Men's Rugby World Cup 2023
France hosted the 2023 Men's Rugby World Cup, where South Africa edged out New Zealand in a tightly contested final to secure a record fourth title.
The Complete History of Women's and Men's Rugby World Cups
A chronological listing of all past Women's and Men's Rugby World Cups.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2021
Held at Eden Park in Auckland on November 12, 2022, the final featured a showdown between two-time champions England and the host nation, five-time and defending champions New Zealand.
Men's Rugby World Cup 2019
Hosted in Asia for the first time, the 2019 Men's Rugby World Cup in Japan saw South Africa defeat England with a commanding performance to claim their third title.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2017
A record 17,115 fans watched on as a hat-trick from Player of the Match Toka Natua secured a fifth title for the Black Ferns.
Men's Rugby World Cup 2015
England hosted the 2015 Men's Rugby World Cup, and New Zealand made history by becoming the first team to win three titles, defeating Australia in the final.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2014
Ireland joined hosts France, England and Canada in the semi-finals with a first-time finalist guaranteed. Canada became only the fourth side to reach the final after a wonder try from Magali Harvey against hosts France, but it was England who were crowned champions, 20 years on from their last triumph after a 21-9 win.
Men's Rugby World Cup 2011
The 2011 Men's Rugby World Cup returned to New Zealand, where the All Blacks narrowly defeated France in a gripping final to reclaim the title after 24 years.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2010
The final, played before a packed Twickenham Stoop, was a nail-biting affair and one that went right down to the wire. New Zealand had three yellow cards, but with one converted try apiece it was Kelly Brazier’s penalty that proved the difference and secured a fourth successive crown.
Men's Rugby World Cup 2007
France played host to the 2007 Men's Rugby World Cup, where South Africa defeated England in a defensive masterclass to claim their second championship.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2006
New Zealand’s backs had taken women’s rugby onto a new level with the triumvirate of Amiria Marsh, Stephanie Mortimer and Claire Richardson in particular impressive throughout. The final was another close affair, only settled when Marsh scored in the dying minutes for a 25-17 win to give Black Ferns captain Palmer the perfect send-off.
Men's Rugby World Cup 2003
Australia hosted the 2003 Men's Rugby World Cup, where England triumphed in a dramatic final with Jonny Wilkinson's iconic drop goal sealing victory over the Wallabies.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2002
The Olympic Stadium in Barcelona provided a fitting backdrop for a final screened live in the middle of the night in New Zealand. The 8,000 crowd in the stands were treated to a blend of tactical awareness, gritty forward play and attacking rugby as the Black Ferns successfully defended their crown with a 19-9 victory.
Men's Rugby World Cup 1999
Hosted primarily in Wales, the 1999 Men's Rugby World Cup witnessed Australia securing their second title by defeating France in a convincing final at the Millennium Stadium.
Women's Rugby World Cup 1998
USA swept aside Canada equally impressively in the other semi-final but had no answer in the title decider, Vanessa Cootes scoring four of New Zealand’s eight tries in a 44-12 victory to ensure a third champion in as many tournaments.
Men's Rugby World Cup 1995
The third Rugby World Cup. It was hosted and won by South Africa.
Women's Rugby World Cup 1994
It was evident from early on that the 1991 finalists were again the teams to beat as USA and England duly cruised to another title decider. This time, however, England exacted revenge in a hugely entertaining contest, winning 38-23.
Men's Rugby World Cup 1991
The second edition of the Men's Rugby World Cup, and was jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France.
Women's Rugby World Cup 1991
England, France, New Zealand and USA progressed to the semi-finals, but it was there that the challenges of Les Bleues and the Black Ferns ended. England led 6-3 at the break in the final at Cardiff Arms Park after Gill Burns converted a penalty try, but nothing could stop USA from claiming the country’s first – and last – major trophy since the men’s team won Olympic gold in 1924, as they reeled off 19 points without reply.
