Rugby World Cup

leer over Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams. The Rugby World Cup tournament is administered by World Rugby, the sport's international governing body. The winners of Rugby World Cup 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.

The Rugby World Cup tournament was first held in 1987 and was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Four countries have won the trophy; New Zealand and South Africa three times, Australia twice, and England once. South Africa are the current champions, having defeated England in the 2019 tournament final.

Sixteen teams participated in the Rugby World Cup tournament from 1987 until 1995; since 1999, twenty teams have participated in each tournament. Japan hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup and France will host the next in 2023.