Rugby Union is probably at its strongest point in history. Last year England won the World Cup for the first time, this
signaled the end of Southern Hemisphere dominance. The strongest international teams today are England, New Zealand,
Australia and South Africa, although other countries such as France, Ireland and Argentina are always a challenge to play.
Many of the island nations such as Tonga and Samoa have big rugby cultures but due to their tiny populations they often
strugle to compete against the bigger nations.
Super 12
One of the biggest successes in rugby union is the Super 12 competition. It is made up of five teams from New Zealand,
four from South Africa and three from Australia. The competition produces some of the most exciting rugby in the world and
has helped to develop the game enormously in the countries where it has been played.
Six Nations
The six nations tournament is contested each year between England, France, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy. This
battle for Northern Hemisphere supremacy brings with it a fantastic atmosphere and the tradition of rivals that have played
each other since rugby began.
Tri Nations
The Tri Nations competition is a contest that is held each year between New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Each
of the teams play against each other twice, once in each country. The games between Australia and New Zealand also
count for the Bledisloe Cup which has been fiercely contested for many years.
World Cup
Every four years the World Cup is contested. The results from the all previous world cups is as follows.
RWC Results
Year
Result
1987
New Zealand def France 29-9
1991
Australia def England 12-6
1995
South Africa def New Zealand 15-12
1999
Australia def France 35-12
The next world cup will be held in France in 2007.