History of the Rugby World Cup: Champions, Finals and Legends of the Game
The Rugby World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in men’s rugby union. Held every four years since 1987, it brings together the best national teams in the world to compete for the legendary Webb Ellis Cup, named after the schoolboy who, according to rugby folklore, created the sport by running with a football in his hands.
Over the years, the competition has grown in quality, global reach, and number of participants, becoming one of the biggest sporting events worldwide.
Rugby World Cup Editions
These are all editions played to date:
- 1987 – New Zealand & Australia
- 1991 – United Kingdom, Ireland & France
- 1995 – South Africa
- 1999 – Wales (with matches in UK & Ireland)
- 2003 – Australia
- 2007 – France (plus matches in Scotland & Wales)
- 2011 – New Zealand
- 2015 – England
- 2019 – Japan
- 2023 – France
- 2027 – Australia (upcoming)
- 2031 – United States (future host)
Rugby World Cup Champions
Only four nations have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup:
| Team | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 4 | 1995, 2007, 2019, 2023 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 1987, 2011, 2015 |
| Australia | 2 | 1991, 1999 |
| England | 1 | 2003 |
South Africa are the current world champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
All Rugby World Cup Finals
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | New Zealand | 29–9 | France |
| 1991 | Australia | 12–6 | England |
| 1995 | South Africa | 15–12 (ET) | New Zealand |
| 1999 | Australia | 35–12 | France |
| 2003 | England | 20–17 (ET) | Australia |
| 2007 | South Africa | 15–6 | England |
| 2011 | New Zealand | 8–7 | France |
| 2015 | New Zealand | 34–17 | Australia |
| 2019 | South Africa | 32–12 | England |
| 2023 | South Africa | 12–11 | New Zealand |
ET = extra time
Most Iconic Rugby World Cup Players
Numerous stars have left their mark on the global stage. Some of the most influential include:
| Player | Nation | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Jonah Lomu | New Zealand | Global superstar; 15 World Cup tries |
| Bryan Habana | South Africa | Shares all-time try-scoring record (15) |
| Jonny Wilkinson | England | All-time points scorer; 2003 hero |
| Richie McCaw | New Zealand | Double World Cup–winning captain |
| Francois Pienaar | South Africa | Iconic leader of 1995 champions |
| Dan Carter | New Zealand | One of the greatest fly-halves ever |
| David Campese | Australia | Key man in 1991 title |
| Agustín Pichot | Argentina | Leader of historic 3rd place in 2007 |
Many others have become national legends through their World Cup achievements: from Sam Warburton to Sergio Parisse and modern stars like Antoine Dupont.
A Tournament Still Growing
Rugby’s biggest event continues to expand. Japan 2019 was a turning point, bringing the sport to new global audiences, and the tournament will increase from 20 to 24 teams starting in 2027 — a major step toward global growth.