Wales at the Rugby World Cup

Up to and including 2015, hosting of the tournament alternated between traditional rugby heartlands in the southern hemisphere and those in Europe.

[3] In 2003, they finished second in their pool to New Zealand and faced England in the quarter-finals, where they lost to the eventual champions, despite scoring more tries than their opponents.

The National Stadium in Cardiff hosted the third place playoff, whilst all of Pool C's matches were played in Wales.

Of eleven knock-out games, the Millennium Stadium only hosted three; Australia's defeat of Wales in the quarter-final stage, and the third place play-off and final.

The following Welsh stadiums were used: In a more public bidding process, France beat England to win the right to host the 2007 World Cup.

[11] As a result of that agreement, World Cup rugby returned to the Millennium Stadium for three pool matches (including two featuring Wales), and a quarter-final.

Ironically, as France were unexpected runners-up to Argentina in their group, the hosts found themselves competing in this, the only knock-out match held outside of their borders.

Owing to the proximity of Cardiff, the RFU made it clear that they intended to use the Millennium Stadium as part of its bid,[17] despite initial reluctance from the IRB for multiple hosting nations.

Cardiff used the World Cup to promote tourism in the city,[19] with estimates that the games would add over £300 million to the local economy.

[20] A 'Fan Zone' had been created within the grounds of Cardiff Arms Park with a large screen, for enjoying match days.

[22] This was similar to a publicity stunt from the 2007 World Cup, where a rugby ball hung from the centre of the Eiffel Tower.