France at the Rugby World Cup

The France national rugby team have competed in all the Rugby World Cup tournaments. They are one of five teams who have played in the final match, having done so three times (1987, 1999, 2011), losing and finishing second in the tournament each time. They have made it to at least the quarter-finals at every tournament.

France hosted the 2007 tournament, and co-hosted the 1991 competition with Ireland and the United Kingdom. They also hosted some matches of the 1999 event, where the main host was Wales. France will host again in 2023.

France playing Argentina during the 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament

By position

Rugby World Cup
Year	Round	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	Squad
1987	Runners-up	6	4	1	1	215	113	Squad
1991	Quarter-finals	4	3	0	1	92	44	Squad
1995	Third Place	6	5	0	1	184	87	Squad
1999	Runners-up	6	5	0	1	210	144	Squad
2003	Fourth Place	7	5	0	2	267	155	Squad
2007	Fourth Place	7	4	0	3	227	103	Squad
2011	Runners-up	7	4	0	3	159	124	Squad
2015	Quarter-finals	5	3	0	2	133	125	Squad
2019	Quarter-finals	4	3	0	1	98	71	Squad
2023
Total	Runners-up	52	36	1	15	1585	966
Champions       Runners-up       Third place       Fourth place Home venue

By matches

1987

Main article: 1987 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	tries	Pts
France	3	2	1	0	145	44	25	5
Scotland	3	2	1	0	135	69	22	5
Romania	3	1	0	2	61	130	5	2
Zimbabwe	3	0	0	3	53	151	5	0

23 May 1987

France	20–20	Scotland
Tries: Sella Berbizier Blanco Con: Blanco Pen: Blanco (2)		Tries: White Duncan Pen: Hastings (4)

Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: Fred Howard

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28 May 1987

France	55–12	Romania
Tries: Lagisquet (2) Charvet (2) Sella Andrieu Camberabero Erbani Laporte Con: Laporte (8) Pen: Laporte		Pen: Bezuscu (4)

Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: Bob Fordham

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2 June 1987

France	70–12	Zimbabwe
Tries: Modin (3) Camberabero (3) Charvet (2) Rodriguez (2) Durboca Estève Laporte Con: Camberabero (9)		Try: Kaulbach Con: Grobler Pen: Grobler (2)

Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Derek Bevan

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Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

7 June 1987

Fiji	16–31	France
Tries: Qoro Damu Con: Koroduadua Pen: Koroduadua (2)		Tries: Rodriguez (2) Lorieux Lagisquet Con: Laporte (3) Pen: Laporte (2) Drop: Laporte

Eden Park, Auckland Referee: Clive Norling

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Semi-final

13 June 1987

Australia	24–30	France
Tries: Campese Codey Con: Lynagh (2) Pen: Lynagh (3) Drop: Lynagh		Tries: Lorieux Sella Lagisquet Blanco Con: Camberabero (4) Pen: Camberabero (2)

Concord Oval, Sydney Attendance: 17,768 Referee: Brian Anderson

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Final

20 June 1987

New Zealand	29–9	France
Tries: Jones Kirk Kirwan Con: Fox Pen: Fox (4) Drop: Fox		Try: Berbizier Con: Camberabero Pen: Camberabero

Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 46,000 Referee: Kerry Fitzgerald

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1991

Main article: 1991 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	Pts
France	3	3	0	0	82	25	6
Canada	3	2	0	1	45	33	4
Romania	3	1	0	2	31	64	2
Fiji	3	0	0	3	27	63	0

4 October 1991

France	30–3	Romania
Tries: Roumat, Lafond, Penalty Try, Saint-André Con: Camberabero Pen: Camberabero (4)		Pen: Nichitean

Stade de la Méditerranée, Béziers Referee: Les Peard

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8 October 1991

France	33–9	Fiji
Tries: Lafond (3), Sella (2), Camberabero Con: Camberabero (3) Pen: Camberabero		Tries: Naruma Con: Koroduadua Pen: Koroduadua

Stade Lesdiguières, Grenoble Referee: Derek Bevan

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13 October 1991

France	19–13	Canada
Tries: Lafond, Saint-André Con: Camberabero Pen: Lacroix (2), Camberabero		Tries: Wyatt Pen: Wyatt, Rees Drop: Rees

Stade Armandie, Agen Referee: Stephen Hilditch

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Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

19 October 1991

France	10–19	England
Tries: Lafond Pen: Lacroix (2)		Tries: Underwood, Carling Con: Webb Pen: Webb (3)

Parc des Princes, Paris Referee: Dave Bishop

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1995

Main article: 1995 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	Pts
France	3	3	0	0	114	47	9
Scotland	3	2	0	1	149	27	7
Tonga	3	1	0	2	44	90	5
Ivory Coast	3	0	0	3	29	172	3

26 May 1995

France	38–10	Tonga
Tries: Thierry Lacroix (2), Aubin Hueber, Philippe Saint-André Con: Thierry Lacroix (3) Pen: Thierry Lacroix (3) Drop: Yann Delaigue		Tries: Tevita Vaʻenuku Con: Sateki Tu'ipulotu Pen: Sateki Tu'ipulotu

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Attendance: 25 000 Referee: Steve Lander

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30 May 1995

France	54–18	Ivory Coast
Tries: Thierry Lacroix (2), Abdelatif Benazzi, William Téchoueyres, Sébastien Viars, Guy Accoceberry, Philippe Saint-André, Arnaud Costes Con: Christophe Deylaud (2), Thierry Lacroix (2) Pen: Thierry Lacroix (2)		Tries: Aboubacar Soulama, Aboubakar Camara Con: Victor Kouassi Pen: Victor Kouassi (2)

Olympia Park, Rustenburg Attendance: 17 000 Referee: Han Moon-Soo

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3 June 1995

France	22–19	Scotland
Tries: Émile Ntamack Con: Thierry Lacroix Pen: Thierry Lacroix (5)		Tries: Rob Wainwright Con: Gavin Hastings Pen: Gavin Hastings (4)

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Attendance: 40 000 Referee: Wayne Erickson

Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

1995-06-10

France	36–12	Ireland
Tries: Philippe Saint-Andre, Émile Ntamack Con: Thierry Lacroix Pen: Thierry Lacroix (8)		Pen: Eric Elwood (4)

Kings Park Stadium, Durban Attendance: 18 000 Referee: Ed Morrison

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Semi-final

17 June 1995

South Africa	19–15	France
Tries: Ruben Kruger Con: Joel Stransky Pen: Joel Stransky (4)		Pen: Thierry Lacroix (5)

Kings Park Stadium, Durban Attendance: 50 000 (capacity) Referee: Derek Bevan

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Third-place play-off

22 June 1995

France	19–9	England
Tries: Olivier Roumat, Émile Ntamack Pens: Thierry Lacroix (3)		Pens: Rob Andrew (3)

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Attendance: 45,000 Referee: Dave Bishop

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1999

Main article: 1999 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	Pts
France	3	3	0	0	108	52	9
Fiji	3	2	0	1	124	68	7
Canada	3	1	0	2	114	82	5
Namibia	3	0	0	3	42	186	3

1999-10-02

France	33–20	Canada
Tries: Émile Ntamack, Stéphane Glas, Thomas Castaignède, Olivier Magne Con: Richard Dourthe (2) Pen: Richard Dourthe (3)		Tries: Morgan Williams (2) Con: Robert Ross, Gareth Rees Pen: Robert Ross, Gareth Rees

Stade de la Méditerranée, Béziers Referee: Brian Campsall

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1999-10-08

France	47–13	Namibia
Tries: Ugo Mola (3), Émile Ntamack, Richard Dourthe, Pierre Mignoni, Philippe Bernat-Salles Con: Richard Dourthe (4) Pen: Richard Dourthe (3)		Tries: Arthur Samuelson Con: Leandre Van Dyk Pen: Leandre Van Dyk (2)

Parc Lescure, Bordeaux Referee: Chris White

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1999-10-16

France	28–19	Fiji
Tries: Christophe Juillet, Christophe Dominici Con: Richard Dourthe (2) Pen: Richard Dourthe (2), Christophe Lamaison		Tries: Alfred Uluinayau Con: Nicky Little Pen: Nicky Little (4)

Stade de Toulouse Referee: Paddy O'Brien

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Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

1999-10-24

France	47–26	Argentina
Tries: Xavier Garbajosa (2), Philippe Bernat-Salles (2), Émile Ntamack Con: Christophe Lamaison (5) Pen: Christophe Lamaison (4)		Tries: Agustín Pichot, Lisandro Arbizu Con: Gonzalo Quesada (2) Pen: Gonzalo Quesada (3), Felipe Contepomi

Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 50,000 Referee: Derek Bevan

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Semi-final

1999-10-31

New Zealand	31–43	France
Tries: Jonah Lomu (2), Jeff Wilson Con: Andrew Mehrtens (2) Pen: Andrew Mehrtens (4)		Tries:Christophe Lamaison, Christophe Dominici, Richard Dourthe, Philippe Bernat-Salles Con: Christophe Lamaison (4) Pen: Christophe Lamaison (3) Drop: Christophe Lamaison (2)

Twickenham, London Attendance: 75,000 Referee: Jim Fleming

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Final

1999-11-06

Australia	35–12	France
Tries: Ben Tune, Owen Finegan Con: Matthew Burke (2) Pen: Matthew Burke (7)		Pen: Christophe Lamaison (4)

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 74,500 Referee: André Watson

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2003

Main article: 2003 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	BP	Pts
France	4	4	0	0	204	70	4	20
Scotland	4	3	0	1	102	97	2	14
Fiji	4	2	0	2	98	114	2	10
United States	4	1	0	3	86	125	2	6
Japan	4	0	0	4	79	163	0	0

2003-10-11

France	61–18	Fiji
Tries: Dominici (2), Harinordoquy, Jauzion (3), Ibañez Con: Michalak (4) Pen: Michalak (6)		Tries: Naevo, Caucaunibuca Con: Little Pen: Little (2)

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 46,795 Referee: Alain Rolland

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2003-10-18

France	51–29	Japan
Tries: Michalak, Rougerie (2), Pelous, Dominici, Crenca Con: Michalak (5), Merceron Pen: Michalak (3)		Tries: Konia, Ohata Con: Kurihara (2) Pen: Kurihara (5)

Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville Attendance: 21,309 Referee: Alan Lewis

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2003-10-25

France	51–9	Scotland
Tries: Betsen, Harinordoquy, Michalak, Galthié, Brusque Con: Michalak (3), Merceron Pen: Michalak (4) Drop: Michalak, Brusque		Pen: Paterson (3)

Telstra Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 78,974 Referee: David McHugh

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2003-10-31

France	41–14	United States
Tries: Liebenberg (3), Poux, Bru Con: Merceron (2) Pen: Merceron (3) Drop: Yachvili		Tries: Hercus, Schubert Con: Hercus (2)

WIN Stadium, Wollongong Attendance: 17,833 Referee: Paul Honiss

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Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

2003-11-09

France	43–21	Ireland
Tries: Magne 3' c Dominici 29' c Harinordoquy 33' c Crenca 47' c Con: Michalak (4) Pen: Michalak (5)		Tries: Maggs 52' c O'Driscoll (2) 65' c, 80+2' c Con: Humphreys (3)

Telstra Dome, Melbourne Attendance: 33,134 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

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Semi-final

2003-11-16

France	7–24	England
Try: Betsen 10' c Con: Michalak		Pen: Wilkinson (5) Drop: Wilkinson (3) 9', 38', 58'

Telstra Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 82,346 Referee: Paddy O'Brien

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Third-place play-off

2003-11-20

New Zealand	40–13	France
Tries: Jack 12' c Howlett 20' c Rokocoko 51' c Thorn 54' c Muliaina 58' c Holah m Con: MacDonald Carter (4)		Try: Elhorga 42' c Con: Yachvili Pen: Yachvili Drop: Yachvili

Telstra Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 62,712 Referee: Chris White

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2007

Main article: 2007 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	Pld	W	D	L	TF	PF	PA	+/−	BP	Pts
Argentina	4	4	0	0	16	143	33	+110	2	18
France	4	3	0	1	24	188	37	+151	3	15
Ireland	4	2	0	2	9	64	82	−18	1	9
Georgia	4	1	0	3	5	50	111	−61	1	5
Namibia	4	0	0	4	3	30	212	−182	0	0

7 September 2007 21:00

France	12–17	Argentina
Pen: Skrela (4/5) 7', 31', 40+', 60'	Report	Try: Corleto 27' m Pen: F. Contepomi (4/6) 5', 10', 24', 34'

Stade de France, Saint-Denis Attendance: 79,312 Referee: Tony Spreadbury

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16 September 2007 21:00

France	87–10	Namibia
Tries: Heymans 7' m Marty 11' c Dusautoir 21' c Nallet (2) 32' c, 40+' c Clerc (3) 38' c, 59' c, 65' c Bonnaire 47' c Chabal (2) 49' c, 54' c Elissalde 56' c Ibañez 75' m Con: Elissalde (11/13)	Report	Try: Langenhoven 79' c Con: Losper (1/1) Drop: Wessels (1/1) 10'

Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse Attendance: 35,339 Referee: Alain Rolland

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21 September 2007 21:00

France	25–3	Ireland
Tries: Clerc (2) 59' m, 69' m Pen: Elissalde (5/6) 7', 18', 22', 40+', 55'	Report	Drop: O'Gara (1/1) 37'

Stade de France, Saint-Denis Attendance: 80,267 Referee: Chris White

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30 September 2007 15:00

France	64–7	Georgia
Tries: Poitrenaud 6' c Nyanga 30' c Beauxis 37' c Dominici (2) 45' m, 57' m Bruno 52' c Nallet 63' c Martin 67' m Bonnaire 80' m Con: Beauxis (5/9) Pen: Beauxis (3/3) 4', 18', 24'	Report	Try: Z. Maissuradze 72' c Con: Urjukashvili (1/1)

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille Attendance: 58,695 Referee: Alan Lewis

Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

6 October 2007 21:00

New Zealand	18–20	France
Tries: McAlister 17' c So'oialo 63' m Con: Carter (1/1) Pen: Carter (2/2) 14', 31'	Report	Tries: Dusautoir 54' c Jauzion 69' c Con: Beauxis (1/1) Élissalde (1/1) Pen: Beauxis (2/3) 40+', 46'

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 71,669 Referee: Wayne Barnes

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Semi-final

13 October 2007 21:00

England	14–9	France
Try: Lewsey 2' m Pen: Wilkinson (2/3) 47', 75' Drop: Wilkinson (1/4) 78'	Report	Pen: Beauxis (3/3) 8', 18', 44'

Stade de France, Saint-Denis Attendance: 80,283 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

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Bronze final

19 October 2007 21:00

France	10–34	Argentina
Try: Poitrenaud 69' c Con: Beauxis (1/1) Pen: Élissalde (1/1) 18'	Report	Tries: F. Contepomi (2) 28' c, 77' c Hasan Jalil 32' c Martín Aramburú 53' m Corleto 65' m Con: F. Contepomi (3/5) Pen: F. Contepomi (1/1) 21'

Parc des Princes, Paris Attendance: 45,958 Referee: Paul Honiss

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2011

Main article: 2011 Rugby World Cup

Pool

Team	Pld	W	D	L	TF	PF	PA	+/−	BP	Pts
New Zealand	4	4	0	0	36	240	49	+191	4	20
France	4	2	0	2	13	124	96	+28	3	11
Tonga	4	2	0	2	7	80	98	−18	1	9
Canada	4	1	1	2	9	82	168	−86	0	6
Japan	4	0	1	3	8	69	184	−115	0	2

10 September 2011 18:00

France	47–21	Japan
Try: Pierre 5' c Trinh-Duc 12' c Clerc 34' m Nallet 71' c Papé 77' c Parra 80+' m Con: Yachvili (4/6) Pen: Yachvili (3/3) 21', 28', 67'	Report	Try: Arlidge (2) 31' m, 49' c Con: Arlidge (1/2) Pen: Arlidge (3/3) 18', 40', 58'

North Harbour Stadium, Auckland Attendance: 28,569 Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

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18 September 2011 20:30

France	46–19	Canada
Try: Clerc (3) 4' c, 79' c, 80+' c Traille 64' c Con: Parra (4/4) Pen: Parra (5/6) 17', 37', 39', 40+', 48' Drop: Trinh-Duc 57'	Report	Try: Smith 7' c Con: Pritchard (1/1) Pen: Pritchard (2/4) 3', 60' Drop: Monro (2) 44', 49'

McLean Park, Napier Attendance: 14,230 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

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24 September 2011 20:30

New Zealand	37–17	France
Try: Thomson 10' m Jane 17' c Dagg (2) 21', 42' c S. Williams 77' m Con: Carter (3/5) Pen: Carter (1/1) 48' Drop: Carter (1/1) 64'	Report	Try: Mermoz 54' c Trinh-Duc 76' c Con: Yachvili (2/2) Pen: Yachvili (1/1) 39'

Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 60,856 Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

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1 October 2011 18:00

France	14–19	Tonga
Try: Clerc 80+' m Pen: Yachvili (3/3) 2', 23', 50'	Report	Try: Hufanga 26' c Con: Morath (1/1) Pen: Morath (4/8) 7', 36', 67', 73'

Westpac Stadium, Wellington Attendance: 32,763 Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

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Knock-out stages

Quarter-final

8 October 2011 20:30 NZDT (UTC+13)

England	12–19	France
Try: Foden 55' c Cueto 77' m Con: Wilkinson (1/2)		Try: Clerc 22' m Médard 31' m Pen: Yachvili (2/3) 11', 16' Drop: Trinh-Duc (1/1) 73'

Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 49,105 Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

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Semi-final

15 October 2011 21:00 NZDT (UTC+13)

Wales	8–9	France
Try: Phillips 58' m Pen: Hook (1/3) 8'	Report	Pen: Parra (3/3) 22', 35', 51'

Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 58,630 Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

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Final

23 October 2011 21:00 NZDT (UTC+13)

France	7–8	New Zealand
Try: Dusautoir 47' c Con: Trinh-Duc (1/1)	Report	Try: Woodcock 15' m Pen: Donald (1/1) 46'

Eden Park, Auckland Attendance: 61,079 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

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2015

Main article: 2015 Rugby World Cup

Pool Stage

Team	Pld	W	D	L	TF	PF	PA	+/−	BP	Pts
Ireland	4	4	0	0	16	134	35	+99	2	18
France	4	3	0	1	12	120	63	+57	2	14
Italy	4	2	0	2	7	74	88	–14	2	10
Romania	4	1	0	3	7	60	129	–69	0	4
Canada	4	0	0	4	7	58	131	–73	2	2

19 September 2015	France	32–10	Italy	Twickenham Stadium, London
23 September 2015	France	38–11	Romania	Olympic Stadium, London
1 October 2015	France	41–18	Canada	Stadium MK, Milton Keynes
11 October 2015	France	9–24	Ireland	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

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Quarter final

17 October 2015 20:00 BST (UTC+01)

New Zealand	62–13	France
Try: Retallick 11' c Milner-Skudder 23' c Savea (3) 29' c, 38' m, 59' c Kaino 50' m Read 64' c Kerr-Barlow (2) 68' c, 71' c Con: Carter (7/9) 12', 25', 31', 60', 65', 68', 72' Pen: Carter (1/1) 7'	Report	Try: Picamoles 36' c Con: Parra (1/1) 37' Pen: Spedding (1/1) 9' Parra (1/2) 15'

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 71,619 Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

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2019

Main article: 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C

Team	Pld	W	D	L	TF	PF	PA	+/−	BP	Pts
England	4	3	1	0	17	119	20	+99	3	17
France	4	3	1	0	9	79	51	+28	1	15
Argentina	4	2	0	2	14	106	91	+15	3	11
Tonga	4	1	0	3	9	67	105	−38	2	6
United States	4	0	0	4	7	52	156	−104	0	0

21 September 2019 16:15 JST (UTC+09)

France	23–21	Argentina (1 BP)
Try: Fickou 18' c Dupont 22' c Con: Ntamack (2/2) 19', 23' Pen: Ntamack (2/3) 30', 40+1' Drop: Lopez (1/1) 70'	Report	Try: Petti Pagadizábal 42' c Montoya 54' m Con: Sánchez (1/2) 43' Pen: Sánchez (1/1) 15' Urdapilleta (2/2) 61', 69'

Tokyo Stadium, Chōfu Attendance: 40,004 Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

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2 October 2019 16:45 JST (UTC+09)

(1 BP) France	33–9	United States
Try: Huget 6' c Raka 24' m Fickou 67' c Serin 70' c Poirot 79' c Con: Ramos (1/2) 8' Lopez (3/3) 68', 71', 80'+1	Report	Pen: MacGinty (3/3) 19', 31', 65'

Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka Attendance: 17,660 Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

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6 October 2019 16:45 JST (UTC+09)

France	23–21	Tonga (1 BP)
Try: Vakatawa 6' c Raka 32' c Con: Ntamack (2/2) 7', 34' Pen: Ntamack (3/4) 4', 52', 60'	Report	Try: Takulua 40' c Hingano 47' c Kapeli 79' c Con: Takulua (2/2) 40'+1, 49' Fosita (1/1) 80'

Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto Attendance: 28,477 Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

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12 October 2019 17:15 JST (UTC+09)

England	0–0 (Cancelled)	France

International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Notes:

• As a result of inclement weather caused by Typhoon Hagibis this match was cancelled and awarded as a 0–0 draw.[1]

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Quarter-final

20 October 2019 16:15 JST (UTC+09)

Wales	20–19	France
Try: Wainwright 12' c Moriarty 74' c Con: Biggar (2/2) 13', 75' Pen: Biggar (2/2) 20', 54'	Report	Try: Vahaamahina 5' m Ollivon 8' c Vakatawa 31' c Con: Ntamack (2/3) 9', 32'

Ōita Stadium, Ōita Attendance: 34,426 Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Hosting

Main article: Rugby World Cup hosts

The Eiffel Tower in Paris decorated with a giant rugby ball for the 2007 Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is held every four years, and tends to alternate between the northern and southern hemispheres. Every northern hemisphere tournament so far has been held in Europe, and in general, France usually hosts some games when it is held there.

1991 Rugby World Cup

England was main host in 1991, but other countries hosted some matches. France hosted Pool D, and two of the quarter-finals.

The following French stadiums were used (quarter final locations emboldened).

City	Stadium	Capacity
Paris	Parc des Princes	48,712
Toulouse	Stade Ernest-Wallon	19,000
Villeneuve d'Ascq	Stadium Lille-Metropole	18,185
Béziers	Stade de la Méditerranée	18,000
Brive	Parc Municipal des Sports	16,000
Grenoble	Stade Lesdiguières	14,000
Agen	Stade Armandie	14,000
Bayonne	Stade Jean Dauger	13,500

1999 Rugby World Cup

Wales was main host in 1999. Pool C games were hosted in France.

The following French stadiums were used (quarter final locations emboldened).

Venues
City	Stadium	Capacity
St-Denis	Stade de France	80,000
Lens	Stade Félix Bollaert	41,800
Bordeaux	Parc Lescure	34,327
Toulouse	Stade de Toulouse	27,000
Béziers	Stade de la Méditerranée	25,000

2007 Rugby World Cup

France was main host for the 2007 RWC. Some games were also held in Scotland and Wales.

It was announced in April 2003 that France had won the right to host the tournament.[2] The tournament was moved to the proposed September–October dates with the tournament structure remaining as it was.[2] It was also announced that ten French cities would be hosting games, with the final at the Stade de France.[2] French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said that "this decision illustrates the qualities of our country and its capacity to host major sporting events...This World Cup will be the opportunity to showcase the regions of France where the wonderful sport of rugby is deeply rooted".[2] French Sports Minister Jean-François Lamour said that "The organisation of this World Cup will shine over all of France because ten French towns have the privilege of organising matches and to be in the world's spotlight."[2] French cities to host games are Bordeaux, Lens, Lyon, Marseilles, Montpellier, Nantes, St. Etienne, Toulouse and Paris, and it was also announced that the final would be at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.[2]

There was a substantial increase in the overall capacity of stadiums compared to the 2003 Rugby World Cup, as the smallest venue at the 2007 tournament will be 33,900. France won the right to host the event in 2003. Three matches were played at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, two Pool B games that featured Wales and as well as a quarter-final. Two Pool C matches were held at Edinburgh's Murrayfield. Ireland were also offered to host matches at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, but had to decline the offer as construction work was scheduled to begin on the stadium.[3] The semifinals and final were held at Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

The following stadiums were used (finals locations emboldened).

City	Country	Stadium	Capacity	Further reading
Saint-Denis	France	Stade de France	80,000	Overview
Marseille	France	Stade Vélodrome	59,500	Overview
Paris	France	Parc des Princes	47,870	Overview
Lens	France	Stade Félix-Bollaert	41,400	Overview
Lyon	France	Stade de Gerland	41,100	Overview
Nantes	France	Stade de la Beaujoire	38,100	Overview
Toulouse	France	Stadium de Toulouse	35,700	Overview
Saint-Étienne	France	Stade Geoffroy-Guichard	35,650	Overview
Bordeaux	France	Stade Chaban-Delmas	34,440	Overview
Montpellier	France	Stade de la Mosson	33,900	Overview

2023 Rugby World Cup

France will host the Rugby World Cup outright for the second time in 2023, however, hosting for the fourth time in total.

Portrayal on screen

France can be seen playing South Africa in the feature film Invictus based on the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

References

1. "Typhoon Hagibis impact on Rugby World Cup 2019 matches". Rugby World Cup. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
2. "France wins right to host 2007 Rugby World Cup". rugby.com.au. 11 April 2003. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2006.
3. "Scotland looks to give up World cup matches at Murrayfield". worldcupweb.com. Retrieved 7 May 2006.

Bibliography

• Davies, Gerald (2004) The History of the Rugby World Cup (Sanctuary Publishing Ltd, (ISBN 1860746020)
• Farr-Jones, Nick, (2003). Story of the Rugby World Cup, Australian Post Corporation, (ISBN 0-642-36811-2)