The story of the Rugby World Cup: 1991 success paves the way

With just under eight weeks to go until the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off in Paris, we're looking back at the history of the tournament, from its origins in New Zealand and Australia 36 years ago, to its 10th installment in France this September.

Every weekend between now and then, we'll count down to the Rugby World Cup by looking back on each edition of the tournament.

Here we cast an eye over the 1991 renewal when the tournament was held across the Five Nations countries.

The second Rugby World Cup was the first held in the northern hemisphere, but it was Australia who got their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup when they beat England 12-6 at Twickenham.

The Hosts

After getting the notion of a global tournament over the line in 1985, it had been decided then that the second iteration would be held in the north by England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France.

Twickenham, Lansdowne Road, Murrayfield and Cardiff Arms Park were the principle venues for Ireland and the British teams, while Le Bleus traversed France in their pool and played their quarter-final in Parc des Princes in Paris.

Ravenhill in Belfast was also used, hosting Japan against Zimbabwe in Ireland's pool.

Over 1,000,000 attended the tournament and the final was played in Twickenham in front of 56,208 fans.

Irish referees Owen Doyle and Stephen Hilditch were among the match officials.

The Pools

Pool 1: England, New Zealand, Italy, USA

Pool 2: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Zimbabwe

Pool 3: Australia, Western Samoa, Wales, Argentina

Pool 4: France, Canada, Romania, Fiji

Ireland

Having finished second last in the Five Nations table, with a draw against Wales saving the team from a wooden spoon, Ireland's two Test losses in a July tour to Namibia only served to lower