What is Final RWC?
The final Rugby World Cup (RWC) is a prestigious international rugby union tournament held every four years. The event brings together the best teams from around the world, showcasing their skills and competing for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup.
History of the Final RWC
- The first RWC was held in 1987, with New Zealand emerging as the champions.
- The tournament has since grown in popularity, with teams from 22 countries participating in the 2019 edition.
- The event is governed by World Rugby (formerly the International Rugby Board) and is open to all national teams that meet specific qualification criteria.
| Year | Winner | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | New Zealand | Australia |
| 1991 | South Africa | New Zealand |
Final RWC Qualification Process
The qualification process for the final RWC involves a series of tournaments and playoffs, with teams vying for one of the 20 available spots.
Qualification Pathways
- Rugby Europe Championship: The top team from Rugby Europe will qualify directly to the RWC. The second-place finisher will enter a play-off against the sixth-place finisher from the Americas Rugby Championship.
- Africa Gold Cup: The winner of this tournament will secure one spot in the RWC, while the runner-up will compete against the winner of the Asia-Pacific Rugby Championship for the final remaining spot.
- Oceania Rugby Championship: The top three teams from Oceania will qualify directly to the RWC. The fourth-place finisher will enter a play-off against the winner of the Americas Rugby Championship.
Final RWC Host Country and Venue
The host country for the final RWC is selected by World Rugby through a bidding process, with the chosen nation hosting the tournament every four years.
Past Host Countries
- New Zealand (1987): The inaugural RWC was held in New Zealand, with games played at various stadiums across the country.
- Australia and New Zealand (1991-1995): The 1991 and 1995 tournaments were co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, respectively. ...
Final RWC Schedule and Format
The final RWC follows a set format, with teams competing in pools before advancing to the knockout stages.
Pools and Knockout Stages
- Pools: The 20 qualified teams are divided into four pools of five teams each. Each team plays the other teams in their pool once, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the knockout stages.
- Knockout Stages: The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final match determine the tournament's winner. The loser of the third-place play-off matches will be ranked fourth overall.
Final RWC Venues and Stadiums
The final RWC is played across various stadiums in the host country, with the majority of games taking place at large-capacity venues.
Past Venues
| Year | Venue(s) |
|---|---|
| 1987 | New Zealand (various stadiums) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the history of the final RWC?
A: The first RWC was held in 1987, with New Zealand emerging as the champions. Since then, the tournament has grown in popularity, with teams from 22 countries participating in the 2019 edition.
Q: How does the final RWC qualification process work?
A: The qualification process involves a series of tournaments and playoffs, with teams vying for one of the 20 available spots. The top teams from various regions will qualify directly to the RWC, while others will enter play-offs against other nations.
Q: What is the format of the final RWC?
A: The tournament follows a set format, with teams competing in pools before advancing to the knockout stages. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final match determine the winner, while the loser of the third-place play-off matches will be ranked fourth overall.