Rugby World Cup 2015 Image Gallery

The 2015 Rugby World Cup was the eighth Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial rugby union world championship. The tournament was hosted by England from 18 September to 31 October.

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.