*The 2019 Rugby World Cup is upon us. (PART 1)*

Logo for the 2019 RWC

The 1987 RWC final match magazine. New Zealand vs France.

The English, 2003 RWC winners

Webb Ellis World Cup Trophy

The waiting is almost over with only 6 days to the biggest Rugby show in the World. This will be the 9th edition of the Rugby World Cup (RWC). For the first time the Tournament will be hosted by Japan which in itself reflects the advancement of the game globally. The host nations have normally been among the top playing Countries like Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Wales. Hosts Japan will open the games against Russia on 20th September at 13:45 (EAT) at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, Tokyo.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup will be easily the most competitive ever with probably 5 or 6 teams with genuine hopes of lifting the Webb Ellis on 2nd November at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Kanagua Prefecture. The process of determining the hosts for this 2019 RWC started way back in 2008. At a special meeting in Dublin on 28th July 2009, the International Rugby Board (now, World Rugby) confirmed that England and Japan will host the 2015 RWC and 2019 RWC respectively.

*Background*

The idea of the Rugby World Cup was nurtured many years ago-long before it started in 1987 and it is believed that Australia put forth the first real proposal to host in 1983. They were joined by New Zealand who added their proposal to host too. After a feasibility study by the IRB, the Australia and New Zealand Unions joined forces for hosting the first RWC. The Original four Home Unions were believed to oppose the idea of the RWC. France joined Australia and New Zealand and later South Africa (which was facing a sporting ban). Later England and Wales consented.

The 1987 RWC was jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand and after a total of 32 matches from 22nd May to 20th June; New Zealand (All Blacks) became the first Country to win the Webb Ellis after defeating France 29-09 at Eden Park in Auckland. Zimbabwe was the only team from Africa invited to participate in that World Cup. South Africa was still facing the international sports boycott due to its Apartheid policy.

The 1991 RWC was hosted by Great Britain, Ireland and France and the final was at Twickenham-the home of English rugby. Australia won the final by beating England 12-06. England qualified for the final after beating Scotland at Murrayfield and Australia (Wallabies) had earlier beaten New Zealand in the Semifinals. Australia became the first Country to win it away from home. Zimbabwe were the only African Nation in the World Cup.

The 1995 RWC was set to be the biggest yet with the inclusion of South Africa (Springboks) who was also hosts. It was the first time the Competition was hosted by a single Country. South Africa stunned the World after stopping favorites New Zealand in the final match. South Africa took the Webb Ellis after Joel Strasky’s successful drop goal to separate the two teams in extra time. South Africa won it 15-12 and memories of Nelson Mandela cheering the Springboks are still fresh. The RWC main news must have been the devastating Jonah Lomu who became an instant hit World over. The World game was never going to be the same and the era of professionalism started after the World Cup. Chester William (RIP) who was the Uganda Rugby Coach in 2006 was part of that successful Springboks team. Francois Pienaar was the Springbok captain who received the trophy from President Mandela who donned their Jersey with the Captain’s number on it. Ivory Coast and South Africa represented Africa.

The 1999 RWC was hosted by Wales with some matches held in England, France Scotland and Ireland. The final was slated to be held at the Millennium Stadium in Wales. A total of 65 teams participated in the qualifying process and participating teams at the RWC were increased from 16 to 20. France shocked a star studded All Blacks 43-31 in the Semifinal before losing to Australia 12-35 in the final. Australia became the first country to win the RWC twice.

*Part 2 to follow with 2003 RWC, 2007 RWC, 2011 RWC and 2015 RWC summaries.*

*Part 3 will focus solely on the 2019 RWC*

We thank the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the all they do for rugby let’s enjoy the International Rugby Union World Cup 2019.

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