All-Time Rugby World Cup Winners List

After winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England/Wales, New Zealand (All Blacks) became the most successful team in history of international rugby. Today we take a look at historic results in relatively short history of Rugby World Cup. But before we jump into world cup winners list here is a small trivia. The World Cup Trophy known as “Webb Ellis Cup” is named after William Webb Ellis. Legend has it that Webb Ellis invented the game of “Rugby” during a football game.

Anyway as far as the rugby world cup winners are concerned so far 3 teams has won the competition twice or more. With New Zealand winning the first (1987) followed that with back to back wins in 2011 and 2015. South Africa and Australia also won the Rugby World Cup twice. While England has won the once back in 2003. Below is the history of all 7 world cups played so far and details on winners, runner ups, third place and the semifinal losers.

Most Successful Teams In Rugby World Cup History

YEAR	WINNERS	RUNNERS-UP	THIRD PLACE	FOURTH
1987	New Zealand	France	Wales	Australia
1991	Australia	England	New Zealand	Scotland
1995	South Africa	New Zealand	France	England
1999	Australia	France	South Africa	New Zealand
2003	England	Australia	New Zealand	France
2007	South Africa	England	Argentina	France
2011	New Zealand	France	Australia	Wales
2015	New Zealand	Australia	South Africa	Argentina

So looking at the above history its apparent that New Zealand are the most successful team having won the competition twice, runners once and 2 time third place finishes followed by 1 fourth place. Australia also have 2 titles, 1 runner-up, third place and fourth place finishes. France are one of the best teams not to have won the competition as the lost three finals and 2 semifinals.

Ireland, Fiji, Samoa and Canada has reached quarter-finals but never won went beyond with Ireland having reached 5 quarter finals but never reached semifinals.