| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 1999 – 2003 |
| No. of nations | 89 |
← 1999 2007 → | |
The qualification process for the 2003 Rugby World Cup began during the pool stages of the 1999 tournament in Wales, during which the quarterfinalists were awarded automatic qualification for the 2003 event. A further twelve teams qualified through regional tournaments and the repechage process.[1]