In which year did the first ever Rugby World Cup take place? In which year did the first Cricket World Cup take place? Although rugby internationals had been played since the early 1900s, the first Rugby World Cup only arrived in 1987. It was won by New Zealand, although possibly the strongest rugby nation at the time, South Africa, mexico soccer jersey 2024-25 was in international isolation due to apartheid. The U.S. went on to win 5-2 and claim the World Cup. Cricket as a sport had been played internationally since the late 1800s. The first Wold Cup for the sport only took place in 1975, however.