What Is 2019 Rugby World Cup statistics

Overview

The 2019 Rugby World Cup was a landmark event, hosted for the first time in Asia by Japan. Held from September 20 to November 2, the tournament featured 20 national teams competing across 48 matches in 12 venues.

South Africa emerged victorious, defeating England 32–12 in the final at Yokohama International Stadium. This marked the Springboks' third title, tying New Zealand for the most Rugby World Cup wins.

• Host Nation: Japan hosted the event from September 20 to November 2, 2019, the first time the tournament took place in Asia, expanding rugby’s global reach.
• Champion:South Africa won the final 32–12 against England, securing their third title after previous wins in 1995 and 2007.
• Total Attendance: Over 1.7 million fans attended matches, with an average of 35,530 per game, reflecting strong regional and international interest.
• Top Scorer:Handre Pollard of South Africa scored 69 points, the most in the tournament, primarily through penalties and conversions.
• Try Count: A total of 288 tries were scored across 48 matches, averaging six tries per game, highlighting the tournament’s attacking flair.

How It Works

The tournament structure combined round-robin pool play with a knockout stage, determining progression based on points, wins, and tiebreakers.

• Pool Stage: The 20 teams were divided into four pools of five, with each team playing four matches; the top two from each pool advanced.
• Points System: Teams earned 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and bonus points for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven or fewer points.
• Knockout Format: The quarterfinals began on October 19, followed by semifinals and the final, with single-elimination determining the champion.
• Refereeing:12 referees from nine nations officiated matches, with Nigel Owens (Wales) handling the opening match and a quarterfinal.
• Player Eligibility: Players had to be registered with World Rugby and meet three-year residency or birthright criteria to represent a nation.
• Ball Technology: The Official Gilbert ball featured enhanced grip and durability, optimized for Japan’s humid late-summer conditions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Rugby World Cup compares to previous editions in key metrics:

While the 2019 event had lower total attendance than 2007, it set records for regional engagement and broadcast reach, particularly in Asia. The tournament’s success in Japan demonstrated rugby’s potential for growth beyond traditional strongholds, with strong viewership in non-traditional markets like the USA and China.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Rugby World Cup had lasting impacts on the sport’s global development, commercial reach, and inclusivity.

• Global Expansion: Hosting in Japan introduced rugby to millions in Asia, increasing grassroots participation and regional investment in the sport.
• Commercial Success: The tournament generated over $1.1 billion in economic impact, boosting tourism and local businesses across host cities.
• Women’s Rugby: The event inspired increased funding for women’s programs in Japan and other Tier 2 nations, promoting gender equity in rugby.
• Player Welfare: Enhanced concussion protocols were implemented, setting new standards for player safety in international competitions.
• Environmental Focus: Organizers emphasized sustainability, using recyclable materials and minimizing carbon emissions across venues.
• Legacy: The success led to USA 2031 being awarded the men’s Rugby World Cup, signaling continued expansion into new markets.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup was not just a sporting event but a catalyst for change, demonstrating rugby’s ability to unite cultures and inspire future generations worldwide.