The 1987 Rugby World Cup: A Historic Event in Rugby History

We’re slowly but surely warming up for the 2023 Rugby World. The 1987 Rugby World Cup was the first ever Rugby World Cup, hosted by New Zealand and Australia. It was a historic event that brought together teams from across the world to compete in the ultimate rugby competition.

The Tournament Format

The tournament began on May 22, 1987, and ran through June 20, 1987. A total of 16 teams participated in the tournament, which was split into four pools of four teams each. The top two teams from each pool advanced to the quarterfinals, which were played in a knockout format.

A Dominant Performance by the All Blacks

The tournament was won by the host nation, New Zealand, who defeated France 29-9 in the final. The All Blacks, as they are famously known, dominated the tournament, winning all six of their matches and scoring a total of 187 points while conceding only 50.

England’s first tournament

As this was the first ever rugby World Cup, it was also England’s first time to play a World Cup. They got drawn into Pool A, in which they finished in second place behind Australia. In the quarter final Wales was way too strong with a 16-3 score.

Standout Performances from Individual Players

The tournament saw some memorable performances from individual players, such as the Australian fly-half Michael Lynagh, who scored a crucial drop goal in the quarterfinals against Ireland to secure a 33-15 victory. New Zealand's John Kirwan also had a standout performance in the final, scoring one of the most famous tries in Rugby World Cup history with a scintillating run from his own half.

The First Rugby World Cup Anthem

The tournament was also notable for the presence of the first ever Rugby World Cup anthem, "World in Union," which was composed by British musician Gustav Holst and adapted by South African composer Piet Botha.

A Significant Moment in Rugby History

The 1987 Rugby World Cup was a significant moment in the history of rugby, marking the beginning of a new era for the sport. It paved the way for the development of rugby as a global game, and set the standard for future Rugby World Cup tournaments. The tournament showcased the best rugby talent from around the world, and inspired a new generation of rugby players and fans.