Rugby World Cup Fixtures (2023)

FAQs

What is the record for most tries by a player at a Rugby World Cup tournament? ›

Bryan Habana & Jonah Lomu share the record for the most tries (15) in Rugby World Cups, and share the record for most tries in a single World Cup tournament (8) with Julian Savea (below).

Four countries have won the trophy; New Zealand and South Africa three times, Australia twice, and England once.

The Webb Ellis Cup – the trophy presented to the winners of the men's Rugby World Cup – was made in 1906 by Garrad and Co. and is based on a design from 1736 by the world-famous silversmith Paul de Lamerie.

A total of 20 teams have qualified for this year's Rugby World Cup and they will compete in four pools of five teams each. Many of the nations competing are tournament regulars.

1871 Scotland versus England rugby union match.

Namibia – 142 points (142-0 to Australia, 2003 Australia World Cup)

1 - Best Rugby Team Of All Time: British & Irish Lions (1971) To this day, the 1971 squad are the only Lions team to triumph in New Zealand. Wales were the dominant force in rugby at the time and this squad was built around their star men.

England and Wales have won the championship the most times, both with 39 titles, but England have won the most outright titles with 29 (28 for Wales). Since the Six Nations era started in 2000, only Italy and Scotland have failed to win the Six Nations title.

The bookies make holders South Africa favourites for the 2023 Rugby World Cup at 3/1 ahead of Saturday's pivotal Pool B match against Ireland.

Where is the 2023 Rugby World Cup? ›

France

Stade de France

Orange Vélodrome

Stadium TFC

Decathlon Arena ‑ Stade Pierr...

Matmut Atlantique

The Ireland national rugby union team have played all nine Rugby World Cup tournaments. They have played in the quarter-finals at all but two tournaments, but have yet to progress to the semi-finals.

What is the Rugby World Cup's format? The 20 teams were drawn into four pools of five nations. The top two in each pool will advance to the knockout rounds. The competition then moves onto the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.

There are four sides that sit clear of the rest based on our predictions, and there is almost nothing to split them. Triple champions New Zealand were our favourites before their drubbing by South Africa in their final warm-up game. That honour now sits with Ireland.

Given he spent a career stacking up Six Nations records, it perhaps should come as no surprise to hear that Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll has scored more tries than anyone in the Championship's history.

The most rugby passes in one hour by a pair is 2,608 and was achieved by Shane Scanlon and James Crean (both Ireland) in Annascaul, Kerry, Ireland, on 13 March 2021.

The record for most Test points by an All Black is held by Dan Carter, who scored 1598 points between 2003 and 2015. The record for the number of Test tries is held by Doug Howlett, who scored 49 tries in 62 matches between 2000 and 2007.

The largest rugby ball measures 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in) in length and 3.70 m (12 ft 2 in) in diameter, achieved by Aramis Rugby Ltd (UK) in South Molton, Devon, UK, on 15 September 2019. The massive rugby ball weighs 130 kg when fully inflated!