The Rugby World Cup is an international competition for national men’s rugby union teams, first held in 1987. The winners are awarded the Webb Ellis Cup and there have been nine editions of the Rugby World Cup, won by four different nations teams. New Zealand and South Africa are the most successful nations with three titles, followed by Australia with two wins and England with one.
When is the Rugby World Cup?
The Rugby World Cup is held every 4 years. The 10th Rugby World Cup is scheduled for Friday 8th September – Saturday 28th October 2023.
Where is the Rugby World Cup?
The tournament is hosted by a different nation, with the host nation selected through a bidding process. Previous hosts of the Rugby World Cup are:
2019 – Japan
2015 – England
2011 – New Zealand
2007 – France
2003 – Australia
1999 – Wales (with matches played in England, France, Scotland and Ireland)
1995 – South Africa
1991 – England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
1987 – Australia and New Zealand
The 2023 Rugby World Cup is being hosted in France for the second time, having also hosted the 2007 event. The following venues will be used:
- Paris (Saint-Denis) – Stade de France (Capacity – 80,698)
- Marseille – Stade Vélodrome (Capacity – 67,394)
- Lyon – Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Capacity – 59,186)
- Lille – Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Capacity – 50,157)
- Bordeaux – Matmut Atlantique (Capacity – 42,115)
- Saint-Étienne – Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Capacity – 41,965)
- Nice – Allianz Riviera (Capacity – 35,624)
- Nantes – Stade de la Beaujoire (Capacity – 35,322)
- Toulouse – Stadium Municipal (Capacity – 33,150)
The 11th Rugby World Cup is to be held in 2027 in Australia, with the 12th edition in 2013 to be hosted by the United States.
Who is competing in the Rugby World Cup?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup is to be competed for by 20 nations. France qualified as hosts, with Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales automatically qualifying based on their performance in the 2019 edition.
The remaining 8 spaces were decided through regional qualifiers, a cross-regional play-off and a Repechage tournament in November 2022.
Pool A – New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia
Pool B – South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
Pool C – Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal
Pool D – England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile
How do I get to the Rugby World Cup?
There are major airports in Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse among others.
Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
How do I get tickets for the Rugby World Cup?
Ticket information for the 2023 Rugby World Cup are now available through the official website here. Prices start at just €20, rising to €100 for the Final.
Previous Tournaments
| Year | Host | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Japan | South Africa | 32-12 | England |
| 2015 | England | New Zealand | 34 - 17 | Australia |
| 2011 | New Zealand | New Zealand | 8 - 7 | France |
| 2007 | France | South Africa | 15 - 6 | England |
| 2003 | Australia | England | 20 - 17 (aet) | Australia |
| 1999 | Wales | Australia | 35 - 12 | France |
| 1995 | South Africa | South Africa | 15 - 12 (aet) | New Zealand |
| 1991 | Europe | Australia | 12 - 6 | England |
| 1987 | Australia & New Zealand | New Zealand | 29 - 9 | France |
Further Information
Rugby World Cup Official Website
Last Updated on October 20, 2023 by Sports Tourist