The 2019 Rugby World Cup begins in Japan this weekend: but for years, the Rugby Union resisted any form of world championship. Here's why.

That's my first big takeaway from five nights in Japan for the Rugby World Cup. I'm new to the sport. I've never played. I'd never even been to a match before Japan 2019. But I do like beer.

So a comprehensive victory for England in end, which won 45-7 against a USA side reduced to 14 men in the second half. The Rugby World Cup takes a break on Friday as players and fans enjoy a well ...

When Nigel Owens blew his whistle and Yury Kushnarev launched the ball high into the Tokyo sky to start the opening match of RWC 2019 between hosts Japan and Russia, no-one could have predicted what ...

As the winners of the 2019 Rugby Championship, including a 16-16 tie with New Zealand, the Springboks have plenty of hope about their own chances of lifting the trophy for a third time to sit ...

The fourth match of the Rugby World Cup 2019 featured the defending champions New Zealand taking on South Africa in a Pool B clash on 21st September at the International Stadium Yokohama, Kanagawa ...

England are aiming to cap off a remarkable Rugby World Cup campaign by beating South Africa to lift the trophy for the second time. After a stunning 19-7 win over tournament favourites New Zealand ...

Rugby World Cup 2019 team by team guide as England gun for glory in Japan Countries will be vying for The Webb Ellis Cup in Japan (Image: FRANCK ROBICHON/EPA-EFE/REX) ...

Linda Djougang tells BBC Sport about her rugby journey, from travelling from Cameroon to Ireland aged nine, to playing for ...

Enough said. We need a more even-handed World Cup with at least one side from north of the equator capable of mixing it with the members of the Rugby Championship. 3. Give us a plate tournament ...

The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan on Friday (September 20), the first time the tournament has been held in Asia. It is the ninth edition of the event, which is held every four years ...