This article lists the official squads for the 1987 Rugby World Cup that took place in New Zealand and Australia from 22 May until 20 June 1987. The 1987 Rugby World Cup was the inaugural Rugby World Cup; the world championship for rugby union. Sixteen nations were invited to partake in the tournament, with the notable exception of South Africa; who were excluded from the tournament due to issues surrounding Apartheid.
Players marked (c) were named as captain for their national squad. All details, such as number of international caps and player age, are current as of the opening day of the tournament on 22 May 1987.
Below is a table listing all the head coaches and captains for each nation.
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Head coach: Alan Jones
====== Head coach: George Hook / Ron Mayes
====== Head coach: Martin Green
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====== Head coach: Tony Gray
====== Head coach: Gary Johnston
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Head coaches: Mick Doyle (replaced by Syd Millar) / Jim Davidson
====== Head coach: Sione Kite Manager: : Mailefihi Tukuûaho
====== Head coach: Brian Lochore Assistant coaches : Alex Wyllie and John Hart
====== Head coaches: Josateki Sovau and George Simpkin
====== Head coach: Marco Bollesan
====== Head coaches: Héctor Silva / ÃÂngel Guastella
Before the match against New Zealand, MartÃÂn Yangüela withdrew due to an injury and was replaced by Marcelo Faggi.
====== Head coach: Jacques Fouroux
====== Head coach: Derrick Grant
====== Head coach: Mihai Naca
====== Head coach: Brian Murphy