On this day: 1987 - New Zealand became first Rugby World Cup winners

Sport360 staff 15:49 20/06/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • All Blacks captain David Kirk kissing the trophy.

    On this day in 1987, New Zealand beat France 22-9 in Auckland to become the first winners of the rugby union World Cup.

    16 teams were invited to participate in the inaugural tournament in 1987 instead of the usual 20. The tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. It was the Kiwis that walked away with the first championship after defeating France in the final. Here are the highlights: 

    Other memorable events on this day:

    1949: American tennis player Gussie Moran caused a stir at Wimbledon when she appeared wearing lace-trimmed knickers designed by Teddy Tinling. The All England Club was so outraged that Tinling was not a welcome visitor for 33 years.

    1999: Australia beat Pakistan by eight wickets at Lord's to win their second cricket World Cup.

    2006: Michael Owen was carried off on a stretcher with a ruptured knee ligament in England's 2-2 draw with Sweden in their group match at the World Cup in Germany. He was out of action for almost a year.

    Recommended