What year was the first Rugby World Cup played?

The first Rugby World Cup was played in 1987. The inaugural tournament was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia from 22 May to 20 June.

Sixteen nations participated, with teams divided into four pools. The competition used an invitation-based format because qualifying tournaments had not yet been introduced.

New Zealand won the first title, defeating France 29–9 in the final at Eden Park in Auckland. Australia and France also reached the semifinals, while Wales finished third.

The Rugby World Cup then became a regular international tournament held every four years. The second edition took place in 1991 across England, Ireland, France, Scotland, and Wales, with Australia winning the championship.

The stored answer, 2007, refers to the sixth Rugby World Cup, hosted by France. South Africa defeated England in that final, so it was not the first edition.