Which team has appeared in the most Rugby World Cup finals?

New Zealand has appeared in the most Rugby World Cup finals, reaching the championship match five times. The All Blacks played in the finals of 1987, 1995, 2011, 2015 and 2023.

New Zealand won the inaugural World Cup in 1987, defeating France 29–9 in Auckland. It lost to South Africa in the 1995 final, then returned to win on home soil in 2011. The All Blacks retained the trophy in 2015 by beating Australia 34–17 at Twickenham, becoming the first team to win consecutive men's World Cups.

New Zealand's fifth final came in 2023, when South Africa won 12–11 in Paris. That result left New Zealand with three titles and two runner-up finishes. South Africa has won more titles—four—but has appeared in only four finals, winning every final it has contested.

Australia and England have each reached four finals, while France has appeared three times without winning. The record counts final appearances, not victories, so South Africa's superior title total does not change New Zealand's lead in this category.