Rugby World Cup

Events > Rugby World Cup > Host Countries > Australia & NZ

1987 Rugby World Cup

• Hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand from 22 May to the 20 June 1987.

• Sixteen teams participated in 1987 Rugby World Cup. The teams were Australia, England, United States of America, Japan, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina, Italy, France, Scotland, Romania and Zimbabwe.

• This was the first ever World Cup for Rugby

• The final was played at Eden Park, Auckland: and was won by New Zealand, beating France 29-9

• Total attendance at the 1987 games was 600,000.

• The 1987 tournament showed the gulf in ability between the top nations and the weaker sides. This was highlighted by the All Blacks scoring 74 points against Fiji and France putting on 13 tries against Zimbabwe.