How the RWC has grown

Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar

1987 New Zealand and Australia hosts. Ireland lose in quarter-finals to Australia. The inaugural World Cup does not even have live coverage in Europe. New Zealand the winners and standout team, South Africa excluded because of their apartheid regime.

1991 England hosts. Ireland lose in quarter-finals to Australia. It’s a misconception to think the World Cup has never been in Ireland. Matches were hosted both in 1991 and 1999, with tickets as low ...