The Rugby World Cup is the premier international rugby union competition. The event is organized by the sport's governing body, the International Rugby Board (IRB), and is contested by the men's national teams. The inaugural tournament was held in 1987, hosted by both Australia and New Zealand, and is now contested every four years.
The winners are awarded the William Webb Ellis Cup, named after the Rugby School pupil credited speciously with the game's invention. The tournament is one of the largest international sporting competitions in the world. The title of world champion is currently held by England, who won the 2003 tournament held in Australia. The next Rugby World Cup will be hosted in France during September and October of 2007.