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History of Rugby World Cup(RWC ) started in 1979 when the idea for holding such an event was first debated in 1979, but it got shape in late 1983 . In this year the Australian Rugby Union and New Zealand Rugby Football Union put forward written proposals to the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) for hosting the competition.IRFB had earlier rejected the proposals of holding a tournament of world cup stature.
The interesting aspect was that neither of the countries knew of each other’s proposal. Australia wanted to host this competition so that it can concur with their Bicentenary in 1988 while New Zealand wanted to host it in 1987.
Both proposals were turned down but the two counties pooled resource to conduct a feasibility study, to be presented at the IRFB's annual meeting in March 1985.
The important year foretelling the history of Rugby World Cup was 1987 when it was decided to host the competition and thus any clash with Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup was avoided . The proposal was put on vote at the IRFB meeting in Paris. Eight IRFB members who voted were Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. History was created when the voting was in favor of a Rugby World Cup by six votes to two.
It was Ireland and Scotland who were against the competition as they though it will destroy the essence of amateur nature of the sport. France supported the decision only if countries which were not a member of IFRB were also invited to participate. South Africa was not included in any tournament as it was at that time in the phase of international sports boycott but it gave a vote in favor of the game.
This marks a landmark decision in the history of Rugby World Cup and it meant that this competition would be governed by world association. It was decided the first Rugby World Cup would be held in New Zealand and Australia would be co-hosting the mega event.
Argentina replaced South Africa and Fiji, Tonga, Japan, Canada, Romania, Zimbabwe, Italy and the United States were sent invitation to constitute 16-team tournament slated to be held between May and June 1987. And the format of breaking the teams in to four pools started from this time.
The history of Rugby World Cup saw it going up on the popularity chart and it was the third biggest sporting event after the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
It was late Vernon Pugh QC, the International Rugby Board and Rugby World Cup Ltd Chairman who was the key player in the history of the Rugby World Cup.
Travel.mapsofworld.com offers full details of History of Rugby World Cup and to know more of each event played since 1987 click on the links below. For any informarion regarding Rugby World Cup 2007, remain hooked to the site.
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