What Is 2011 Rugby World Cup squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Rugby World Cup squads consisted of 20 national teams, each submitting up to 30 players, with the tournament held in New Zealand from September 9 to October 23, 2011. New Zealand's All Blacks won the championship, defeating France 8–7 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2011 Rugby World Cup featured 20 national teams with 30-player squads each.
Tournament ran from September 9 to October 23, 2011, hosted in New Zealand.
New Zealand defeated France 8–7 in the final at Eden Park on October 23.
Each team named a maximum of 30 players, as per World Rugby regulations.
Australia, South Africa, and Wales were among the top-tier contenders.

Overview

The 2011 Rugby World Cup brought together 20 national teams, each selecting a squad of up to 30 players to compete for the Webb Ellis Cup. Hosted in New Zealand, the tournament spanned from September 9 to October 23, marking the seventh edition of the event and the first hosted by New Zealand since 1987.

Teams were required to submit final squads by August 23, 2011, with player eligibility verified by World Rugby. The competition featured a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a tightly contested final between New Zealand and France.

New Zealand named Richie McCaw as captain, who led the All Blacks to their first World Cup win since 1987 with a decisive 8–7 victory in the final.
France entered the final as underdogs but held strong defensively, nearly securing an upset despite scoring only seven points.
South Africa, the defending champions, were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Australia in a 11–9 loss, ending their title defense.
Wales reached the semifinals for the first time, defeating Ireland in the quarterfinals before losing to France in a 9–8 thriller.
Argentina made history by advancing past the group stage for the second consecutive tournament, defeating Scotland and Romania in pool play.

How It Works

Selecting a Rugby World Cup squad involves national coaches and selectors choosing up to 30 players across all positions, adhering to World Rugby’s eligibility and fitness standards. The process includes medical evaluations, form assessments, and strategic planning for group and knockout stages.

Selection Deadline: All squads had to be finalized by August 23, 2011. Late injuries could be accommodated under exceptional circumstances with approval from World Rugby.
Player Caps:New Zealand fielded a squad with over 650 combined test caps, emphasizing experience ahead of the tournament.
Injury Replacements: Teams could replace injured players before their first match; England replaced prop David Wilson with Paul Doran-Jones due to injury.
Positional Balance: Each squad required at least 8 forwards and 7 backs, ensuring tactical flexibility across scrums, lineouts, and backline plays.
Captaincy:Richie McCaw (New Zealand), John Smit (South Africa), and Sam Warburton (Wales) were among the notable captains leading their nations.
Age Range: Squads included veterans like 40-year-old Brian Lima of Samoa and emerging talents such as 19-year-old Israel Folau of Australia.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s a comparison of key squads based on experience, performance, and composition:

Team	Final Standing	Squad Size	Top Points Scorer	Notable Absence
New Zealand	Champions	30	Dan Carter (69 points)	Dan Carter (injured, returned mid-tournament)
France	Runners-up	30	Thierry Dusautoir (defensive leader)	No major absences
Australia	Quarterfinals	30	James O'Connor (55 points)	Stirling Mortlock (retired pre-tournament)
Wales	Semifinals	30	James Hook (57 points)	Shane Williams (limited impact)
South Africa	Quarterfinals	30	Frans Steyn (47 points)	Victor Matfield (initially omitted, later included)

The table highlights how squad depth and key player availability influenced outcomes. New Zealand’s resilience, especially after Dan Carter’s injury, demonstrated the importance of balanced selection. Meanwhile, South Africa’s omission of Victor Matfield initially raised concerns, though he was later reinstated. Wales’ deep run underscored the value of youth and cohesion, while Australia’s early exit reflected inconsistent form despite strong individual performances.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Rugby World Cup squads set benchmarks for team selection, resilience, and international competitiveness. The tournament not only showcased elite rugby but also influenced future selection policies and player development programs worldwide.

Legacy of Victory: New Zealand’s win ended a 24-year drought, boosting national pride and inspiring a new generation of rugby players.
Injury Management: The tournament highlighted the need for robust medical protocols, as 12 players were replaced due to injuries before matchday one.
Global Exposure: Emerging nations like USA and Russia used squad selection to promote rugby development in non-traditional markets.
Coaching Strategies: The success of structured squads emphasized data-driven selection, influencing how teams prepare for future tournaments.
Player Longevity: Veterans like John Smit and Chris Paterson demonstrated that experience remains vital at the highest level.
Pathway Development: The visibility of young talents like Israel Folau accelerated investment in youth academies across member nations.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup squads were more than rosters—they were blueprints of national pride, strategic depth, and athletic excellence that continue to shape the sport’s global evolution.