championship") [ten-ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WPA_World_Ten-ball_Championship "WPA World Ten-ball Championship") Snooker [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Snooker_Championship "World Snooker Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Women%27s_Snooker_Championship "World Women's Snooker Championship") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_$snooker$ "World Cup (snooker)") [amateurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBSF_World_Snooker_Championship "IBSF World Snooker Championship") [six-red](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-red_World_Championship "Six-red World Championship") \| \| [Mind sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_sport "Mind sport") \| \| \| \| \| \| [Esports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esports "Esports") \| [Call of Duty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty_Championship "Call of Duty Championship") [Counter-Strike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Strike_Major_Championships "Counter-Strike Major Championships") [Dota 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_International_$esports$ "The International (esports)") [eSailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esailing_World_Championship "Esailing World Championship") [FIFA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFAe_World_Cup "FIFAe World Cup") [Fortnite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FNCS_Global_Championship "FNCS Global Championship") [League of Legends](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_of_Legends_World_Championship "League of Legends World Championship") [Mobile Legends: Bang Bang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Legends:_Bang_Bang_World_Championship "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship") [NES Tetris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_Tetris_World_Championship "Classic Tetris World Championship") [Overwatch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overwatch_World_Cup "Overwatch World Cup") [Pro Evolution Soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EFootball.Open "EFootball.Open") [Rainbow Six Siege](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Invitational "Six Invitational") [Rocket League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_League_Championship_Series "Rocket League Championship Series") [Smite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smite_World_Championship "Smite World Championship") [StarCraft II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StarCraft_II_World_Championship_Series "StarCraft II World Championship Series") [Valorant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valorant_Champions_Tour "Valorant Champions Tour") \| \| [Motorsport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorsport "Motorsport") \| \| \| \| \| \| [Automobile sport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_sport "Automobile sport") \| [Formula E](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_E "Formula E") [Formula One](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One "Formula One") [Hill climb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_International_Hill_Climb_Cup "FIA International Hill Climb Cup") [Karting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karting_World_Championship "Karting World Championship") [Rallying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rally_Championship "World Rally Championship") [Rallycross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_World_Rallycross_Championship "FIA World Rallycross Championship") [Rally raid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rally-Raid_Championship "World Rally-Raid Championship") [Bajas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_World_Baja_Cup "FIA World Baja Cup") [Sports Car Endurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_World_Endurance_Championship "FIA World Endurance Championship") [Touring Car](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCR_World_Tour "TCR World Tour") \| \| [Motorcycle sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_sport "Motorcycle sport") \| [Endurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Endurance_World_Championship "FIM Endurance World Championship") [Enduro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enduro_World_Championship "Enduro World Championship") [Beach Racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Sand_Races_World_Championship "FIM Sand Races World Championship") [SuperEnduro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_SuperEnduro_World_Championship "FIM SuperEnduro World Championship") [Hard Enduro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Hard_Enduro_World_Championship "FIM Hard Enduro World Championship") [team endurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Six_Days_Enduro "International Six Days Enduro") Ice racing [individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_Ice_Speedway_World_Championship "Individual Ice Speedway World Championship") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Speedway_of_Nations "Ice Speedway of Nations") Grand Prix [MotoGP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing "Grand Prix motorcycle racing") [Moto2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing "Grand Prix motorcycle racing") [Moto3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_motorcycle_racing "Grand Prix motorcycle racing") Motocross [individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross_World_Championship "Motocross World Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Women%27s_Motocross_World_Championship "FIM Women's Motocross World Championship") [nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross_of_Nations "Motocross of Nations") [Supercross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Supercross_World_Championship "FIM Supercross World Championship") [SuperMotocross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuperMotocross_World_Championship "SuperMotocross World Championship") [Sidecarcross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidecarcross_World_Championship "Sidecarcross World Championship") [Snowcross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Snowcross_World_Championship "FIM Snowcross World Championship") Production [Superbike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbike_World_Championship "Superbike World Championship") [Supersport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supersport_World_Championship "Supersport World Championship") [Supersport 300](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supersport_300_World_Championship "Supersport 300 World Championship") [Women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Women%27s_Circuit_Racing_World_Championship "FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship") [Rally raid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rally-Raid_Championship "World Rally-Raid Championship") [Bajas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Bajas_World_Cup "FIM Bajas World Cup") [Sand races](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Sand_Races_World_Championship "FIM Sand Races World Championship") [Sidecar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidecar_World_Championship "Sidecar World Championship") Speedway [individual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway_Grand_Prix "Speedway Grand Prix") [of Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway_of_Nations "Speedway of Nations") [World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway_World_Cup "Speedway World Cup") [long track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Long_Track_World_Championship "FIM Long Track World Championship") [team long track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Long_Track_of_Nations "FIM Long Track of Nations") [flat track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Flat_Track_World_Championship "FIM Flat Track World Championship") [Supermoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Supermoto_World_Championship "FIM Supermoto World Championship") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermoto_of_Nations "Supermoto of Nations") [Trial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_Trial_World_Championship "FIM Trial World Championship") [nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_des_Nations "Trial des Nations") E-Bike [cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIM_E-Bike_Cross_World_Cup "FIM E-Bike Cross World Cup") \| \| Other \| Aeroplane sport [Aerobatic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAI_World_Aerobatic_Championships "FAI World Aerobatic Championships") [Aerobatic GP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAI_World_Grand_Prix "FAI World Grand Prix") Powerboating [Aquabike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquabike_World_Championship "Aquabike World Championship") [F1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_1_Powerboat_World_Championship "Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship") [F4s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_4S_Powerboat_World_Championship "Formula 4S Powerboat World Championship") [offshore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_1_World_Powerboat_Championship "Class 1 World Powerboat Championship") [E1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E1_Series_$boat_racing$ "E1 Series (boat racing)") [Radio-controlled racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Federation_of_Model_Auto_Racing#Eligibility_to_IFMAR_World_Championship_event "International Federation of Model Auto Racing") [1:10 electric off-road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFMAR_1:10_Electric_Off-Road_World_Championship "IFMAR 1:10 Electric Off-Road World Championship") [1:8 nitro off-road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFMAR_1:8_IC_Off-Road_World_Championship "IFMAR 1:8 IC Off-Road World Championship") [Tank biathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tank_biathlon "Tank biathlon") \| \| Other sports \| \| \| \| \| \| Team \| American football [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFAF_World_Championship "IFAF World Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFAF_Women%27s_World_Championship "IFAF Women's World Championship") [Australian football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Football_International_Cup "Australian Football International Cup") [Baseball5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball5_World_Cup "Baseball5 World Cup") [Ball hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Hockey_World_Championship "Ball Hockey World Championship") Bandy [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandy_World_Championship "Bandy World Championship") [men's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandy_World_Cup "Bandy World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Bandy_World_Championship "Women's Bandy World Championship") [women's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandy_World_Cup_Women "Bandy World Cup Women") Cricket [ODI (men)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_World_Cup "Cricket World Cup") [ODI (women)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Cricket_World_Cup "Women's Cricket World Cup") [Test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Test_Championship "World Test Championship") [Beach handball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IHF_Beach_Handball_World_Championships "IHF Beach Handball World Championships") [Beach soccer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Beach_Soccer_World_Cup "FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup") [Beach tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_tennis#ITF_Beach_Tennis_World_Championship "Beach tennis") [Canoe polo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Polo_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Polo World Championships") Dancesport [Formation Latin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WDSF_World_Formation_Latin_Championships "WDSF World Formation Latin Championships") [Dodgeball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodgeball_World_Championship "Dodgeball World Championship") [Fistball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fistball#Results "Fistball") Floorball [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_World_Floorball_Championship "Men's World Floorball Championship") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_World_Floorball_Championship "Women's World Floorball Championship") Futsal [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Futsal_World_Cup "FIFA Futsal World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Futsal_Women%27s_World_Cup "FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup") [men's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercontinental_Futsal_Cup "Intercontinental Futsal Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Futsal_World_Tournament "Women's Futsal World Tournament") Indoor hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_FIH_Indoor_Hockey_World_Cup "Men's FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_FIH_Indoor_Hockey_World_Cup "Women's FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup") [Inline hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIRS_Inline_Hockey_World_Championships "FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships") Kabaddi [Circle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabaddi_World_Cup_$circle_style$ "Kabaddi World Cup (circle style)") [Standard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabaddi_World_Cup_$International_Kabaddi_Federation$ "Kabaddi World Cup (International Kabaddi Federation)") [Kho kho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kho_Kho_World_Cup "Kho Kho World Cup") [Korfball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKF_World_Korfball_Championship "IKF World Korfball Championship") Lacrosse [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Lacrosse_Box_Championships "World Lacrosse Box Championships") [Life saving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Life_Saving_Championships "World Life Saving Championships") [Minifootball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WMF_World_Cup "WMF World Cup") [Netball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netball_World_Cup "Netball World Cup") [Padel tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padel_World_Championship "Padel World Championship") [Quadball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IQA_World_Cup "IQA World Cup") [Ringette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Ringette_Championships "World Ringette Championships") [Rogaining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rogaining_Championships "World Rogaining Championships") [Roll Ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_Ball_World_Cup "Roll Ball World Cup") Roller derby [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_Roller_Derby_World_Cup "Men's Roller Derby World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_Derby_World_Cup "Roller Derby World Cup") Roller hockey [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_Roller_Hockey_World_Cup "Men's Roller Hockey World Cup") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Roller_Hockey_World_Cup "Women's Roller Hockey World Cup") Rugby league [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_League_World_Cup "Rugby League World Cup") [men's club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Club_Challenge "World Club Challenge") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_League_World_Cup "Women's Rugby League World Cup") Sailing [Yachts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISAF_Offshore_Team_Racing_World_Championship "ISAF Offshore Team Racing World Championship") [Dinghies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Sailing_Open_Team_Racing_World_Championships "World Sailing Open Team Racing World Championships") [Sepaktakraw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISTAF_World_Cup "ISTAF World Cup") [Socca](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socca_World_Cup "Socca World Cup") [Synchronized skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Synchronized_Skating_Championships "World Synchronized Skating Championships") [Tchoukball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchoukball#World_events "Tchoukball") [Underwater hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_Hockey_World_Championships "Underwater Hockey World Championships") [Underwater rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_Rugby_World_Championships "Underwater Rugby World Championships") \| \| Individual \| [Air sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Air_Games "World Air Games") [ballooning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Hot_Air_Ballooning_Championships "World Hot Air Ballooning Championships") [gliding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Gliding_Championships "World Gliding Championships") [parachuting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Parachuting_Championships "World Parachuting Championships") [paragliding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Paragliding_Championships "World Paragliding Championships") Aquatics [water skiing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Ski_World_Championships "Water Ski World Championships") [Armwrestling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Armwrestling_Championship "World Armwrestling Championship") Archery [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archery_World_Cup#Indoor_World_Cup_$Indoor_Archery_World_Series$ "Archery World Cup") [3D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Archery_3D_Championships "World Archery 3D Championships") [field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Field_Archery_Championships "World Field Archery Championships") Athletics [cross country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Cross_Country_Championships "World Athletics Cross Country Championships") [half marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Road_Running_Championships "World Athletics Road Running Championships") [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Indoor_Championships "World Athletics Indoor Championships") [women's decathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Decathlon_World_Championships "Women's Decathlon World Championships") [relays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Athletics_Relays "World Athletics Relays") [100 km](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAU_100_km_World_Championships "IAU 100 km World Championships") [mountain running](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Mountain_Running_Championships "World Mountain Running Championships") [long distance mountain running](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Long_Distance_Mountain_Running_Championships "World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships") [snowshoe running](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Snowshoe_Championships "World Snowshoe Championships") [skyrunning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyrunning_World_Championships "Skyrunning World Championships") [trail running](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAU_Trail_World_Championships "IAU Trail World Championships") Bowling [Tenpin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tenpin_Bowling_Championships "World Tenpin Bowling Championships") [Ninepin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine-pin_bowling "Nine-pin bowling") ([singles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Singles_Ninepin_Bowling_Classic_Championships "World Singles Ninepin Bowling Classic Championships"), [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Team_Ninepin_Bowling_Classic_Championships "World Team Ninepin Bowling Classic Championships")) Bowls [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Indoor_Bowls_Championships "World Indoor Bowls Championships") [outdoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Bowls_Championship "World Bowls Championship") Canoeing [marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships") [ocean race](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Ocean_Racing_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships") [wildwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildwater_Canoeing_World_Championships "Wildwater Canoeing World Championships") [SUP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Stand_Up_Paddling_World_Championships "ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships") [canoe sailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_Sailing_World_Championship "Canoe Sailing World Championship") [freestyle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Freestyle_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships") [waveski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Waveski_Surfing_Titles "World Waveski Surfing Titles") [Crokinole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crokinole#World_Crokinole_Championship "Crokinole") [CrossFit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossFit_Games "CrossFit Games") Cycling [cyclo-cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Cyclo-cross_World_Championships "UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships") [gravel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Gravel_World_Championships "UCI Gravel World Championships") [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Indoor_Cycling_World_Championships "UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships") [mountain bike marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Mountain_Bike_Marathon_World_Championships "UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships") [snow bike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Snow_Bike_World_Championships "UCI Snow Bike World Championships") [trials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCI_Trials_World_Championships "UCI Trials World Championships") [Darts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Professional_Darts_Championship "World Professional Darts Championship") [WDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WDF_World_Darts_Championship "WDF World Darts Championship") [PDC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDC_World_Darts_Championship "PDC World Darts Championship") [team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDC_World_Cup_of_Darts "PDC World Cup of Darts") [Finswimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finswimming_World_Championships "Finswimming World Championships") Fishing [freshwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Freshwater_Angling_Championships "World Freshwater Angling Championships") [fly fishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Fly_Fishing_Championships "World Fly Fishing Championships") Gymnastics [acrobatic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrobatic_Gymnastics_World_Championships "Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships") [aerobic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_Gymnastics_World_Championships "Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships") [parkour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkour_World_Championships "Parkour World Championships") [Ice Climbing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UIAA_Ice_Climbing_World_Championships "UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships") Modern pentathlon [biathle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biathle#Biathle_World_Championships "Biathle") [triathle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triathle#Triathle_World_Championships "Triathle") [laser run](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_Run_World_Championships "Laser Run World Championships") [Mounted games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mounted_games#World_Team_Championships "Mounted games") Orienteering [foot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Orienteering_Championships "World Orienteering Championships") [ski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Ski_Orienteering_Championships "World Ski Orienteering Championships") [mountain bike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Mountain_Bike_Orienteering_Championships "World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships") [trail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trail_Orienteering_Championships "World Trail Orienteering Championships") [Pétanque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A9tanque_World_Championships "Pétanque World Championships") [Powerlifting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPF_Powerlifting_World_Championships "IPF Powerlifting World Championships") [Racquetball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racquetball_World_Championships "Racquetball World Championships") [Roller Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Skate_Games "World Skate Games") [artistic skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_Skating_World_Championships "Artistic Skating World Championships") [inline alpine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline_Alpine_World_Championship "Inline Alpine World Championship") [inline downhill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline_Downhill_World_Championship "Inline Downhill World Championship") [inline speed skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline_Speed_Skating_World_Championships "Inline Speed Skating World Championships") [roller freestyle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_Freestyle_Skating_World_Championship "Roller Freestyle Skating World Championship") [scootering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Scootering_Championship "World Scootering Championship") Rowing [indoor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rowing_Indoor_Championships "World Rowing Indoor Championships") Shooting [practical handgun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPSC_Handgun_World_Shoots "IPSC Handgun World Shoots") [practical rifle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPSC_Rifle_World_Shoots "IPSC Rifle World Shoots") [practical shotgun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPSC_Shotgun_World_Shoots "IPSC Shotgun World Shoots") Skiing [flying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Ski_Flying_World_Championships "FIS Ski Flying World Championships") [speed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIS_Speed_World_Ski_Championships "FIS Speed World Ski Championships") [telemark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemark_World_Championships "Telemark World Championships") [Summer biathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Biathlon_World_Championships "Summer Biathlon World Championships") Strength athletics [men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Strongest_Man "World's Strongest Man") [women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Strongest_Woman "World's Strongest Woman") Surfing [short board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Surf_League "World Surf League") [long board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Surf_League#WSL_Longboard_Championship_Tour_champions "World Surf League") [big wave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Surf_League#WSL_Big_Wave_Tour_champions "World Surf League") [SUP/paddleboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISA_World_SUP_and_Paddleboard_Championship "ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship") Swimming [short course](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Aquatics_Swimming_Championships_$25m$ "World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m)") [Teqball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Teqball_Federation#Teqball_World_Championships "International Teqball Federation") Triathlon [Aquathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Aquathlon_Championships "World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships") [Duathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Duathlon_Championships "World Triathlon Duathlon Championships") [Ironman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironman_World_Championship "Ironman World Championship") [Ironman 70.3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironman_70.3_World_Championship "Ironman 70.3 World Championship") [cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Cross_Championships "World Triathlon Cross Championships") [cross duathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Cross_Duathlon_Championships "World Triathlon Cross Duathlon Championships") [long distance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Long_Distance_Championships "World Triathlon Long Distance Championships") [long distance duathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Long_Distance_Duathlon_Championships "World Triathlon Long Distance Duathlon Championships") [sprint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Sprint_Distance_Championships "World Triathlon Sprint Distance Championships") [winter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Triathlon_Winter_Championships "World Triathlon Winter Championships") [Wife-carrying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife-carrying "Wife-carrying") [Yo-yo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Yo-Yo_Contest "World Yo-Yo Contest") \| \| See also: [World cups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Main_world_cups "Template:Main world cups") \| \| \| [Authority control databases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Authority_control "Help:Authority control") [![Edit this at Wikidata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16640#identifiers "Edit this at Wikidata") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| International \| [VIAF](https://viaf.org/viaf/358167931779229520001) [GND](https://d-nb.info/gnd/132360281X) \| \| National \| [United States](https://id.loc.gov/authorities/n00092571) \| \| Other \| [Yale LUX](https://lux.collections.yale.edu/view/group/b8dfdedb-b611-4b3b-b9b1-bf6eb6e9942a) \| ![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1) Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&oldid=1343740080>" 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Readable Markdown	This article is about the men's rugby union tournament. For the women's World Cup in union, see [Women's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup"). For other world cups for rugby, see [World cup of rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_cup_of_rugby_$disambiguation$ "World cup of rugby (disambiguation)"). \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Upcoming tournament ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Rugby_football_current_event.svg/40px-Rugby_football_current_event.svg.png) *[2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup")* \| \| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg/330px-Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_%28post-2023%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_World_Cup_footer_logo_$post-2023$.svg) \| \| \| Sport \| [Rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") \| \| Instituted \| 1987; 39 years ago \| \| Number of teams \| 24 \| \| Regions \| International ([World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby")) \| \| Holders \| [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") ([2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| \| Most titles \| South Africa (4 titles) \| \| Website \| [rugbyworldcup.com](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/) \| The Men's Rugby World Cup is a [rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the [world champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_championship "World championship") of the sport. The tournament is administered by [World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby"), the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the [Webb Ellis Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webb_Ellis_Cup "Webb Ellis Cup"), named after [William Webb Ellis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Webb_Ellis "William Webb Ellis") who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game and running with it.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-1) The tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") four times, [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") three times, [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") twice, and [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") once. [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") is the current champion, having defeated [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") in the [final](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2023 Rugby World Cup final") of the [2023 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). Sixteen teams participated in the tournament from 1987 until 1995; in 1999, the tournament expanded to twenty teams. Japan hosted the [2019 Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") and France hosted the [2023 Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). The tournament will expand again to twenty-four teams when it is held in [Australia in 2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup"). Starting in [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Rugby_World_Cup "2021 Rugby World Cup"), the [women's equivalent tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "Women's Rugby World Cup") was officially renamed the Rugby World Cup to promote equality with the men's tournament. However, the 2021 event was the only one to use this naming convention as at the end of the [2023 World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"), World Rugby announced that all future tournaments would include the words "Men's" or "Women's" in their titles. The first event to use this convention was the [2025 Women's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Women%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2025 Women's Rugby World Cup"), while the [2027 Men's Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") will be the first to include "Men's" in its title. Under the current format, 24 teams qualify for each Rugby World Cup. Twelve teams qualified automatically for the 2027 edition, as a consequence of finishing top three in their 2023 pool. The qualification for the remaining 12 spots was allocated regionally; with a total of ten teams allocated for Europe, seven for the Pacific, two for South America - an additional space for a play-off between South America and the Pacific - two for Africa, one for Asia. The last place is determined by an intercontinental play-off. [\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Qualifying-2) The tournament involves twenty-four nations competing over six weeks in October and November.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2008Seedings-3)[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4) There are two stages—a pool, followed by a knockout round. Nations are divided into four pools, A through to F, of four nations each.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2015Fixtures-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) The teams are [seeded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_$sports$ "Seed (sports)") based on the [World Rankings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Rankings "World Rugby Rankings"). The six highest-ranked teams are drawn into pools A to F. This process is repeated down the seeding order, with a caveat to ensure the host country shall always be in Pool A. Nations play three pool games, playing their respective pool members once each.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) A [bonus points system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_bonus_points_system "Rugby union bonus points system") is used during pool play. If two or more teams are level on points, a system of criteria determines the higher ranked.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) Sixteen teams-the winner and runner-up from each of the six pools, plus the four best third placed teams-enter the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round-of-sixteen, quarter-final, semi-finals, and then a final round which includes a bronze medal match and the [Rugby World Cup Final](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_Final "Rugby World Cup Final"). If a match in the knockout stages ends in a draw, the winner is determined through [extra time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_time "Extra time"). If that fails, the match goes into [sudden death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_death_$sport$ "Sudden death (sport)") and the next team to score any points is the winner.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-TournamentRules-5) Before the Rugby World Cup, there was no truly global rugby union competition, but there were a number of other tournaments. One of the oldest is the annual [Six Nations Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship "Six Nations Championship"), which started in 1883 as the [Home Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Nations "Home Nations") Championship,[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-6) a tournament between [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team"), [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team "Ireland national rugby union team"), [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") and [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team"). It expanded to the Five Nations in 1910, when [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") joined the tournament. France did not participate from 1931 to 1939, during which period it reverted to a Home Nations championship. In 2000, [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_rugby_union_team "Italy national rugby union team") joined the competition, which became the Six Nations.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-history-7) Rugby union was also played at the [Summer Olympic Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Olympic_Games "Summer Olympic Games"), first appearing at the [1900 Paris games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_Summer_Olympics "1900 Summer Olympics") and subsequently at [London in 1908](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1908_Summer_Olympics "1908 Summer Olympics"), [Antwerp in 1920](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_Summer_Olympics "1920 Summer Olympics"), and [Paris again in 1924](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1924_Summer_Olympics "1924 Summer Olympics"). France won the first gold medal, then Australasia, with the last two being won by the United States. However rugby union ceased to be on Olympic program after 1924.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-olympics2-9)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-10) The idea of a Rugby World Cup had been suggested on numerous occasions going back to the 1950s, but met with opposition from most unions in the IRFB.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11) The idea resurfaced several times in the early 1980s, with the [Australian Rugby Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_Australia "Rugby Australia") (ARU; now known as Rugby Australia) in 1983, and the [New Zealand Rugby Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Rugby "New Zealand Rugby") (NZRU; now known as New Zealand Rugby) in 1984 independently proposing the establishment of a world cup.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12) A proposal was again put to the IRFB in 1985 and this time passed 10–6. The delegates from Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa all voted for the proposal, and the delegates from Ireland and Scotland against; the English and Welsh delegates were split, with one from each country for and one against.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-wcweb-11)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Collins13-12) The inaugural tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was held in May and June 1987, with sixteen nations taking part.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey31-13) The [inaugural World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") in 1987, did not involve any qualifying process; instead, the 16 places were automatically filled by seven eligible [International Rugby Football Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby") (IRFB, now World Rugby) member nations, and the rest by invitation.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey34-14) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") became the first-ever champions, defeating [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") 29–9 in the final.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey42-15) The subsequent [1991 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by England, with matches played throughout Britain, Ireland and France. Qualifying tournaments were introduced for the [second tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), where eight of the sixteen places were contested in a twenty-four-nation tournament.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) This tournament saw the introduction of a qualifying tournament; eight places were allocated to the quarter-finalists from 1987, and the remaining eight decided by a thirty-five nation qualifying tournament.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey59-16) Australia won the second tournament, defeating [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") 12–6 in the final.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey77-17) In 1992, eight years after their last official series,[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-19) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") hosted New Zealand in a one-off test match. The resumption of international rugby in South Africa came after the dismantling of the [apartheid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid "Apartheid") system.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey78-20) With their return to test rugby, South Africa were selected to host the [1995 Rugby World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup").[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey82-21) After upsetting Australia in the opening match, South Africa continued to advance through the tournament and met New Zealand in the final.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey87-22)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) After a tense final that went into [extra time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$ "Overtime (sports)"), South Africa emerged 15–12 winners,[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey99-24) with then President [Nelson Mandela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela "Nelson Mandela"), wearing a Springbok [jersey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_shirt "Rugby shirt"),[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding159-23) presenting the trophy to South Africa's captain, [Francois Pienaar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francois_Pienaar "Francois Pienaar").[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding168-25) The [1999 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by Wales with matches also being held throughout the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The tournament included a [repechage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repechage "Repechage") system,[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-26) alongside specific regional qualifying places.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-27) The number of participating nations was increased from sixteen to twenty—and has remained to date at twenty.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-28) Australia claimed their second title, defeating France in the final.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-29) The combination of the sport turning professional after 1995 and the increase in teams from sixteen to twenty led to a number of remarkably lopsided results in both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, with two matches in each tournament resulting in teams scoring over 100 points; Australia's 142–0 win over Namibia in 2003 stands as the most lopsided score in Rugby World Cup history.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-30) In 2003 and 2007, the qualifying format allowed for eight of the twenty available positions to be automatically filled by the eight quarter-finalists of the previous tournament. The remaining twelve positions were filled by [continental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continent "Continent") qualifying tournaments.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Ten positions were filled by teams qualifying directly through continental competitions.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG26-31) Another two places were allocated for a cross-continental [repechage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repechage "Repechage").[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RNV38I9PG27-32) The [2003 event](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by Australia, although it was originally intended to be held jointly with New Zealand. England emerged as champions defeating Australia in extra time. England's win broke the [southern hemisphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANZAAR "SANZAAR")'s dominance in the event. Such was the celebration of England's victory that an estimated 750,000 people gathered in central [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London "London") to greet the team, making the day the largest sporting celebration of its kind ever in the United Kingdom.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-bbcrwc-33) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg/250px-Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_O%27Connell_Ireland_Rugby.jpg) Ireland v Argentina in 2007 The [2007 competition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") was hosted by France, with matches also being held in Wales and Scotland. South Africa claimed their second title by defeating defending champions England 15–6. The biggest story of the tournament, however, was Argentina who racked up wins against some of the [top European teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Nations_Championship "Six Nations Championship")—France, Ireland, and Scotland—to finish first in the [Pool of death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_death "Group of death") and finish third overall in the tournament.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-34) The attention from Argentina's performance led to Argentina participating in [SANZAAR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANZAAR "SANZAAR")[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-35) and the professionalization of rugby in Argentina. [![A player holds a ball in front of two opposing groups of eight players. Each group is crouched and working together to push against the other team.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg/250px-2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_%286168183024%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Wales_vs_Samoa_$6168183024$.jpg) A scrum between [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team "Samoa national rugby union team") (in blue) and [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") (in red) during the 2011 World Cup The [2011 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") was awarded to New Zealand in November 2005, ahead of bids from [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") and South Africa. The All Blacks reclaimed their place atop the rugby world with a narrow 8–7 win over France in the [2011 final](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2011 Rugby World Cup final").[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-36) The opening weekend of the [2015 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), hosted by England, generated the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan, who had not won a single World Cup match since 1991, defeated heavily favoured South Africa. Overall, New Zealand once again won the final, this time against Australia. In doing so, they became the first team in World Cup history to win three titles, as well as the first to successfully defend a title.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-37) Japan's hosting of the [2019 World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") marked the first time the tournament had been held outside the traditional rugby strongholds; Japan won all four of their pool matches to top their group and qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time. The tournament saw South Africa claim their third trophy to match New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup titles. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-38) Starting in 2021, gender designations were removed from the titles of the men's and women's World Cups. Accordingly, all World Cups for men and women will officially bear the "Rugby World Cup" name. The first tournament to be affected by the new policy was the 2022 women's tournament held in New Zealand, which retained its original title of "Rugby World Cup 2021" despite having been delayed from its original schedule due to [COVID-19](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic "COVID-19 pandemic") issues.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-39) France hosted the [2023 World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). The tournament was won by South Africa, who defeated New Zealand 12–11 to become the second nation to successfully defend their World Champion title and the first nation to win the tournament four times. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG/250px-Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_World_Cup_Trophy.JPG) The Webb Ellis Cup Winners of the Rugby World Cup are presented with the Webb Ellis Cup, named after [William Webb Ellis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Webb_Ellis "William Webb Ellis"). The trophy is also referred to simply as the Rugby World Cup. The trophy was chosen in 1987 for use in the competition, and was created in 1906 by Garrard's Crown Jewellers.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCTrophy-40)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-QuinnPt3-41) The trophy is restored, repaired and its plinth engraved with the winner's name by [Thomas Lyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Lyte "Thomas Lyte") between tournaments.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-BBC-42)[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RoyalWarrant-43) The words 'The International Rugby Football Board' and 'The Webb Ellis Cup' are engraved on the face of the cup.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-44) It stands thirty-eight centimetres high and is silver gilded in gold, and supported by two cast scroll handles, one with the head of a [satyr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyr "Satyr"), and the other a head of a [nymph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymph "Nymph").[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WECup-45) In Australia the trophy is colloquially known as "Bill"—a reference to William Webb Ellis. Tournaments are organised by Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), which is itself owned by World Rugby. The selection of host is decided by a vote of World Rugby Council members.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-46)[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-JapEng2019-47) The voting procedure is managed by a team of independent auditors, and the voting kept secret. The host nation is generally selected five or six years before the competition. The tournament has been hosted by multiple nations. For example, the 1987 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. World Rugby requires that the hosts must have a venue with a capacity of at least 60,000 spectators for the final.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48) Host nations sometimes construct or upgrade stadia in preparation for the World Cup, such as [Millennium Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Stadium "Millennium Stadium")—purposely built for the 1999 tournament—and [Eden Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Park "Eden Park"), upgraded for 2011.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCStadium-48)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-millen-49) The first country outside of the traditional rugby nations of [SANZAAR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANZAAR "SANZAAR") or the Six Nations to be awarded the hosting rights was [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") host Japan. France hosted the [2023 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup"). The next tournament to be hosted by a nation outside the traditional nations will be the 2031 tournament in the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States").[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-50) Organizers of the Rugby World Cup, as well as the Global Sports Impact, state that the Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the [FIFA World Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup "FIFA World Cup") and the [Olympics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympics "Olympics"),[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-51)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-52) although other sources question whether this is accurate.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-53) Reports emanating from World Rugby and its business partners have frequently touted the tournament's media growth, with cumulative worldwide television audiences of 300 million for the inaugural 1987 tournament, 1.75 billion in 1991, 2.67 billion in 1995, 3 billion in 1999,[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-seven-54) 3.5 billion in 2003,[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-visa-55) and 4 billion in 2007.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Deloitte2008-56) The 4 billion figure was widely dismissed as the global audience for television is estimated to be about 4.2 billion.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-57) However, independent reviews have called into question the methodology of those growth estimates, pointing to factual inconsistencies.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-58) The event's supposed drawing power outside of a handful of rugby strongholds was also downplayed significantly, with an estimated 97 percent of the 33 million average audience produced by the 2007 final coming from [Australasia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasia "Australasia"), South Africa, the [British Isles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Isles "British Isles") and France.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-59) Other sports have been accused of exaggerating their television reach over the years; such claims are not exclusive to the Rugby World Cup. While the event's global popularity remains a matter of dispute, high interest in traditional rugby nations is well documented. The 2003 final, between Australia and England, became the most watched [rugby union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union "Rugby union") match in the history of Australian television.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-tv-60) The 2023 tournament achieved 1.33 billion viewing hours across all programming making it the most viewed rugby event of all time.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-61) \| Year \| Host(s) \| Total attendance \| Matches \| Avg attendance \| % change in avg att. \| Stadium capacity \| Attendance as % of capacity \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| 604,500 \| 32 \| 18,891 \| — \| 1,006,350 \| 60% \| \| [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland "Ireland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland "Scotland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| 1,007,760 \| 32 \| 31,493 \| \+67% \| 1,212,800 \| 79% \| \| [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa "South Africa") \| 1,100,000 \| 32 \| 34,375 \| \+9% \| 1,423,850 \| 77% \| \| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| 1,750,000 \| 41 \| 42,683 \| \+24% \| 2,104,500 \| 83% \| \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| 1,837,547 \| 48 \| 38,282 \| –10% \| 2,208,529 \| 83% \| \| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| 2,263,223 \| 48 \| 47,150 \| \+23% \| 2,470,660 \| 92% \| \| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") \| 1,477,294 \| 48 \| 30,777 \| –35% \| 1,732,000 \| 85% \| \| [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") \| 2,477,805 \| 48 \| 51,621 \| \+68% \| 2,600,741 \| 95% \| \| [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| 1,698,528 \| 45\* \| 37,745 \| –27% \| 1,811,866 \| 90% \| \| [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| 2,437,208 \| 48 \| 50,775 \| \+26% \| 2,586,173 \| 94% \| \| [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| \- \| 52 \| \- \| \- \| 2,779,320 \| \- \| \| \[Typhoon Hagibis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Hagibis_$2019$ "Typhoon Hagibis (2019)") caused 3 group stage matches to be cancelled. As a result, only 45 of the scheduled 48 matches were played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| Key \| \| \|---\|---\| \| \| Record high \| \| \| Record low \| \| Source \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-64)[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-65) \| [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")* \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| [Gate receipts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_receipts "Gate receipts") (M [£](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pound_sterling "Pound sterling")) \| N/a \| N/a \| 15 \| 55 \| 81 \| 147 \| 131 \| 250 \| 259[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-66) \| N/a \| \| Broadcasting (M £) \| N/a \| N/a \| 19 \| 44 \| 60 \| 82 \| 93 \| 155 \| 136 \| N/a \| \| Sponsorship (M £) \| N/a \| N/a \| 8 \| 18 \| 16 \| 28 \| 29 \| N/a \| 105 \| N/a \| \| Surplus (M £) \| 1 \| 4 \| 18 \| 47 \| 64 \| 122 \| 92 \| 150 \| 136 \| N/a \| Notes: - The host union keeps revenue from gate receipts. World Rugby, through RWCL, receive revenue from sources including broadcasting rights, sponsorship and tournament fees.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-2012YearInReview-62) Keys - aet: result/match won [after extra time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$ "Overtime (sports)") \| Ed. \| Year \| Host \| First place game \| Third place game \| Num. teams \| \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| Champion \| Score \| Runner-up \| Third \| Score \| Fourth \| \| \| \| \| \| 1 \| [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [29–9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1987 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| [22–21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| 16 \| \| 2 \| [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland "Ireland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland "Scotland") ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| [12–6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1991 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [13–6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") \| 16 \| \| 3 \| [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa "South Africa") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [15–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1995 Rugby World Cup final") ([a.e.t.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$#Rugby_union "Overtime (sports)")) \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| [19–9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| 16 \| \| 4 \| [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| [35–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup_final "1999 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [22–18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 5 \| [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| [20–17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2003 Rugby World Cup final") ([a.e.t.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_$sports$#Rugby_union "Overtime (sports)")) \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [40–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup#Third-place_play-off "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 6 \| [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [15–6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2007 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| [34–10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_France_vs_Argentina "2007 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 7 \| [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [8–7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2011 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| [21–18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final "2011 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 8 \| [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [34–17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2015 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [24–13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_South_Africa_vs_Argentina "2015 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 9 \| [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [32–12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2019 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| [40–17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_New_Zealand_v_Wales "2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 10 \| [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| [12–11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_final "2023 Rugby World Cup final") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| [26–23](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Bronze_final:_Argentina_vs_England "2023 Rugby World Cup knockout stage") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| 20 \| \| 11 \| [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") \| To be determined \| To be determined \| 24[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-67) \| \| \| \| \| \| 12 \| [2031](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2031 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") \| To be determined \| To be determined \| 24 \| \| \| \| \| ### Performance of nations \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Performance of nations")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png/330px-Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rugby_world_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts_rev1.png) Map of nations' best results (excluding qualifying tournaments) Twenty-six nations have participated at the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The only nations to host and win a tournament are New Zealand (1987 and 2011) and South Africa (1995). The performance of other host nations includes England (1991 final hosts) and Australia (2003 hosts) both finishing runners-up, while France (2007 hosts) finished fourth, and Wales (1999 hosts) and Japan (2019 hosts) reached the quarter-finals. Wales became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 1991 while England became the first solo host nation to be eliminated at the pool stages in 2015.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-68) Of the twenty-five nations that have participated in at least one tournament, ten of them have never missed a tournament.[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-69) \| Team \| Champions \| Runners-up \| Third \| Fourth \| Quarter-finals \| Apps in top 8 \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| 4 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| N/a \| 2 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| N/a \| 2 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 8[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup")) \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| 2 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 9 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| 1 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 9 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| N/a \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 ([1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup")) \| 4 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| 1 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 4 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/40px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| 1 ([2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 ([1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup")) \| 5 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| 1 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup")) \| 6 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup")) \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team "Ireland national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| 8 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup"), [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup"), [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup"), [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 8 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Flag_of_Fiji.svg/40px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team "Fiji national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| 3 ([1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup"), [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup"), [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup")) \| 3 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Flag_of_Samoa.svg/40px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team "Samoa national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| 2 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup"), [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup")) \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_national_rugby_union_team "Canada national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| 1 ([1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_rugby_union_team "Japan national rugby union team") \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| N/a \| 1 ([2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup")) \| 1 \| ### Qualification results \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: Qualification results")\] As of the 2027 World Cup, 27 nations have qualified to compete across 11 tournaments. \| Team \| [![New Zealand](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") [![Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Rugby_World_Cup "1987 Rugby World Cup") \| [![England](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") [![France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") [![Ireland](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/40px-IRFU_flag.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland "Ireland") [![Scotland](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/40px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland "Scotland") [![Wales](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Rugby_World_Cup "1991 Rugby World Cup") \| [![South Africa](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/40px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa "South Africa") [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_World_Cup "1995 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Wales](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/40px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales "Wales") [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Rugby_World_Cup "1999 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Rugby_World_Cup "2003 Rugby World Cup") \| [![France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup "2007 Rugby World Cup") \| [![New Zealand](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/40px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand "New Zealand") [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup "2011 Rugby World Cup") \| [![England](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/40px-Flag_of_England.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England "England") [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup "2015 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Japan](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/40px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan "Japan") [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup "2019 Rugby World Cup") \| [![France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/40px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Rugby_World_Cup "2023 Rugby World Cup") \| [![Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/40px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia") [2027](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2027 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| [![United States](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/40px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States") [2031](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2031_Men%27s_Rugby_World_Cup "2031 Men's Rugby World Cup") \| Years \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\|---\| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Flag_of_Argentina.svg/20px-Flag_of_Argentina.svg.png) [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_rugby_union_team "Argentina national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg/20px-Flag_of_Australia_%28converted%29.svg.png) [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_rugby_union_team "Australia national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg/20px-Flag_of_Canada_%28Pantone%29.svg.png) [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_national_rugby_union_team "Canada national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Flag_of_Chile.svg/20px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png) [Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile_national_rugby_union_team "Chile national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Flag_of_England.svg/20px-Flag_of_England.svg.png) [England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_rugby_union_team "England national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Flag_of_Fiji.svg/20px-Flag_of_Fiji.svg.png) [Fiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_national_rugby_union_team "Fiji national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/20px-Flag_of_France.svg.png) [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_rugby_union_team "France national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Flag_of_Georgia.svg/20px-Flag_of_Georgia.svg.png) [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_national_rugby_union_team "Georgia national rugby union team") \| N/A[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71) \| N/A[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Georgia-71) \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg/20px-Flag_of_Hong_Kong.svg.png) [Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_national_rugby_union_team "Hong Kong national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| TBD \| 1 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/IRFU_flag.svg/20px-IRFU_flag.svg.png) [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_rugby_union_team "Ireland national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/03/Flag_of_Italy.svg/20px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png) [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_rugby_union_team "Italy national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg/20px-Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg.png) [Ivory Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivory_Coast_national_rugby_union_team "Ivory Coast national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| TBD \| 1 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/20px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png) [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_rugby_union_team "Japan national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Flag_of_Namibia.svg/20px-Flag_of_Namibia.svg.png) [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team "Namibia national rugby union team") \| N/A[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72) \| N/A[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Namibia-72) \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| \- \| TBD \| 7 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/20px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png) [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_team "New Zealand national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg/20px-Flag_of_Portugal_%28official%29.svg.png) [Portugal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_national_rugby_union_team "Portugal national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 3 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Flag_of_Romania.svg/20px-Flag_of_Romania.svg.png) [Romania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania_national_rugby_union_team "Romania national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| E[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-73) \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f3/Flag_of_Russia.svg/20px-Flag_of_Russia.svg.png) [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia_national_rugby_union_team "Russia national rugby union team") \| [\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-74) \| \- \| \- \| \- \| X \| \- \| Q \| \- \| Q \| B[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-75) \| B[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-76) \| TBD \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Flag_of_Samoa.svg/20px-Flag_of_Samoa.svg.png) [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team "Samoa national rugby union team") \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Flag_of_Scotland.svg/20px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png) [Scotland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team "Scotland national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/20px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png) [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team "South Africa national rugby union team") \| B[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| B[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 9[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Apartheid-70) \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Spain.svg/20px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png) [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_national_rugby_union_team "Spain national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| X \| E[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-77) \| Q \| TBD \| 2 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Tonga.svg/20px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png) [Tonga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga_national_rugby_union_team "Tonga national rugby union team") \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 10 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/20px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png) [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_national_rugby_union_team "United States national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| \- \| Q \| Q \| 9 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Flag_of_Uruguay.svg/20px-Flag_of_Uruguay.svg.png) [Uruguay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay_national_rugby_union_team "Uruguay national rugby union team") \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| \- \| \- \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 6 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_Wales.svg/20px-Flag_of_Wales.svg.png) [Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales_national_rugby_union_team "Wales national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| Q \| TBD \| 11 \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg/20px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png) [Zimbabwe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe_national_rugby_union_team "Zimbabwe national rugby union team") \| Q \| Q \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| \- \| Q \| TBD \| 3 \| \| Total \| 16 \| 16 \| 16 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 20 \| 24 \| 24 \| \| Legend - \= Hosts - Q = Qualified (or just for the 1987 World Cup, invited) - \- = Did not qualify (or not invited to the 1987 World Cup) - X = Expelled during qualification - E = Expelled after qualification - B = Banned ## Records and statistics \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rugby_World_Cup&action=edit&section=18 "Edit section: Records and statistics")\] [![A middle-aged man wearing a suit and tie holding the Scottish flag.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Gavin_Hastings.jpg/250px-Gavin_Hastings.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gavin_Hastings.jpg) [Gavin Hastings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Hastings "Gavin Hastings") of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match. The record for most points overall is held by English player [Jonny Wilkinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Wilkinson "Jonny Wilkinson"), who scored 277 during his World Cup career.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) New Zealand All Black [Grant Fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Fox "Grant Fox") holds the record for most points in one competition, with 126 in 1987;[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey243-78) [Sam Whitelock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Whitelock "Sam Whitelock") of New Zealand holds the record for most World Cup matches: 26 between 2011 and 2023. All Black [Simon Culhane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Culhane "Simon Culhane") holds the record for most points in a match by one player, 45, as well as the record for most conversions in a match, 20.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) All Black [Marc Ellis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Ellis_$rugby_footballer$ "Marc Ellis (rugby footballer)") holds the record for most tries in a match, six, which he scored against Japan in 1995.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) New Zealand's [Jonah Lomu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_Lomu "Jonah Lomu") is the youngest player to appear in a final—aged 20 years and 43 days in the 1995 final.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) Lomu (playing in two tournaments) and South African [Bryan Habana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Habana "Bryan Habana") (playing in three tournaments) share the record for most total World Cup tournament tries, both scoring 15.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) Lomu (in 1999) and Habana (in 2007) also share the record, along with All Black [Julian Savea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Savea "Julian Savea") (in 2015) and [Will Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Jordan_$rugby_union$ "Will Jordan (rugby union)") (in 2023), for most tries in a tournament, with 8 each.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey244-80) South Africa's [Jannie de Beer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jannie_de_Beer "Jannie de Beer") kicked five drop-goals against England in 1999—an individual record for a single World Cup match.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey245-81) The record for most penalties in a match is 8, held by Australian [Matt Burke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Burke_$rugby_union,_born_1973$ "Matt Burke (rugby union, born 1973)"), Argentinian [Gonzalo Quesada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonzalo_Quesada "Gonzalo Quesada"), Scotland's [Gavin Hastings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Hastings "Gavin Hastings") and France's [Thierry Lacroix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thierry_Lacroix "Thierry Lacroix"),[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-RWCRecords-79) with Quesada also holding the record for most penalties in a tournament, with 31. The most points scored in a game is 145, by the All Blacks against [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_rugby_union_team "Japan national rugby union team") in 1995, while the widest winning margin is 142, held by Australia in a match against [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia_national_rugby_union_team "Namibia national rugby union team") in 2003.[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Peatey242-82) A total of 25 players have been [sent off](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rugby_World_Cup_red_cards "List of Rugby World Cup red cards") (red carded) in the tournament. Welsh lock [Huw Richards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huw_Richards "Huw Richards") was the first, while playing against New Zealand in 1987. No player has been red carded more than once. - [International rugby union player records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rugby_union_player_records "International rugby union player records") - [International rugby union team records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rugby_union_team_records "International rugby union team records") - [Rugby World Cup Sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup_Sevens "Rugby World Cup Sevens") – men's and women's tournaments held simultaneously at a single site - Collins, Tony (2008). "'The First Principle of Our Game': The rise and fall of amateurism: 1886–1995". In Ryan, Greg (ed.). The Changing Face of Rugby: The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-84718-530-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84718-530-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-84718-530-3") . - Davies, Gerald (2004). The History of the Rugby World Cup Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [1-86074-602-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86074-602-0 "Special:BookSources/1-86074-602-0") . - [Farr-Jones, Nick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Farr-Jones "Nick Farr-Jones"), (2003). Story of the Rugby World Cup, [Australian Post Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Post "Australia Post"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [0-642-36811-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-642-36811-2 "Special:BookSources/0-642-36811-2") . - Harding, Grant; Williams, David (2000). The Toughest of Them All: New Zealand and South Africa: The Struggle for Rugby Supremacy. [Auckland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland "Auckland"), New Zealand: Penguin Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-14-029577-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-14-029577-1 "Special:BookSources/978-0-14-029577-1") . - Martin, Gerard John (2005). The Game is not the Same – a History of Professional Rugby in New Zealand (Thesis). Auckland University of Technology. - Peatey, Lance (2011). In Pursuit of Bill: A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup. New Holland Publishers. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_$identifier$ "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-74257-191-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-74257-191-1 "Special:BookSources/978-1-74257-191-1") . - Phillpots, Kyle (2000). [The Professionalisation of Rugby Union](http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4498/) (Thesis). University of Warwick. - Williams, Peter (2002). ["Battle Lines on Three Fronts: The RFU and the Lost War Against Professionalism"](https://salford-repository.worktribe.com/output/1432363/battle-lines-on-three-fronts-the-rfu-and-the-lost-war-against-professionalism). The International Journal of the History of Sport. 19 (4): 114–136\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_$identifier$ "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1080/714001793](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F714001793). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_$identifier$ "S2CID (identifier)") [145705183](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:145705183). 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-10) However an exhibition tournament, the [1936 FIRA Tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1936_FIRA_Tournament "1936 FIRA Tournament"), did take place at the [1936 Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1936_Summer_Olympics "1936 Summer Olympics"). Rugby [was reintroduced](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens_at_the_Summer_Olympics "Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics") to the Olympics in 2016, but as men's and women's [rugby sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens "Rugby sevens") (i.e., seven-a-side rugby).[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-WorldRugbyOlympics-8) 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-19) Against England in 1984.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_note-Harding137-18) 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-64) Figures published by [World Rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby "World Rugby") (WR) are for the entire year, and are not specific to the tournament. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-69) Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are the nations that have never missed a tournament, playing in all nine thus far. South Africa has played in all eight in the post-apartheid era (as of 2023). 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-1) As per the narrative of the sport's origins, at this point in time, handling the ball, by way of taking a [Mark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_$rugby$ "Mark (rugby)"), was within the laws of the Game. Webb Ellis' purported innovation was to then run with the ball in hand, giving the game its signature characteristic. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Qualifying_2-0) ["Caribbean kick off for RWC 2011 qualifying"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110905162139/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid%3D2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying). irb.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2022896.html#caribbean+kick+rwc+2011+qualifying) on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2012. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2008Seedings_3-0) ["AB boost as World Cup seedings confirmed"](http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/281939). stuff.co.nz. NZPA. 22 February 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 4. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2015Fixtures_4-1) ["Fixtures"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150815053510/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/fixtures). World Rugby. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/fixtures) on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 5. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-TournamentRules_5-3) ["Tournament Rules"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160201091833/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tournament-rules). World Rugby. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tournament-rules) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-6)* cycles, This text provides general information Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct Due to varying update; Text, Statistics Can Display More up-to-Date Data Than Referenced in the. ["Topic: Six Nations Championship"](https://www.statista.com/topics/11881/six-nations-championship/). Statista. Retrieved 31 January 2024. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-history_7-0) ["A brief history of the Six Nations rugby tournament"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071108180856/http://www.6-nations-rugby.com/six-nations-history). 6 Nations Rugby. Archived from [the original](http://www.6-nations-rugby.com/six-nations-history) on 8 November 2007. Retrieved 31 October 2007. 8. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WorldRugbyOlympics_8-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-WorldRugbyOlympics_8-1) ["History of Rugby in the Olympics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150627130524/http://www.worldrugby.org/olympics/history). World Rugby. 9 November 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.worldrugby.org/olympics/history) on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-olympics2_9-0)* Richards, Huw (26 July 2012). ["Rugby and the Olympics"](http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/167592.html). ESPN. Retrieved 13 April 2012. 10. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-wcweb_11-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-wcweb_11-1) ["The History of RWC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060414193531/http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp). worldcupweb.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp) on 14 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006. 11. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Collins13_12-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Collins13_12-1) Collins (2008), p. 13. 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey31_13-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 31. 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey34_14-0) Peatey (2011) p. 34. 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey42_15-0) Peatey (2011) p. 42. 15. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey59_16-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey59_16-1) Peatey (2011) p. 59. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey77_17-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 77. 17. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding137_18-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding137_18-1) Harding (2000), p. 137 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey78_20-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 78. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey82_21-0) Peatey (2011) p. 82. 20. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey87_22-0) Peatey (2011) p. 87. 21. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding159_23-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding159_23-1) Harding (2000), pp. 159–160 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey99_24-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 99. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Harding168_25-0) Harding (2000), p. 168 24. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-26) ["Rugby World Cup history: The Wizards from Oz in 1999"](https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/21971/7079435/rugby-world-cup-history-the-wizards-from-oz-in-1999). Sky Sports. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-27) ["1999 World Cup Qualifiers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040503171636/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1998/09/27/wc_qualifiers_standings/). CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from [the original](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1998/09/27/wc_qualifiers_standings/) on 3 May 2004. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-28) Madden, Patrick (4 September 2015). ["RWC \#15: Ireland suffer play-off misery against Argentina"](https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rwc-15-ireland-suffer-play-off-misery-against-argentina-1.2340253). The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-29) Kitson, Robert (8 November 1999). ["Wallaby siege mentality secures Holy Grail"](https://www.theguardian.com/rugbycup/Story/0,,196930,00.html). The Guardian. Retrieved 14 October 2018. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-30) Morse, Ben (27 September 2023). ["'What chance did we have': Remembering Namibia's record-breaking 142-0 Rugby World Cup defeat"](https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/27/sport/namibia-australia-2003-rugby-world-cup-record-spt-intl/index.html). CNN. Retrieved 31 January 2024. 29. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG26_31-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG26_31-1) "Doin' it the Hard Way". Rugby News. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 26. 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RNV38I9PG27_32-0)* "Doin' it the Hard Way". Rugby News. Vol. 38, no. 9. 2007. p. 27. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-bbcrwc_33-0) ["England honours World Cup stars"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/3300061.stm). bbc.co.uk. 9 December 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2006. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-34) ["Ireland exit courtesy of powerful Pumas"](https://www.espn.com/rugby/report?gameId=25545&league=164205), ESPN, 30 September 2007. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-35) Gowar, Rex (23 November 2011). ["Argentina has talent to meet challenge, says Sanzar"](https://www.reuters.com/article/rugby-argentina-sanzar-idUKLDE7AL02H20111123/). [Reuters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters "Reuters"). 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-36) ["New Zealand 8-7 France"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15405316). BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 35. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-37) Aylwin, Michael (31 October 2015). ["New Zealand 34-17 Australia: Rugby World Cup 2015 final player ratings \\| Rugby World Cup 2015"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/31/rugby-world-cup-final-new-zealand-australia-ratings). The Guardian. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-38) ["Rugby World Cup 2019: fixtures, tables and results"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2019/sep/18/rugby-world-cup-2019-fixtures-tables-and-results). The Guardian. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_$identifier$ "ISSN (identifier)") [0261-3077](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077). Retrieved 6 June 2021. 37. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-39) ["World Rugby announces gender neutral naming for Rugby World Cup tournaments"](https://www.world.rugby/news/444250) (Press release). World Rugby. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019. 38. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCTrophy_40-0) ["Second World Cup exists, Snedden confirms"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10745840). The New Zealand Herald. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 39. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-QuinnPt3_41-0) Quinn, Keith (30 August 2011). ["Keith Quinn: Back-history of RWC – part three"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140903095746/https://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-world-cup/keith-quinn-back-history-rwc-part-three-4374234). [TVNZ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVNZ "TVNZ"). Archived from [the original](https://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-world-cup/keith-quinn-back-history-rwc-part-three-4374234) on 3 September 2014. 40. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-BBC_42-0) ["Friday Boss: Kevin Baker of silversmiths Thomas Lyte"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/business-22213850). BBC News. 41. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RoyalWarrant_43-0) ["Thomas Lyte"](https://www.royalwarrant.org/company/thomas-lyte?back=%2Fdirectory%3Fquery%3D%26page%3D66). royalwarrant.org. 42. 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[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-JapEng2019_47-0) ["England awarded 2015 Rugby World Cup"](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-29/england-awarded-2015-rugby-world-cup/1371384). ABC News Australia. AFP. 29 July 2009. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 46. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCStadium_48-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCStadium_48-1) ["New Zealand came close to losing Rugby World Cup 2011"](http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=17256). Rugby Week. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013. 47. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-millen_49-0)* ["Millennium Stadium, Cardiff"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070218040548/http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/United_Kingdom/Wales/South_Glamorgan/Cardiff-315777/Things_To_Do-Cardiff-Millennium_Stadium-BR-1.html). Virtual Tourist. 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[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-52) ["Olympics and World Cup are the biggest, but what comes next?"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/30326825). BBC Sport. 4 December 2014. 51. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-53) ["Rugby World Cup: Logic debunks outrageous numbers game"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761073). The New Zealand Herald. 23 October 2011. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_$identifier$ "ISSN (identifier)") [1170-0777](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1170-0777). Retrieved 3 April 2017. 52. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-seven_54-0) ["Rugby World Cup 2003"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060415041733/http://www.sevencorporate.com.au/page.asp?partid=225). sevencorporate.com.au. Archived from [the original](http://www.sevencorporate.com.au/page.asp?partid=225) on 15 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006. 53. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-visa_55-0) ["Visa International Renews Rugby World Cup Partnership"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060427071525/http://www.corporate.visa.com/md/nr/press269.jsp). corporate.visa.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.corporate.visa.com/md/nr/press269.jsp) on 27 April 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006. 54. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Deloitte2008_56-0) ["Potential Impact of the Rugby World Cup on a Host Nation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142158/http://www.deloitte.com/assets/dcom-unitedkingdom/Local%20assets/documents/uk_SBG_IrB2008.pdf) (PDF). Deloitte & Touche. 2008. p. 5. Archived from [the original](http://www.deloitte.com/assets/dcom-unitedkingdom/Local%20assets/documents/uk_SBG_IrB2008.pdf) (PDF) on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014. 55. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-57) ["Digital Divide: Global Household Penetration Rates for Technology"](http://www.vrworld.com/2011/01/26/digital-divide-global-household-penetration-rates-for-technology/). VRWorld. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2015. 56. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-58) Nippert, Matt (2 May 2010). ["Filling the Cup – cost \$500m and climbing"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10642274). The New Zealand Herald. APN New Zealand. Retrieved 2 December 2014. 57. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-59) Burgess, Michael (23 October 2011). ["Logic debunks outrageous numbers game"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761073). The New Zealand Herald. APN New Zealand. Retrieved 2 December 2014. 58. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-tv_60-0) Derriman, Phillip (1 July 2006). ["Rivals must assess impact of Cup fever"](http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/rivals-must-assess-impact-of-cup-fever/2006/06/30/1151174394285.html?page=2). The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax. Retrieved 1 July 2006. 59. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-61) ["Rugby World Cup 2023 was the most viewed rugby event of all time"](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/904424/rugby-world-cup-2023-was-the-most-viewed-rugby-event-of-all-time). Rugby World Cup. Retrieved 21 March 2024. 60. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-2012YearInReview_62-2) [International Rugby Board Year in Review 2012](https://images.worldrugby.org/view-item?i=38261). International Rugby Board. p. 62. Retrieved 21 July 2015. 61. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWC_Surplus_63-0)* ["Year in Review 2015"](http://publications.worldrugby.org/yearinreview2015/en/96-1). World Rugby. Retrieved 3 June 2021. 62. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-65) ["World Rugby Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019"](https://resources.world.rugby/worldrugby/document/2020/07/09/a5110686-c0e7-45d9-8688-e39d92a9d9c7/WR-Financial-Report.pdf) (PDF). resources.world.rugby. World Rugby (WR). 2020. 63. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-66) ["Rugby World Cup 2019: Review of Outcomes"](https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/ja_jp/topics/library/report/pdf/ey-japan-report-2020-08-14-rwc2019-en.pdf) (PDF). assets.ey.com. [Ernst & Young](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_%26_Young "Ernst & Young"). 24 June 2020. 64. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-67) ["Rugby World Cup 2027 expanded to 24 teams"](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/885620/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams). rugbyworldcup.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231025171432/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/885620/rugby-world-cup-2027-expanded-to-24-teams) from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023. 65. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-68) ["England become first host nation eliminated at pool stage of Rugby World Cup"](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/england-become-first-host-nation-eliminated-at-pool-stage-of-rugby-world-cup-a3072231.html), Evening Standard, Tom Dutton, 3 October 2015. 66. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Apartheid_70-3) South Africa was excluded from the first two tournaments due to a sporting boycott during the apartheid era. 67. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Georgia_71-1) Georgia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of the USSR and not an independent country yet. 68. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Namibia_72-1) Namibia could not qualify or be invited to the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, as they were part of South Africa and not an independent country yet. 69. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-73)* Romania initially qualified for the 2019 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in 6 qualifying matches, resulting in their non-qualification. 70. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-74) The USSR rugby team declined the invite to the 1987 World Cup. 71. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-75) After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. 72. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-76) After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, World Rugby and Rugby Europe suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. 73. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-77) Spain initially qualified for the 2023 tournament, but were deducted points for fielding ineligible players in two qualifiers, resulting in their non-qualification. 74. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey243_78-1) Peatey (2011) p. 243. 75. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-RWCRecords_79-1) ["All Time RWC Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141202180522/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/statistics). International Rugby Board. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/statistics/) on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014. 76. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey244_80-2) Peatey (2011) p. 244. 77. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey245_81-1) Peatey (2011) p. 245. 78. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup#cite_ref-Peatey242_82-0)* Peatey (2011) p. 242. [![logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Wikinews-logo.svg/40px-Wikinews-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikinews-logo.svg) Wikinews has news related to: - [Official website](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/) [![Edit this at Wikidata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16640#P856 "Edit this at Wikidata") - [World Rugby](https://www.world.rugby/)
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