Records and statistics of the Rugby World Cup

Last updated: 28 October 2023 Youngest try scorer in a World Cup game Oldest try scorer in a World Cup game Oldest player to appear in a World Cup match Oldest player to appear in a World Cup final Oldest player to win a World Cup final Youngest player to appear in a World Cup match Youngest player to appear in a World Cup final Youngest player to win a World Cup final 126* – Grant Fox ( New Zealand) 082 – Michael Lynagh ( Australia) 062 – Gavin Hastings ( Scotland) 6 – Craig Green ( New Zealand) 6 – John Kirwan ( New Zealand) 68 – Ralph Keyes ( Ireland) 66 – Michael Lynagh ( Australia) 61 – Gavin Hastings ( Scotland) 6 – David Campese ( Australia) 6 – Jean-Baptiste Lafond ( France) 112 – Thierry Lacroix ( France) 104 – Gavin Hastings ( Scotland) 084 – Andrew Mehrtens ( New Zealand) 7 – Jonah Lomu ( New Zealand) 7 – Marc Ellis ( New Zealand) 102 – Gonzalo Quesada ( Argentina) 101 – Matt Burke ( Australia) 097 – Jannie de Beer ( South Africa) 113 – Jonny Wilkinson ( England) 103 – Frédéric Michalak ( France) 100 – Elton Flatley ( Australia) 7 – Doug Howlett ( New Zealand) 7 – Mils Muliaina ( New Zealand) 105 – Percy Montgomery ( South Africa) 091 – Felipe Contepomi ( Argentina) 067 – Jonny Wilkinson ( England) 62 – Morné Steyn ( South Africa) 52 – James O'Connor ( Australia) 45 – Kurt Morath ( Tonga) 6 – Chris Ashton ( England) 6 – Vincent Clerc ( France) 97 – Nicolás Sánchez ( Argentina) 93 – Handré Pollard ( South Africa) 82 – Bernard Foley ( Australia) 69 – Handré Pollard ( South Africa) 58 – Owen Farrell ( England) 54 – Richie Mo'unga ( New Zealand) 75 – Owen Farrell ( England) 74 – Thomas Ramos ( France) 67 – Emiliano Boffelli ( Argentina) 8* – Will Jordan ( New Zealand) Note: * denotes an all-time record A foreign coach has never managed a World Cup-winning team.

The highest number of Head-to-Head matches between two nations currently stands at eight meetings, encompassing four teams (Australia, France, New Zealand, and Wales) in two Rugby World Cup rivalries.

The table below shows the current dominance in the Head-to-Head meetings of Tier 1 nations at the Rugby World Cup from the first tournament in 1987 to the latest tournament in 2023 (as of 20 October).

Currently, New Zealand has the best record amongst the other Tier 1 nations, achieving more wins and culminating in a superior Head-to-Head record over seven other Tier 1 nations, and equal with two others (Australia and South Africa).

There are two Tier 1 Head-to-Head meetings that have never been played at a Rugby World Cup: England–Ireland, and Scotland–Wales.

Jonny Wilkinson holds the record for the most points scored (277), most penalties (58) & most drop goals (14) in Rugby World Cups.
Julian Savea scored a joint record eight tries in New Zealand's progress to the 2015 final, including two hat-tricks
Dan Carter holds the record for the most conversions in Rugby World Cups.
Scotland's Gavin Hastings was the first player to kick eight penalties in a Rugby World Cup match.
Eden Park was the first stadium to host the World Cup Final twice