The Rugby World Cup is an international rugby union tournament held every four years, featuring teams from around the globe. The first tournament took place in 1987, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. It has since grown in popularity, showcasing the best rugby talent and fostering international competition. Each tournament consists of a series of qualifying matches leading to a final knockout stage. The winning team is awarded the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis, who is credited with inventing the game of rugby. The event is one of the largest sporting competitions worldwide.