Rugby League World Cup Trophy: Name, History and Winners
The Rugby League World Cup trophy once went missing for 20 years, after it was stolen from a hotel in Bradford in 1970.
It turned up in a ditch in 1990, and today it’s one of the most famous trophies in the sport.
The men’s Rugby League World Cup trophy is called the Paul Barrière Trophy, named after the French official who paid for it before the first World Cup in 1954.
Australia have lifted it more than anyone, with 12 titles, and they are the current holders.
The women’s and wheelchair World Cups have their own trophies, and all three will be handed out in November 2026.
Below, you’ll find the trophy’s name, its strange history, who has won it and when the 2026 winners will lift it in Brisbane.
Quick Answer: Rugby League World Cup Trophy
- Name: Paul Barrière Trophy
- First awarded: 1954, in France
- Most wins: Australia, 12 titles
- Holders: Australia (beat Samoa 30-10 in 2022)
- Famous story: Stolen in 1970, found in 1990
- 2026 presentation: 15 November, Suncorp Stadium
What Is the Rugby League World Cup Trophy Called?
The men’s Rugby League World Cup trophy is called the Paul Barrière Trophy.
Paul Barrière was president of the French Rugby League Federation from 1947 to 1955, and the World Cup was his idea.
He commissioned the trophy at a cost of eight million francs, then donated it to the International Rugby League Board for the first tournament in 1954.
It has officially carried his name since the 2017 World Cup, as a tribute to the man who started it all.
Paul Barrière Trophy History
The trophy was handed to the winners of the first four World Cups, from 1954 to 1968.
In 1970, Australia displayed it at the Midland Hotel in Bradford. It was stolen on 1 November, six days before the final.
For 20 years, nobody knew where it was. Replacement trophies were used, including a £10,000 Tiffany cup for the 1995 centenary World Cup.
In 1990, a couple found it in a ditch near a rugby club in Bingley. It went back to the Rugby Football League on 1 June 1990, and it was back in use for the 2000 World Cup.
Who Has Won the Rugby League World Cup Trophy the Most?
Australia have won the men’s World Cup trophy the most, with 12 titles.
Great Britain have won it three times, in 1954, 1960 and 1972. New Zealand have won it once, in 2008.
Johnny Raper was the last captain to lift the original trophy before it was stolen, after Australia beat France 20-2 in 1968.
Australia are the current holders after beating Samoa 30-10 at Old Trafford in 2022. See every final in our Rugby League World Cup winners list.
Women’s Rugby League World Cup Trophy
The Women’s Rugby League World Cup has its own trophy, which was unveiled in Sydney on 8 August 2017.
Jillaroos players brought it onto Cronulla Beach in a lifeguard rescue buggy, 100 days before that year’s tournament.
Australia have won it at every World Cup since 2013, while New Zealand won the first three titles in 2000, 2003 and 2008.
The Jillaroos are chasing a fourth straight title in 2026. Follow their run in our Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide.
Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Trophy
The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup got a new trophy in November 2019, unveiled at Old Trafford before the 2021 tournament.
International Rugby League said it completed a magnificent suite of World Cup trophies for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events.
England are the holders after beating France 28-24 in the 2021 final, which was played in 2022.
England and France have won two wheelchair titles each, so whoever wins in Wollongong will move clear at the top.
When Will the 2026 Trophy Be Presented?
The men’s Paul Barrière Trophy will be presented at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November 2026.
The men’s final kicks off at 6:35pm Brisbane time, after the women’s final at 3:15pm, so both trophies are lifted on the same night.
The wheelchair trophy is presented two days earlier, after the final on Friday 13 November at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
For kick-off times and tickets, see our Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final guide.
Rugby League World Cup Trophy: FAQ
Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about the World Cup trophy.
Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.
For the full story, see the sections above.
What is the Rugby League World Cup trophy called?
It’s called the Paul Barrière Trophy.
It has carried his name since 2017.
He paid for the original trophy in 1954.
Who holds the Rugby League World Cup trophy now?
Australia hold the men’s trophy.
They beat Samoa 30-10 in the 2021 final.
That final was played in 2022.
Was the Rugby League World Cup trophy stolen?
Yes. It was stolen in Bradford in 1970.
It was found in a ditch in 1990.
It returned for the 2000 World Cup.
Who was Paul Barrière?
He led French rugby league from 1947 to 1955.
He came up with the idea of a World Cup.
He donated the trophy for the first tournament.
Conclusion
The Paul Barrière Trophy is the prize every men’s team wants at the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
It has survived a theft, 20 years in hiding and a trip into a ditch, and Australia have won it 12 times.
The women’s and wheelchair trophies are newer, but they’re just as hard to win, with the Jillaroos and England the current holders.
Want our World Cup updates first? Add RLWC 2026 Guide as a preferred source on Google.
