Rugby World Cup 2011

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Held every four years, the World Cup is one of the largest international sporting events in the world.

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Ninety nations participate in regional qualifying which began in 2004 and 20 teams will make up the field for the World Cup. There will be 48 matches over 44 days. Forty-two matches will be spread between 10 French cities, four matches will be held in Cardiff, Wales, and two in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The 20 qualifying teams will be divided into four pools of five teams each. Teams play the other teams in their pool once. The top two teams in each pool advance to the knockout round which consists of quarter and semi-finals and then the championship game. Losers in the semi-final round play for third and fourth place.

Four points are awarded to the winning team and two points for a draw. Bonus points are awarded to a team that loses by seven or fewer points or if a team scores four or more goals in a game. Total points determine overall pool positions.

Teams in Pool A for the 2007 tournament are England, Samoa, South Africa, Tonga and the United States. Pool B consists of Australia, Canada, Fiji, Japan and Wales. Pool C is made up of Italy, New Zealand, Romania, Scotland and either Portugal or Uruguay. Pool D teams are France, Ireland, Georgia, Argentina and Namibia.

The World Cup, which is governed by the International Rugby Board (IRB), was first held in 1987 and was hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis, who is credited with founding rugby football, is presented to the World Cup champion.

England defeated Australia, 20-17, to claim the 2003 championship. Other champions include New Zealand in 1987; Australia in 1991 and 1999; and South Africa in 1995.

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