The game was developed by Creative Assembly and published by EA Sports.

The game is EA Sports' first rugby union game on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 2, and was succeeded by Rugby 2004.

Rugby features over 20 teams, over 500 players and over 20 stadiums.

The game's commentators are Bill McLaren and former England International Jamie Salmon.

The game featured the national teams who took part in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.