The Rugby World Cup is held once every 4 years. The winner is awarded the Web Ellis Trophy (named after the legendary creator of rugby). The next World Cup will be held in Wales in 1999.
Previous World Cup competitions have been held in
In the first 3 World Cups 16 countries took part but in 1999 the field is being expanded to 20. In 1987 16 countries were simply issued invitations. In 1991 and 1995 the top eight finishers from the previous World Cup were invited (along with South Africa as hosts in 1995, who were also competing for the first time) and elimination rounds were held for the other eight places.
For the 1999 World Cup, only the top three finishers from 1995 (South Africa, New Zealand and France) plus the hosts (Wales) will automatically qualify. The elimination process for the 1999 World Cup will involve teams from 66 countries playing a total of 138 games.
The World Cup is run by the organization Rugby World Cup under the auspices of the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB). Rugby WC can be contacted at the following address:
Rugby World Cup 5 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TF Telephone + 44 117 929 0111 Fax + 44 117 925 0033