The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of international rugby union, a global tournament contested every four years by men's national teams. It's a competition fierce with rivalries and overflowing with athleticism, where the winner is crowned the world champion of the sport.

This prestigious tournament is overseen by World Rugby, the governing body for the sport internationally.  The very first Rugby World Cup was held in 1987, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Back then, only 16 teams battled it out for the title. Participation grew in 1999 when the format expanded to include 20 teams, a number that remained consistent through the 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France.  However, get ready for a further increase in teams - the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia will see a record-breaking 24 nations competing for glory.

South Africa currently holds the champion's title, having secured back-to-back victories in both the 2019 and 2023 tournaments. The 2023 edition, which took place from September 8th to October 28th, was particularly significant as it was held in France, the birthplace of rugby itself (though the exact origins are debated). The tournament was hosted across nine venues throughout the country, with the opening match and the thrilling final both played at the Stade de France north of Paris.

The Rugby World Cup isn't just a single match; it's a week-long celebration of rugby union. Teams are divided into pools where they play a round-robin format, battling each other for a spot in the knockout stage. The knockout stage builds on the excitement, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the ultimate showdown - the final - where only one team can emerge victorious and hoist the Webb Ellis Cup, the coveted trophy awarded to the Rugby World Cup champions.