Rugby quiz questions: scrums, tries and legends

Whether you're prepping for a Six Nations weekend quiz or just want to test your mates' knowledge of the oval ball game, these questions cover the legends, the rivalries and the moments that define rugby union.

The questions

1Which country has won the most Rugby World Cups?

Answer:South Africa (four titles: 1995, 2007, 2019, 2023)(click to reveal)

The Springboks' 2023 win in France made them the first nation to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times, overtaking New Zealand's three titles.

2What is the name of New Zealand's famous pre-match war dance?

Answer:The haka(click to reveal)

The All Blacks perform the haka before every international match. The most commonly performed version is "Ka Mate", though they also use "Kapo o Pango" for special occasions.

3How many points is a try worth in rugby union?

Answer:Five points(click to reveal)

A try is followed by a conversion kick worth two points. A penalty kick or drop goal is worth three points each.

4Which annual tournament features England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales?

Answer:The Six Nations Championship(click to reveal)

The tournament has been contested in its current form since 2000, when Italy joined the existing Five Nations. France have won the most titles overall.

5Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final is one of sport's most iconic moments. Which country were England playing?

Answer:Australia(click to reveal)

England won 20-17 in extra time in Sydney. Wilkinson kicked the winning drop goal with his weaker right foot just 26 seconds before the final whistle.

6Which position wears the number 10 jersey and is responsible for directing a team's attack?

Answer:Fly-half (also accept "stand-off" or "first five-eighth")(click to reveal)

The fly-half typically makes tactical kicking decisions and distributes the ball to the backline. Famous fly-halves include Jonny Wilkinson, Marcus Smith and Johnny Sexton.

7What nickname is given to a match between England and Scotland, the oldest international fixture in rugby?

Answer:The Calcutta Cup(click to reveal)

The trophy is made from melted-down silver rupees withdrawn from the defunct Calcutta Rugby Club in India. England and Scotland first played in 1871.

8Which South African winger became the all-time leading try scorer in Rugby World Cup history during the 2023 tournament?

Answer:Cheslin Kolbe (accept Bryan Habana if they say "before 2023")(click to reveal)

He surpassed Habana's record of 15 World Cup tries during the Springboks' successful 2023 campaign.

9In rugby union, how many players are there on each team during a match?

Answer:Fifteen(click to reveal)

Rugby union has 15 players per side (eight forwards, seven backs). Rugby league, a separate sport, has 13 players per team.

10Which legendary All Blacks fly-half won two Rugby World Cups (2011 and 2015) and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time?

Answer:Dan Carter(click to reveal)

He holds the record for most points scored in international rugby (1,598 points). He was named World Rugby Player of the Year three times and finished his international career with 112 caps for New Zealand.

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