The Rugby League World Cup is the premier international championship for rugby league football, held every four years since its inception in 1954.
This prestigious tournament brings together the world’s best rugby league nations to compete for the sport’s highest honor.
The tournament has seen dominant performances from traditional powerhouses like Australia, Great Britain, and New Zealand, shaping the history of rugby league globally.
This guide covers all Rugby League World Cup winners from 1954 through 2025, including championship records, winning scores, and how the tournament has evolved into one of rugby’s most competitive international events.
Rugby League World Cup Winners: Complete History Table
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Score | Venue |
| 2025 | Australia | Fiji | 30-8 | France |
| 2021 | South Africa | England | 20-8 | England |
| 2017 | England | Australia | 16-0 | Australia |
| 2013 | Australia | New Zealand | 14-6 | England |
| 2008 | New Zealand | Australia | 34-20 | Australia |
| 2000 | Australia | New Zealand | 14-6 | England |
| 1995 | Australia | England | 16-8 | England |
| 1988 | Australia | New Zealand | 25-12 | New Zealand |
| 1985 | Australia | New Zealand | 25-12 | England |
| 1977 | Australia | Great Britain | 13-10 | England |
| 1975 | Australia | England | 10-7 | England |
| 1972 | Great Britain | France | 10-7 | France |
| 1970 | Australia | England | 12-7 | England |
| 1968 | Australia | France | 20-2 | France |
| 1960 | Great Britain | France | 10-6 | France |
| 1957 | Australia | Great Britain | 9-7 | Australia |
| 1954 | Great Britain | France | 16-12 | France |
Most Rugby League World Cup Wins: Record Holders
Australia dominates the Rugby League World Cup record books with ten championship victories spanning over five decades.
The Australian rugby league team has established itself as the sport’s most successful international program through consistent excellence and competitive depth.
Great Britain follows with three Rugby League World Cup titles won between 1954 and 1972.
New Zealand and South Africa have each claimed one championship title, with South Africa’s 2021 victory representing a breakthrough moment for Southern Hemisphere rugby league beyond Australia’s dominance.
The frequency of Australian victories demonstrates the nation’s investment in rugby league infrastructure, player development, and strategic gameplay.
Australia’s rugby league culture has produced generations of elite players who maintain the nation’s competitive advantage on the international stage.
Rugby League World Cup Championships by Nation:
- Australia: 10 titles (1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2000, 2013, 2025)
- Great Britain: 3 titles (1954, 1960, 1972)
- New Zealand: 1 title (2008)
- South Africa: 1 title (2021)
- England: 1 title (2017)
Championship Records and Notable Victories
Australia’s 2025 Rugby League World Cup victory marked the team’s tenth championship title.
The team defeated Fiji with a dominant performance, showcasing the consistency that has defined Australian rugby league excellence across decades of competition.
England reached the 2021 Rugby League World Cup final but fell to South Africa in a stunning upset.
South Africa’s 20-8 victory represented the first Rugby League World Cup championship won by a nation outside the traditional triumvirate of Australia, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
England emerged as champions in 2017, defeating Australia 16-0 in a shutout performance that captured international attention.
This victory ended Australia’s championship dominance and proved that emerging nations could challenge the sport’s traditional power structure at the highest competitive level.
Largest Championship Margins of Victory
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Margin |
| 2017 | England | Australia | 16-0 |
| 1968 | Australia | France | 20-2 |
| 2008 | New Zealand | Australia | 34-20 |
| 1957 | Australia | Great Britain | 9-7 |
| 1995 | Australia | England | 16-8 |
Format Evolution and Tournament Growth
The Rugby League World Cup began in 1954 with fewer participating nations than modern tournaments.
Early championships featured primarily Great Britain, France, and Australia, reflecting the geographic concentration of rugby league popularity during the sport’s development phase.
Modern Rugby League World Cups include expanded field formats with teams from the Pacific Islands, Europe, and Asia competing alongside traditional powerhouses.
This expansion has increased competitive diversity and created opportunities for emerging nations to establish their rugby league programs internationally.
The tournament typically runs every four years, though scheduling has occasionally adjusted for international circumstances.
Recent championships have featured knockout stages, preliminary rounds, and group-stage formats designed to maximize competitive balance and audience engagement.
Great Britain and France in Championship History
Great Britain won three Rugby League World Cups in 1954, 1960, and 1972, establishing the nation as a championship-caliber competitor during rugby league’s formative international years. Great Britain’s last championship came in 1972 when they defeated France 10-7 in the final.
France has never won the Rugby League World Cup but has appeared in multiple finals throughout tournament history.
The French rugby league program has developed significantly over decades, producing competitive teams that consistently reach championship stages despite not securing tournament victories.
France’s participation in Rugby League World Cups has elevated the sport’s profile across continental Europe.
The nation hosts tournaments regularly and maintains a dedicated rugby league fan base that supports international competition at the highest levels.
Great Britain’s Championship Era:
- 1954: Defeated France 16-12
- 1960: Defeated France 10-6
- 1972: Defeated France 10-7
New Zealand’s Path to Championship Glory
New Zealand claimed its only Rugby League World Cup championship in 2008 with a 34-20 victory over Australia in the final.
This triumph represented the Kiwis’ most significant achievement in international rugby league competition and validated their status among rugby league’s elite nations.
The 2008 championship victory came after decades of competitive participation where New Zealand regularly reached championship stages without securing the ultimate prize.
New Zealand’s rugby league culture emphasizes technical excellence, defensive structures, and strategic gameplay that produced a memorable championship performance against Australia.
New Zealand’s rugby league program has consistently developed elite players who compete effectively against Australian opposition at club and international levels.
The nation maintains a strong domestic competition that feeds talented players into international representative teams.
South Africa’s Historic 2021 Championship
South Africa’s 2021 Rugby League World Cup championship marked a watershed moment for rugby league outside Australia and traditional European strongholds.
The South African team defeated England 20-8 in a final that demonstrated emerging nations could compete for rugby league’s highest honors.
South Africa’s victory sparked increased investment in rugby league development across southern Africa.
The championship success elevated the sport’s profile and encouraged younger athletes to pursue rugby league as a career path within South Africa’s competitive sports landscape.
South Africa’s rugby league infrastructure has grown significantly since the championship victory.
The nation now competes regularly in international competitions and has developed junior programs designed to sustain rugby league growth for future generations of South African players.
England’s 2017 Championship Victory
England captured the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 with a dominant 16-0 shutout victory over Australia in the championship final.
This victory ended Australia’s consecutive championship dominance and proved England could compete at the highest competitive levels against traditional powerhouses.
England’s 2017 triumph reflected decades of investment in rugby league development and player welfare programs.
The English rugby league governing body emphasizes youth development and domestic competition structures that produce athletes capable of winning international championships.
England’s rugby league culture benefits from strong regional club competitions and dedicated fan bases throughout the nation.
The success in 2017 energized English rugby league communities and demonstrated the sport’s continued viability at the professional level across multiple nations.
Recent Rugby League World Cup Finals
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Score | Location |
| 2025 | Australia | Fiji | 30-8 | France |
| 2021 | South Africa | England | 20-8 | England |
| 2017 | England | Australia | 16-0 | Australia |
| 2013 | Australia | New Zealand | 14-6 | England |
| 2008 | New Zealand | Australia | 34-20 | Australia |
Recent Tournaments and Emerging Trends
The 2025 Rugby League World Cup continued Australia’s championship dominance with their tenth title.
Australia’s consistent excellence reflects systematic player development, coaching expertise, and competitive depth that maintains their position as the sport’s premier international program.
Recent Rugby League World Cups have featured expanded participation from Pacific Island nations and developing rugby league programs. Countries like Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa have competed at championship stages, bringing diverse playing styles and athleticism to international competition.
The growth of rugby league in emerging markets has created new competitive dynamics within Rugby League World Cups.
These developments promise continued evolution of the tournament as more nations invest in rugby league infrastructure and player development programs for future championships.
Tournament growth has expanded from the original three-nation format to include over a dozen nations competing in qualifying rounds and championship stages.
This expansion has democratized international rugby league competition and created pathways for emerging nations to establish themselves on rugby league’s global stage.
FAQs
What is the Rugby League World Cup?
The Rugby League World Cup is rugby league’s premier international championship tournament held every four years, featuring the world’s best national teams competing for the sport’s highest honor.
Which nation has won the Rugby League World Cup most?
Australia has won ten Rugby League World Cup championships, more than any other nation in tournament history.
When did South Africa win the Rugby League World Cup?
South Africa won the championship in 2021, defeating England 20-8 in a historic victory for emerging rugby league nations.
How often is the Rugby League World Cup held?
The Rugby League World Cup is contested every four years, making it one of international rugby league’s most prestigious regular competitions.
Which teams have won the Rugby League World Cup?
Australia (10), Great Britain (3), New Zealand (1), England (1), and South Africa (1) have won Rugby League World Cup championships.
What was England’s best Rugby League World Cup performance?
England won the championship in 2017, defeating Australia 16-0 in the final.
