In what year was France the primary host of the Rugby World Cup for the first time? France was the primary host in 2007.
The 2007 tournament was the sixth men’s Rugby World Cup and ran from 7 September to 20 October. France hosted most of the matches, with games staged across ten French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse. The final was played at the Stade de France, where South Africa defeated England 15–6.
France had hosted individual matches in earlier tournaments. The 1991 World Cup was staged across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France, while the 1999 event also used venues in several European countries. That is why 2007 is described as France’s first time as the primary host rather than its first involvement as a venue.
France won the hosting rights in 2003 after competing with England’s bid. Six matches were played outside France in 2007: four in Cardiff, Wales, and two in Edinburgh, Scotland.