Every four years, the Rugby World Cup (RWC) brings countries together to compete and show off their rugby skills. It’s always full of exciting moments and some big wins. So where can you find all the Rugby World Cup winners?
In this article, we share a list of all the Rugby Union World Cup winners over the years.
Rugby World Cup Winners List by Year
Next, we explore the Rugby World Cup champions over the years:
The Rugby World Cup Winners, also called RWC Winners, are the teams that have come out on top in the famous Rugby World Cup tournament.
South Africa has won it the most, with 4 victories, followed by New Zealand with 3, Australia with 2, and England with 1. These teams have shown their skills and strength, making them the champions of one of the biggest events in rugby.
- South Africa – wins 4 times
- New Zealand – wins 3 times
- Australia – wins 2 times
- England – wins 1 times
1987 – New Zealand
In the 1987 Rugby World Cup, hosted by both Australia and New Zealand, the New Zealand national rugby union team, commonly known as the All Blacks, emerged victorious.
This inaugural tournament marked the beginning of a new era in international rugby union. New Zealand defeated France 29-9 in the final, held at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. This victory secured New Zealand’s first Rugby World Cup title, establishing them as one of the dominant forces in rugby.
1991 – Australia
The 1991 Rugby World Cup was held in the UK, Ireland, and France. In the final at Twickenham in London, the Australian rugby team, the Wallabies, won their first Rugby World Cup title by beating England 12-6.
Captain Nick Farr-Jones led the team, with coach Bob Dwyer guiding them to victory. Aussie winger David Campese played a huge role and was named player of the tournament.
This win was a big moment in Australian rugby and made them a serious contender in the world of rugby union.
1995 – South Africa
South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, marking an important step toward healing after apartheid. The event symbolized the country’s return to international rugby after years of isolation.
In the final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa’s team, the Springboks, played against the New Zealand All Blacks. The game ended in a 12-12 draw after extra time, but South Africa won 15-12 thanks to a drop goal by Joel Stransky in extra time.
One of the most famous images from that day is President Nelson Mandela wearing a Springbok jersey and handing the trophy to François Pienaar, the South African captain.
This moment became a symbol of unity for the country. The 1995 Rugby World Cup helped bring South Africans together through their love for rugby during a time of change.
1999 – Australia
The 1999 Rugby World Cup was mainly held in Wales, with some matches played in England, France, Ireland, and Scotland. In the final, held at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Australia’s national rugby team, the Wallabies, won their second Rugby World Cup title.
On November 6, 1999, Australia played against France in the final. Australia won the game 35-12, with Stephen Larkham scoring a famous long-range drop goal. Matt Burke also helped by kicking goals accurately. The team was captained by John Eales, and their coach was Rod Macqueen.
This victory made Australia a powerful rugby nation and marked a great time for Australian rugby in the late 1990s.
2003 – England
The 2003 Rugby World Cup took place in Australia, with the final at Stadium Australia, Sydney. On November 22, England defeated Australia 20-17 in extra time.
Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson secured the win with a memorable last-second drop goal, one of rugby’s most iconic moments.
This historic victory is frequently highlighted among the TOP 20 Rugby Moments, showcasing England’s place among Rugby World Cup champions.
2007 – South Africa
France hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and South Africa (Springboks) won the final at Stade de France, Saint-Denis, on October 20, 2007. They faced England in a rematch of the 2003 final.
South Africa won 15-6, securing their second Rugby World Cup title. Percy Montgomery’s precise goal-kicking and the Springboks’ strong defense played key roles in their victory. John Smit captained the team, and Jake White was the head coach.
This victory was a huge achievement for South African rugby, further solidifying their place as one of the top Rugby World Cup winners. They became the second team, after Australia, to win multiple Rugby World Cups.
2011 – New Zealand
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was hosted by New Zealand, with matches held across the country. In the final, at Eden Park in Auckland on October 23, 2011, the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks, claimed their second Rugby World Cup title by defeating France.
The match was a tight battle, with New Zealand winning 8-7. Tony Woodcock scored the only try, while penalties and conversions accounted for the remaining points. Richie McCaw captained the team, and Graham Henry was the head coach.
This win was particularly meaningful for New Zealand, as it ended a 24-year drought since their first Rugby World Cup victory in 1987. The 2011 win strengthened the All Blacks’ reputation as one of the greatest Rugby World Cup champions in history.
2015 – New Zealand
The 2015 Rugby World Cup was hosted by England, with the final at Twickenham Stadium, London. On October 31, the All Blacks defeated Australia to secure their third Rugby World Cup title.
In an exciting and intense match, the All Blacks won 34-17. They scored three tries, with Dan Carter playing a pivotal role, contributing with his accurate goal-kicking and a crucial drop goal. Richie McCaw captained the team, and Steve Hansen was the head coach.
This victory made New Zealand the first team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups and cemented their position as one of the greatest rugby nations in history. Dan Carter earned the World Rugby Player of the Year award for 2015 after his outstanding performance in the final.
2019 – South Africa
The 2019 Rugby World Cup happened in Japan. In the final on November 2, 2019, at International Stadium Yokohama, the Springboks from South Africa won the championship by defeating England.
South Africa won 32-12, with tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe. Handré Pollard helped a lot with his accurate goal-kicking. Siya Kolisi, the team captain, made history as the first black captain of the Springboks in a Rugby World Cup final. Rassie Erasmus was the coach.
This victory was huge, not just for South African rugby but for the whole country. Kolisi’s leadership and the team’s mix of players showed how far they had come, making this win really special for South Africa.
2023 – South Africa
The 2023 Rugby World Cup was held in France, and it was one to remember. South Africa kept their World Champion title, showing off their amazing skills and teamwork.
In the final, South Africa played against France in a tough, close match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game was full of great plays, emotional moments, and drama, making it one of the most memorable matches in rugby history.
South Africa’s win confirmed their place as Rugby World Cup champions, adding to their long legacy in the sport.
FAQs About Rugby World Champions
Who has won the most Rugby World Cups?
South Africa has won the Rugby World Cup the most, with 4 titles, followed by New Zealand, who has won 3 times.
How many times has New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup?
New Zealand has won the Rugby World Cup 3 times – in 1987, 2011, and 2015.
Which country hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup?
The 1995 Rugby World Cup was hosted by South Africa and was an important part of the country’s journey after apartheid.
Who kicked the winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final?
Jonny Wilkinson from England kicked the famous drop goal that won them their first Rugby World Cup title in 2003.
Why was South Africa's 2019 Rugby World Cup victory special?
South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup win was extra special because Siya Kolisi became the first black captain to lead the team to victory in a Rugby World Cup final.
