The Rugby World Cup is an international competition for national men’s rugby union teams, first held in 1987. New Zealand won the 2015 edition, having beaten Australia 34 – 17 in the Final at Twickenham Stadium in England.
When is it?
The Rugby World Cup is held every 4 years. The 9th Rugby World Cup is scheduled for Friday 20th September – Saturday 2nd November 2019.
Where is it?
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is being hosted in Japan for the first time, at the following venues:
- Chōfu – Tokyo Stadium (Capacity – 49,970)
- Fukuoka – Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium (Capacity – 22,563)
- Fukuroi – Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (Capacity – 50,889)
- Higashiosaka – Hanazono Rugby Stadium (Capacity – 30,000)
- Kamaishi – Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium (Capacity – 16,187)
- Kobe – Kobe Misaki Stadium (Capacity – 30,132)
- Kumagaya – Kumagaya Rugby Stadium (Capacity – 24,000)
- Kumamoto – Kumamoto Stadium (Capacity – 32,000)
- Ōita – Ōita Stadium (Capacity – 40,000)
- Sapporo – Sapporo Dome (Capacity – 41,410)
- Toyota – City of Toyota Stadium (Capacity – 45,000)
- Yokohama – International Stadium Yokohama (Capacity – 72,327)
Who is competing?
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is to be competed for by 20 nations. Japan qualified as hosts, with Argentina, Australia, England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales automatically qualifying based on their performance in the 2015 edition.
Fiji, Namibia, Russia, Tonga, Uruguay and USA came through regional qualifiers, whilst Samoa won a cross-regional play-off and one more place is to be determined via a Repechage tournament.
How do I get there?
Japan’s main airports are at Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, serving many international destinations. Japan has one of the most extensive and efficient train networks, connecting many of the country’s key cities with the famous bullet train.
Thinking of going to Japan? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
How do I get tickets?
The public ballot for tickets is open from Wednesday 19th September 2018 to Monday 12th November 2018, with ballot results revealed on Monday 26th November 2018. Tickets can be applied for here.
Where and when is the next World Cup?
The 10th Rugby World Cup is held to be in France in 2023, who beat fellow bids by Ireland and South Africa.
More Information
Official Website: www.rugbyworldcup.com
Previous Tournaments
| Year | Host | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |