One of the major events in rugby is the Rugby World Cup that is held every four years. The last tournament took place in 2011 so the next one will be held in 2015. Let’s look at the Rugby World Cup and betting on rugby at the BetPhoenix sportsbook.
Rugby World Cup
The first tournament was held in 1987 and was hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The most recent event was also held in New Zealand with the All Blacks defeating France in the final. The first tournament in 1987 had a total of 16 teams but since that first event there have been 20 teams competing every four years. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have won the title twice while England has won the title once. The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be held in England while the 2019 Rugby World Cup will be held in Japan.
Qualifying
12 of the 20 teams qualify automatically with the other eight teams competing in a qualification system. Europe and the Americas get two spots each while Asia, African and Oceania get one spot while the last spot is determined in a playoff.
Format
The Rugby World Cup has 20 teams competing over a month with a group stage and a knockout stage. There are four groups of five teams each. The winner and runner-ups of each pool advance to the knockout stage with the quarterfinals, semifinals and final to follow.
Rugby World Cup Winners
2011 – New Zealand
2007 – South Africa
2003 – England
1999 – Australia
1995 – South Africa
1991 – Australia
1987 – New Zealand
You can bet on the Rugby World Cup at the BetPhoenix sportsbook. Not only can you bet on this big event but you can bet on a number of other rugby matches each year in addition to all of the other sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and more. Open your account at BetPhoenix today and get started with rugby betting.
rugby Rugby World Cup
