Internationals

Organised international rugby began in 1886 when Scotland, Wales and Ireland formed the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) – or as it’s now known, World Rugby. In 1890, England officially joined and the IRFB wrote the first international laws of rugby union.

Fast forward to 1949 and Australia, New Zealand and South Africa joined the IRFB. In the coming years, more and more teams from all over the world became full members, including France (1978), Argentina (1987) and Japan (1987). By the 1980s, many of the countries began to consider creating a world championship and by 1987, this dream had become a reality. Today, the Rugby World Cup remains the highlight of the international rugby calendar.

In 2003, an international rugby rankings system was introduced. When the system was first launched, England topped the international rankings after the team won the 2003 edition of the Rugby World Cup. However, New Zealand have dominated the international rugby rankings since. Between 2009 and 2019, the team held the number one spot uninterrupted.

Rugby union is now a truly global game. World Rugby has more than 100 member unions and a further 20+ nations hold associate member status. As a result, international rugby teams from across the world often play against each other for bragging rights, trophies and world ranking points. No matter what month of the year it may be, you’re sure to find an international rugby fixture that you can watch.