There are 20 countries competing in the tournament.

Rugby fans were greeted with the sight of a giant rugby ball on the wall of Cardiff Castle. The installation turned out to be a huge attraction for local and travelling rugby fans.

The England squad applaud fans during a lap of appreciation around the Etihad.

David Denton celebrates as Scotland book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after their win over Samoa.

England player Mike Brown celebrates after scoring a try during the Rugby World Cup Pool A match.

South Africa look dejected after losing against Japan.

France and Italy players compete for the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Italy at Twickenham Stadium.

South Africa captain Fourie du Preez broke Welsh hearts by scoring a try five minutes from time to book the Springboks a World Cup semi-final place at Twickenham.

New Zealand booked a World Cup semi-final against South Africa with a nine-try demolition of France at the Millennium Stadium.

Ireland 20-43 defeat to Argentina in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals at the Millennium Stadium.

Australia a dramatic 35-34 win overScotland in the quarter-final of the World Cup at Twickenham.

New Zealand were twice forced to come from behind as they beat South Africa 20-18 in a bruising World Cup semi-final at Twickenham.

Australia survives a semi-final battle with Argentina to run out 29-15 winners at Twickenham and set up a dream World Cup final date with New Zealand.

South Africa have finished third at the Rugby World Cup after defeating Argentina 24-13 in the bronze medal match at the Olympic Stadium.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 has come to an end, with New Zealand beating Australia 34-17 to become the first team to retain the title.

A dejected Australia after the whistle.

The All Blacks finish the celebrations off with a victory performance of the Haka with the trophy.

New Zealand player Sonny Bill Williams provided one of the most heart-warming moments of the Rugby World Cup final - giving his winners medal to a young fan after the game.