The 2000 Rugby League World Cup was the twelfth World Cup for men’s national rugby league teams, held between 28 October and 25 November and hosted between the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. Australia won their ninth title by beating New Zealand 40-12 in the final at Old Trafford.

Following the success of the previous tournament, the World Cup was expanded to 16 teams and for the first time featured qualification rounds before the finals.

Summary

Following the success of the 1995 Rugby League World Cup, organisers decided to expand the 2000 tournament to 16 teams, 15 were invited while seven emerging nations were invited into a qualifying tournament to determine the 16th place.

The millennium World Cup attracted a record sponsorship of over £1 million from title Lincoln Financial Group, who had also sponsored Great Britain's Tests against New Zealand the previous year. The tournament also made a £2 million profit, despite attracting small crowds.

Despite its financial success the 2000 World Cup was seen as a failure, with too many blow out score lines and the inclusion of New Zealand Māori team being invited alongside the New Zealand National team. Despite being the only team to have to qualify to play in the World Cup, Lebanon were criticised for consisting entirely of Australians of Lebanese origin, which led to derisory comments in the media. The tournament also attracted criticism of its lack of marketing and poor crowds.

France performed creditably and had healthy attendances in games they hosted, while the much-derided Lebanon team also proved the catalyst for domestic competition in that country.

Qualifying

Six countries – Lebanon, the United States, Morocco, Canada, Italy and Japan – competed for one available place in the tournament. Lebanon defeated the United States 62–8 in the final play-off match.

Teams

The 2000 World Cup tournament featured 16 teams:

Venues

The games were played at various venues in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France.

The Twickenham Stadium in London, the home of the English rugby union was the host stadium for the opening ceremony and match featuring hosts England and defending champions Australia.

Group stage

Group A

---

---

Group B

---

---

Group C

---

---

Group D

---

---

Knockout stage

The top 2 teams from each pool advanced to the quarter-finals.

Quarter-finals

---

---

---

Semi-finals

---

Final

Try scorers

10

• Wendell Sailor

9

• Lesley Vainikolo

6

• Ryan Girdler
• Jamie Peacock
• Richie Barnett
• Willie Talau

5

• Bryan Fletcher
• Adam MacDougall
• Robbie Paul

4

3

2

1

References

External links

• 2000 World Cup final at bbc.co.uk
• 2000 World Cup at rlhalloffame.org.uk
• 2000 World Cup at rlwc2008.com
• 2000 World Cup at rugbyleagueproject.org
• 2000 World Cup at 188-rugby-league.co.uk