Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams. The tournament was first held in 1987, when the tournament was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The winners are awarded the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis, the Rugby School pupil who, according to a popular legend, invented rugby by picking up the ball during a football game. Four countries have won the trophy; New Zealand three times, Australia and South Africa each twice, and England once. New Zealand are the current champions, having defeated
England at the Rugby World Cup of their four encounters. England co-hosted the 1991 Rugby World Cup with Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France, with the final between England and Australia played at Twickenham. England was the sole host of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, although eight games were held at the Millennium Stadium, the Welsh national stadium in Cardiff. England at the Rugby World Cup The England national team have competed in every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987. They have played 44 matches in eight tournaments, and won 31 for a winning record of 70.45%. Their best ever position was first in