Rugby International competition history

Rugby World Cup
24 teams are split into 6 groups of 4 and play a single round robin within their group (3 games). After 3 games the group winners + 2 best ranked runner-up teams advanced to the Cup quarter-final. The other four 2nd placed teams are joined by 4 best ranked 3rd placed teams in the Shield. The rest compete for the Bowl. The top 2 teams in the group automatically qualify for next year's RWC alongside the hosts, 2 best performing teams in the Plate that hasn't gained auto qualification yet and the Bowl winners. The rest of the tournament is made up of the following:
 * 1) Asia Rugby Championship winners
 * 2) South America Rugby Championship winners
 * 3) North America Rugby Championship winners
 * 4) Rugby Africa Gold Cup winners
 * 5) Rugby Europe Championship winners
 * 6) Runner up of North America Rugby Championship v Winner of Americas Rugby Challenge in 2 legged playoff
 * 7) Oceania Cup winners
 * 8) Winner of a 6-team Repechage (Runner-up of the tournaments mentioned above, apart from no.6). The 6 teams compete in a single round-robin (5 games)

Five Nations (1940–1999)
1The 1972 edition was played without Ireland due to escalating political situation. This meant that the championship was renamed the 4 Nations Championship, the Triple Crown was not awarded to Wales because of the absence of Ireland.

European Championship (2018–present)
The European Championship is an international men's rugby competition organised by the Rugby Europe for the top 8 European national teams. It is the top division of the Rugby Europe Nations Championships. The 8 teams are divided into 2 groups of 4, each team plays everyone else in their group with the top 2 teams in each group proceeding to the semi-finals, and then the final. There would also be a 3rd place play-off. The 3rd and 4th-placed teams in each group would proceed to a 5th-8th place classification, with semi-finals, a final and a 7th v 8th play-off. The team that loses the 7th v 8th play-off will face the European Trophy winners in a promotion/relegation play-off in November. The 'Triple Crown' Trophy is also awarded to the best performing 'Home Nation' team (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales)

The Rugby Championship
8 teams are divided into 2 groups of 4, each team plays everyone else in their group with the top 2 teams in each group proceeding to the semi-finals, and then the final. There would also be a 3rd place play-off. The 3rd and 4th-placed teams in each group would proceed to a plate competition, with semi-finals, a final and a 7th v 8th play-off.