Which country has won the most men’s Rugby World Cup titles?

South Africa has won the most men’s Rugby World Cup titles, with four championships.

South Africa won the tournament in 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023. Its 2023 victory in France gave the Springboks a fourth title, moving them ahead of New Zealand, which had won three. South Africa won each of its first four finals, an exceptional record in the competition.

The 1995 title was especially significant because it came in South Africa’s first Rugby World Cup after the country returned to major international sport following the end of apartheid-era isolation. The final was held at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where South Africa defeated New Zealand 15–12 after extra time.

The 2023 final was a much narrower contest: South Africa defeated New Zealand 12–11 at the Stade de France. Rugby World Cup titles are counted by tournament victories, not by the number of final appearances.