Five of the strangest Rugby World Cup facts, from the tradition that dates back to 1905 to the shocking titles drought endured by the All Blacks

In the world of sport, the Rugby World Cup is considered one of the most compelling and hotly contested tournaments, showcasing the sheer athleticism, skill and passion of rugby players from all over the world.

Although the tournament is known for its epic battles and unforgettable moments, it is also home to a wealth of intriguing and downright bizarre facts that often escape the spotlight.

Here are five of the strangest Rugby World Cup facts that add a unique layer of intrigue to the 2023 tournament:

South Africa has never lost a World Cup final

It is a remarkable piece of rugby history that South Africa have never suffered defeat in a Rugby World Cup final.

Their illustrious record includes triumphant performances in the 1995, 2007 and 2019 Rugby World Cup finals, each time emerging victorious.

This incredible streak has cemented their reputation as a dominant force in the rugby world. As the 2023 Rugby World Cup approaches, South Africa is poised to continue this remarkable trend, leaving fans and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their performance in the upcoming final.

Will they maintain their unbeaten streak and add another title to their impressive rugby legacy? Time will tell.

The same whistle signal is used at each RWC

In the world of sports, traditions often carry significant weight, giving events a sense of history and continuity.

One such tradition at the Rugby World Cup, held every four years, is the use of the same whistle to start the tournament.

First used in 1905 during a match between England and New Zealand by Welsh referee Gil Evans, this symbolic whistle has a rich history and a unique connection with the sport.

This whistle not only became synonymous with the opening of the Rugby World Cup, but also found its way onto the big stage of the Olympic Games.

In 1924 the same whistle was used to signal the start of the final rugby match at the Paris Olympic Games.

The RWC has its own anthem

A key element of the Rugby World Cup’s identity is its own official anthem, aptly titled ‘World in Union’. This iconic anthem has graced the opening ceremony of every tournament since 1991 and has established itself as an integral part of the spirit and camaraderie of the event.

World in Union made its debut at the 1991 World Cup, performed by New Zealand soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

At the time, World Rugby, then known as the International Rugby Football Board, entrusted composer and lyricist Charlie Skarbek with the task of creating an anthem that could encapsulate the essence and principles of the sport.

The central melody, also called ‘Thaxted’, is taken from the lively part of Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite ‘The Planets’, entitled ‘Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity’.

This captivating melody became better known as ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’, a hymn decorated with lyrics by the esteemed poet Sir Cecil Spring Rice, set to music by Holst.

Food poisoning or excuses?

In the run-up to the highly anticipated 1995 Rugby World Cup final, an unexpected twist marred the event.

Before the match, a significant portion of the New Zealand team fell victim to severe food poisoning. This unfortunate turn of events created a controversy that would continue long after the final whistle.

As news of the disease spread, speculation ran rampant. Some members of the New Zealand camp insinuated that foul play could be at the heart of the matter, pointing to sabotage as the cause of their players’ sudden problems.

The idea of ​​deliberate contamination cast a shadow of suspicion over what should have been an exciting sporting spectacle.

However, the South African team, who ultimately emerged victorious with a narrow 15-12 win over New Zealand in the final, reacted strongly to these allegations.

They accused the All Blacks of deflecting blame for their defeat by attributing it to an alleged, albeit unproven, illness.

In the eyes of the South African team, this amounted to the New Zealanders being sore losers and unwilling to accept their loss gracefully.

The long wait for gold: New Zealand’s 24-year Rugby World Cup drought

It is both astonishing and confusing to think about the fact that New Zealand, a rugby powerhouse, has gone a long stretch of 24 years without winning the coveted Rugby World Cup title.

This dry spell lasted from their inaugural triumph in 1987 until their triumphant return in 2011. During this period, New Zealand was widely regarded as the premier rugby nation, consistently dominating the International Rugby Board (IRB) world rankings. Yet the World Cup, the pinnacle of the sport, remained elusive.

However, in 2011, the story took a dramatic turn. Rugby World Cup hosts New Zealand appeared determined to end their long gold medal drought.

Their quest for redemption culminated in a triumphant campaign, with the All Blacks emerging as champions.

However, New Zealand did not stop at 2011. They continued their reign in the next edition of the tournament in 2015 and successfully defended their title.

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