2011 Rugby World Cup

Home : Rugby Union : World Cup

The Rugby World Cup, which is held every four years, is the premier international rugby union competition. It is one of the largest international sporting events in the world.

Rugby World Cup Odds - Click Here

Governed by the International Rugby Board (IRB), the Rugby World Cup was first held in 1987 and was hosted by Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand won the inaugural tournament, 29-9, over France.

The next Rugby World Cup will be held in 2007 in New Zealand. Twenty teams, which will work their way through qualifying rounds, will battle for the title.

The World Cup teams will compete in two stages, a group and a knock out. Teams are divided into four pools of five teams, with the top two in each pool moving on to the knock-out quarter final round.

The winner of each pool is placed against a runner-up of an opposing pool in the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal winners advance to the semi-finals and those two winners play for the championship. Losers of the semi-final matches square off for third and fourth place.

Four points are awarded to the winning club, two points for a draw and zero points for a loss. Bonus points are earned if a team scores four or more goals in a game or if a team loses by seven or fewer points. Total points determine overall pool positions.

The first world cup did not involve qualifying, but it was introduced for the second tournament in 1991. Currently, the quarter finalists from the previous tournament fill eight of the 20 positions. Continental qualifying tournaments determine the other 12 entrants.

The winner of the World Rugby Cup is awarded the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis, who is credited with founding rugby football.

England is the defending champion, having defeated Australia, 20-17, in the 2003 finals. Other champions include Australia in 1999 and 1991 and South Africa in 1995.

Latest Rugby Union Betting Odds

Rugby World Cup: Rugby Union Betting Rugby World Cup - Rugby Union Odds Plus: Fantastic Free Money Bonus offers for all new members!