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Rugby League World Cup
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Rugby League World Cup

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News •

The remarkable story behind Russia's record 110-4 loss to Australia at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup • Nov. 16, 2024, 11:23 PM ET (ABC News (Australia))
George Williams dazzles as England gain a measure of revenge over Samoa • Oct. 28, 2024, 8:19 AM ET (The Guardian)
France end Wales' World Cup hopes in play-off final • Oct. 25, 2024, 11:30 AM ET (BBC)

Rugby League World Cup, international rugby event that is considered to be the foremost competition in the “league” variant of the sport.

Who actually invented rugby?
Who actually invented rugby?Rugby has its origins in 19th-century England.
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The Rugby League World Cup began in 1954 in France and has been held at irregular intervals since then. Australia won six consecutive World Cups between 1975 and 2000, establishing itself as the international powerhouse in rugby league. Australia’s run of dominance ended in 2008 when the team—playing at home in Brisbane—was beaten in the World Cup final by rival New Zealand in one of the biggest upsets in rugby history. The 2000 Rugby League World Cup, held in Britain, featured teams from 16 countries, but the 2008 iteration returned to a 10-team format.

Results of the Rugby League World Cup are provided in the table.

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.
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Rugby League World Cup
year result
*Great Britain won on match points.
**Called International Championship from 1975 to 1977.
***Championships played without a grand final match; England was the runner-up.
****Held in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1954 Great Britain 16 France 12
1957 Australia 29 Great Britain 21
1960 Great Britain 66 Australia 37
1968 Australia 20 France 2
1970 Australia 12 Great Britain 7
1972 Great Britain 10* Australia 10
1975** Australia***
1977** Australia 13 Great Britain 12
1988 Australia 25 New Zealand 12
1992 Australia 10 Great Britain 6
1995 Australia 16 England 8
2000 Australia 40 New Zealand 12
2008 New Zealand 34 Australia 20
2013 Australia 34 New Zealand 2
2017 Australia 6 England 0
2021**** Australia 30 Samoa 10
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.