The Rugby World Cup is the most viewed rugby tournament and takes place every four years to determine the world champion.
The World Cup is held by World Rugby, and the 2019 tournament will take place in Japan.
Here is a list of 19 interesting Rugby World Cup facts to get you into the soccer spirit for the 2019 World Cup in Japan:
RUGBY WORLD CUP FACTS:
1. King Jonny
England’s 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson remains the top points-scorer in finals history, with 277, from one try, 28 conversions, 58 penalties and 14 drop-goals.
2. Most tries
New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu in 1995 and South Africa’s Bryan Habana in 2007 share the record for the most tries in one competition, with eight.
3. Seeing red
Canada is the only team to have received two red cards in one match, in a 20-0 defeat to South Africa in 1995, Gareth Rees and Rod Snow the culprits.
4. Same whistle…
The same whistle is blown for the opening game of every Rugby World Cup tournament. It was first used in 1905 by a Welsh referee during a game between England and New Zealand.
5. Biggest winning margin – 142 Australia v Namibia 2003
The Wallabies routed Namibia in 2003, on a scoreline of 142-0. New Zealand are the only team to score more points in a match, defeating Japan 145-17 in 1995.null