An Overview of the Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is rugby union’s biggest tournament, held every four years since 1987. Teams compete for the Webb Ellis Cup, and South Africa and New Zealand have been the most successful nations.

Men’s winners

TeamTitlesYears
South Africa41995, 2007, 2019, 2023
New Zealand31987, 2011, 2015
Australia21991, 1999
England12003

Format

Recent tournaments had 20 teams in four pools followed by knockouts. The 2027 tournament in Australia expands to 24 teams.

Women’s Rugby World Cup

First held in 1991. New Zealand has won the women’s tournament most often.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rugby World Cup trophy called?

The Webb Ellis Cup.

Who has won the most men’s Rugby World Cups?

South Africa, with four titles.

How often is it held?

Every four years.

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Sam Ayed
Sam Ayed

Sam Ayed is a soccer player, coach and lifelong sports enthusiast. As the editor of Sportmentary, he writes and reviews the site's guides, checks rules content against the official rulebooks of each sport's governing body, and keeps pages updated when those rules change.

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