The Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is the biggest event in rugby. National teams from around the world compete every four years. It is one of the largest sporting events on the planet.

How the Tournament Works

Twenty teams qualify for the Rugby World Cup. They are divided into groups and play each other. The top teams from each group move on to the knockout rounds. The knockout rounds lead to the semifinals and then the big final.

The tournament lasts about six weeks. Games are played in stadiums in the host country. Fans from all over the world travel to watch their teams play. The winning team lifts the Webb Ellis Cup.

Famous Moments

The first Rugby World Cup was held in 1987 in Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand won that first tournament. South Africa's win in 1995 was very special because it helped bring the country together after a difficult time.

New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia have won the most Rugby World Cups. The All Blacks from New Zealand are known for their famous haka dance before each game. The Rugby World Cup is always full of exciting moments.

Fun Facts

• New Zealand and South Africa have each won the Rugby World Cup four times.
• The Webb Ellis Cup is named after the boy said to have invented rugby.
• Over 850,000 fans attended the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Did You Know?

The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan was the first ever held in Asia, and it helped make rugby more popular across the continent!