Rugby World Cup History

RWC History - Rugby World Cup The concept of a Rugby World Cup tournament first emerged during the 1980s, and was formulated by players and administrators from both Australia and New Zealand.

Prior to the first Rugby World Cup, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina had resided in the rugby wilderness, excluded from the Five Nations tournament.

While the Home Nations unanimously opposed the idea of a Rugby World Cup, Australia and New Zealand were determined to take the game to a wider audience, and at an IRB meeting in 1985 used the support of France and South Africa to push through plans to stage the inaugural Rugby World Cup.

1987 New Zealand & Australia

Sixteen teams participated in the inaugural Rugby World Cup, an event co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The event was a modest success, and suffered from the absence of the Springbok rugby team, who were excluded from the tournament by a political embargo. New Zealand won the tournament, defeating France 29-9 at Eden Park.

1991 England

Four years later the Rugby World Cup was moved to Europe, with England hosting the event for the first time, assisted by Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France. The tournament featured several classic matches, including Ireland’s brilliant performance against Australia in the semi-finals, as well as the final where Australia narrowly defeated England 12-6.

1995 South Africa

In 1995 the Rugby World Cup entered a new era as South Africa, a traditional power, returned to the global game, and hosted the tournament for the first time. The event was an outstanding success and culminated in a memorable final between South Africa and New Zealand, which South Africa won with a drop-goal in extra time.

1999 Wales

The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the first tournament played in the professional era, and proved to be one of the most competitive in the event’s history, with several teams producing upset wins. The semi-finals of the tournament are celebrated as two of the finest games in Rugby World Cup history, with France defeating New Zealand heavily in the first semi-final while South Africa narrowly lost out to eventual champions Australia in extra time of the second semi-final.

2003 Australia

In 2003 Australia hosted the Rugby World Cup, and for the first time the tournament showed signs of developing into a truly global phenomenon. Most of the matches were watched by capacity crowds, and the final between England and Australia took place before a full house at the impressive Stadium Australia. England won the match 20-17 to became the first Northern Hemisphere world champion.

2007 France

France hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament. The tournament built on the gains made in Australia, with every match sold out and an international audience of billions watching on television. Despite a poor final, the tournament had its share of epic moments, including France’s quarterfinal defeat of the All Blacks, and Argentina’s impressive emergence from obscurity, with the Argentinean team finishing the tournament in 3rd place. The event saw South Africa win their second Rugby World Cup title by defeating England, the defending champions.