The first Rugby World Cup began in 1987 with sixteen teams participating from all over the world.
This event was proposed by both Australia and New Zealand and was approved by the International Rugby Board. The event turned out to be great success and attracted attention of innumerable rugby-enthusiasts. Since this was the first Rugby World Cup , most of the games were pretty one-sided. The strongest contenders for the trophy were France, Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand finally bagged the winners' title by beating France in the final match on 20 th June, 1987.
Countries from all over the world participated in the 1987 Rugby World Cup . Countries from the African continent, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania formed the participating teams . Zimbabwe was the only team to represent the African continent. Americas was represented by Argentina, Canada and the United States of America. Japan was the only Rugby playing country from the Asian community participating in the 1987 Rugby World Cup . Major teams in the inaugural Rugby World Cup were from Europe as rugby is one of the favourite sports there. The participating teams from Europe were England, France, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Scotland and Wales. Last but not the least was the participating teams from the Oceania. The teams included Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga. The final match was held between New Zealand and France, at the Eden Park, Auckland.
