High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The first Rugby League World Cup was held in France in 1954 and was officially known as the "Rugby World Cup". Four nations competed in the tournament: Australia, France, Great Britain and New Zealand. A group stage was held first, with Great Britain topping the table as a result of points difference. They went on to defeat France (who finished second in the table, level on points) in the final, which was held at the Parc des Princes, Paris, in front of around 30,000 spectators.