History
The 1954 final was broadcast by the BBC with the whole match live in the UK via the Television Continental Exchange – a rare novelty for the time. France opened the scoring with a penalty Puig-Aubert kick from 45 yards out and played well early in the match, leading early in the second half thanks to a brilliant try from Cantoni. However Great Britain did not waver, with credit for the win given to a starring role by centre Phil Jackson and the play of their forward pack. Great Britain defeated France 16–12 and became the first team to lift the World Cup.
The 1957 Rugby League World Cup was the second World Cup held for men’s national rugby league teams and was held between 15 and 25 June and hosted by Australia. Table toppers Australia were the winners as there was no Final at this World Cup. In 1960 the same format used in 1957 was used, with Great Britain winning their second World Cup after finishing top of the group.
The 1968 final had been billed a 'debacle' following Great Britain's inexplicable loss to France in Auckland, leaving them to contest the final despite being beaten by Australia seven tries to nil two days prior. Nonetheless, it attracted a then record crowd of 54,290 for a World Cup final. Australia won 20-2 to win their second title.
The 1970 final was keenly anticipated with Great Britain Having retained the Ashes against Australia during their 1970 Australasian tour, they were favourites to win the final, which would become known as the 'Battle of Headingley' due to its brutality. However it went completely against expectations as Britain failed to play any decent football despite overwhelming possession. Australia went on to utilise their meagre chances to the full, running out 12–7 victors.
The 1972 final was played between Great Britain and Australia on 11 November 1972 at the Stade de Gerland ground in Lyon, France. The final was played before 4,231 fans who witnessed what is the last British team to win the Rugby League World Cup. The 1975 Rugby League World Cup went back to a round Robin format. Australia were the winners for a fourth time after topping the group table.
Australia went into the 1977 Final as favourites. However, led by experienced captain Roger Millward, the Lions managed to dominate possession throughout the game, and it took a last minute try from Australian halfback John Kolc (playing his only international game for Australia) to secure the trophy.
The 1988 final was played between New Zealand and Australia on 9 October 1988 at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Australia won the final 25-12 in front of a New Zealand rugby league record attendance of 47,363. Australia, the defending champions, won the Rugby League World Cup for the 6th time. The 1992 final was played between Great Britain and Australia on 24 October 1992 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Australia won the final 10-6 in front of an international record crowd of 73,631.
The 1995 final was the conclusive game of the 1995 Centenary World Cup tournament and was played between England and Australia on 28 October 1995 at the Wembley Stadium in London, England. Australia won the final 16-8 in front of 66,540 fans. The 2000 final was a high-scoring final at Old Trafford between Australia and New Zealand, with the Kangaroos overwhelming their Trans-Tasman opponents. Wendell Sailor scored two tries and Mat Rogers had a near-perfect afternoon with the boot as the Australians ran out 40–12 winners.
The 2008 final played between New Zealand and Australia on 22 November 2008 at Brisbane's Lang Park, was a re-play of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup final. Considered one of the biggest upsets in rugby league, New Zealand defeated Australia 34–20 to claim their first ever World Cup title. The 2013 final was played between New Zealand and Australia on 30 November 2013 at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Australia won the final by 34-2 in front of a sell-out crowd of 74,468.
In 2017 Australia became the winners of the Rugby League World Cup for a record eleventh time, beating England 6–0 in Brisbane to retain the Paul Barrière Trophy and become the first team since 1977 to win the World Cup on home soil. The 2021 final was played between Australia and first time finalists Samoa on 19 November 2022 at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Australia won their 12th title 30-10 in front of a crowd of 67,502.
Australia (12 titles)
New Zealand 
