The 2003 Rugby World Cup was scheduled to be hosted by Australia . The event is also regarded as the fifth Rugby World Cup . Initially the event was to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. However, following a difference over the contract, all matches were shifted to Australia. The event was scheduled between 10 th October and 22 nd November. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was won by England .
Twenty teams participated in the final stage of the 2003 Rugby World Cup . The eight teams, which made it to the quarter finals of the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales, qualified automatically to the final round of the 2003 event. The qualifying round was arranged for selecting teams for the other twelve spots at the final stage of the 2003 Rugby World Cup .
The twenty teams participating in the 2003 Rugby World Cup were divided in four pools . Five teams were included in each pool. The teams participating in the World Cup were Argentina, Canada, the United States of America, Uruguay, Namibia, South Africa , Japan, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand , England, France , Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Scotland
