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International rugby is the pinnacle of rugby union. After all, almost every single one of the sport’s biggest tournaments takes place on the international stage. From the Six Nations in the northern hemisphere to The Rugby Championship in the southern hemisphere, international tournaments deliver some of rugby’s most exciting matches.

Excited for the next international tournament? From news and interviews to details about upcoming rugby matches, we’ve got all the latest coverage. Read on to discover team updates, results and more right here at RugbyPass.

International Rugby History

Organised international rugby began in 1886 when Scotland, Wales and Ireland formed the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) – or as it’s now known, World Rugby. In 1890, England officially joined and the IRFB wrote the first international laws of rugby union.

Fast forward to 1949 and Australia, New Zealand and South Africa joined the IRFB. In the coming years, more and more teams from all over the world became full members, including France (1978), Argentina (1987) and Japan (1987). By the 1980s, many of the countries began to consider creating a world championship and by 1987, this dream had become a reality. Today, the Rugby World Cup remains the highlight of the international rugby calendar.

Recent International Rugby History

In 2003, an international rugby rankings system was introduced. When the system was first launched, England topped the international rankings after the team won the 2003 edition of the Rugby World Cup. However, New Zealand have dominated the international rugby rankings since. Between 2009 and 2019, the team held the number one spot uninterrupted.

Rugby union is now a truly global game. World Rugby has more than 100 member unions and a further 20+ nations hold associate member status. As a result, international rugby teams from across the world often play against each other for bragging rights, trophies and world ranking points. No matter what month of the year it may be, you’re sure to find an international rugby fixture that you can watch.

FAQs

When was the first game of international rugby?

The first international rugby union game was held on 27 March 1871. The match was between England and Scotland and it was held at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, in front of 4,000 spectators. Scotland won the first international match as they scored two tries to England’s one.

Which teams play international rugby?

There are more than 120 teams that play international rugby union, including 108 member unions and 21 associate unions. These teams come from Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Australia. 

Top-ranked teams include England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the United States.

Which nations are home to the highest number of people who play rugby union?

England is home to the highest number of people who play rugby union. According to World Rugby data from 2019, 2.11 million people play rugby in England. This is followed by the USA (1.48 million), South Africa (692,000), France (533,000) and Australia (477,000).

Which international teams play in the Six Nations?

The international teams that play in the Six Nations Championship are England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. 

The tournament first began as the Home Nations, and this tournament was contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It became the Five Nations with the addition of France (1910) and the Six Nations with the addition of Italy (2000).

Which international teams play in The Rugby Championship?

The international teams that play in The Rugby Championship are Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The competition was previously known as the Tri Nations. It took its current name when Argentina joined the tournament in 2012.

Which international teams have won the Rugby World Cup?

There are four international teams that have won the Rugby World Cup: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England. New Zealand first won the Rugby World Cup in 1987, Australia in 1991, South Africa in 1995 and England in 2003.

Which international teams have held the position of world number one?

The international teams that have held the position of world number one are England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and Wales.

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