Rugby World Cup History: List of Winners, Runners-Up & Hosts
Since the inaugural Edition 1987 Till date Rugby World cup Tournament is held on span of every four years by the Rugby sports international governing body. First Edition of 1987 RWC to be host by Australia and New Zealand Jointly and its to be win by the New Zealand by 29-9 score against France.
Till date Total 9 tournament has been played and the upcoming tenth edition of Rugby world cup to be starts from the 8th of September 2023 which to be host by France. South Africa is the defending champions as they won RWC 2019 against England.
| Year | Host Country | Winner | Runner-Up | Final Score | Final Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | New Zealand & Australia | New Zealand | France | 29–9 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 1991 | England (main) | Australia | England | 12–6 | Twickenham, London |
| 1995 | South Africa | South Africa | New Zealand | 15–12 (aet) | Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
| 1999 | Wales (main) | Australia | France | 35–12 | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff |
| 2003 | Australia | England | Australia | 20–17 (aet) | Stadium Australia, Sydney |
| 2007 | France | South Africa | England | 15–6 | Stade de France, Paris |
| 2011 | New Zealand | New Zealand | France | 8–7 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 2015 | England | New Zealand | Australia | 34–17 | Twickenham, London |
| 2019 | Japan | South Africa | England | 32–12 | International Stadium, Yokohama |
| 2023 | France | South Africa | New Zealand | 12–11 | Stade de France, Paris |
World Cup Win by Countries
- Most Titles: South Africa (4) – 1995, 2007, 2019, 2023
- Other Multiple Winners:
- New Zealand (3) – 1987, 2011, 2015
- Australia (2) – 1991, 1999
- England (1) – 2003
Best Moments in Rugby World Cup History
1. 🇿🇦 1995 – Nelson Mandela’s Unity Moment
- Moment: Nelson Mandela wearing a Springboks jersey, handing the trophy to South African captain Francois Pienaar.
- Why It’s Iconic: Symbolized post-apartheid unity. Rugby became a bridge between races in South Africa.
- Quote: “One team, one country.”
2. 🏉 2003 – Jonny Wilkinson’s Drop Goal (England vs Australia)
- Moment: In the final minute of extra time, Jonny Wilkinson nailed a right-footed drop goal to win it for England (20–17).
- Why It’s Iconic: Gave England its first and only World Cup – and the first Northern Hemisphere win.
3. 🇯🇵 2015 – Japan Stuns South Africa
- Moment: Japan beat South Africa 34–32 in Brighton.
- Why It’s Iconic: The greatest upset in Rugby World Cup history. Known as the “Miracle of Brighton.”
- Hero: Karne Hesketh’s last-minute try.
4. 🖤 2015 – New Zealand’s Back-to-Back Titles
- Moment: All Blacks became the first team to defend a Rugby World Cup title (2011 & 2015).
- Why It’s Iconic: Cemented the All Blacks’ dominance. Led by legends like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.
5. 🇿🇦 2019 – Siya Kolisi Lifts the Trophy
- Moment: Siya Kolisi became the first Black captain to lead South Africa to a World Cup title.
- Why It’s Iconic: Powerful symbol of progress and inclusion.
- Final: South Africa 32–12 England
6. 🇳🇿 1987 – First-Ever World Cup Win
- Moment: New Zealand dominated the inaugural Rugby World Cup and won at home.
- Why It’s Iconic: Marked the beginning of World Cup legacy. David Kirk became the first captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
7. 🇫🇷 1999 – France’s Stunning Comeback vs New Zealand
- Moment: In the semifinal, France came back from 24–10 down to beat the All Blacks 43–31.
- Why It’s Iconic: One of the greatest comebacks in rugby history.
8. 🇿🇦 2023 – South Africa’s 4th Title
- Moment: South Africa edged New Zealand 12–11 in a nerve-wracking final in Paris.
- Why It’s Iconic: Became the most successful team in RWC history with four titles.
