The idea of a rugby World Cup was first mooted in the late 1950s - almost 30 years after the first soccer world tournament - but was repeatedly rejected by a majority of national unions.

Prior to this, only regional international competitions had been held, with the Five Nations (which had begun as the Home Nations Championship in 1883 until it was renamed in 1910) holding pride of place.

The idea of a world tournament resurfaced in the early 1980s, championed by New Zealand and Australia. The idea gradually won ground, with even the South Africans backing the scheme despite knowing that they would be excluded because of international opposition to the apartheid regime.

The first tournament, involving 16 teams and a total of 32 matches, was hosted - and won - by New Zealand. Six tournaments in all have been held, one every four years, with Australia and South Africa both winning twice. South Africa won the cup for the first time on their debut in 1995 after being excluded in 1987 and 1991. England, with their success in 2003, are the only northern hemisphere side to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

The current champions are South Africa, who beat England 15-6 in the 2007 final in Paris. That tournament involved 20 teams playing 48 matches. The next world Cup will be staged in New Zealand from 9 September-23 October, 2011.