The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby World Cup and was won by England. Originally planned to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, all games were shifted to Australia following a contractual dispute over ground signage rights between the New Zealand Rugby Union and Rugby World Cup Limited. The pre-event favourites were England, regarded by many at the time as the best team in the world. New Zealand, France, South Africa and defending champions Australia were also expected to make strong showings, with New Zealand being second favourites after victory in the southern-hemisphere Tri-Nations championship.
England 2003 World Cup winners
The Opening Ceremony at Stadium Australia
The opening game at Stadium Australia between Australia and Argentina
Celebrations in Trafalgar Square
The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams, the winners of which are recognised as the World champions of the sport.
The Webb Ellis Cup, awarded to the winner of men's Rugby World Cup.
Ireland v Argentina in 2007
A scrum between Samoa (in blue) and Wales (in red) during the 2011 World Cup
Gavin Hastings of Scotland is one of four players to have kicked a record eight penalties in a single World Cup match.
