One fact laid bare by the release of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule on Tuesday was just how much the tournament has grown in scope in a decade and a half.
With New Zealand and South Africa playing each other in 2026 and 2030, should tournament organisers look further afield?
Excitement for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 intensified on Tuesday morning as the full match schedule for the tournament was released.
Kicking off at the Stadium of Light on August 22 next year as hosts England take on USA in a re-run of the first two finals, the tournament will head to eight host cities across six weekends.
With the full fixture list confirmed and fans able to map out their team’s potential journey to the final at Twickenham on September 27, we picked out six pool stage matches to circle in your diaries.
Catch up on the Pool Draw for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 tournament that will take place in England. Visit RugbyPass TV for extensive Women’s rugby coverage.
More Women’s rugby
Catch up on the Pool Draw for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 tournament that will take place in England. Visit RugbyPass TV for extensive Women’s rugby coverage.
More Women’s rugby
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Two teams that know each other well, having met 40 times since 1993, the winner of the latest instalment of their rivalry will put themselves in a great position to reach the quarter-finals.
Scotland won the most recent meeting, beating Wales 40-14 in a WXV warm-up in Edinburgh at the beginning of September.
However, that was a relatively rare comfortable victory in the recent history of the fixture. Seven of the previous nine matches had been decided by seven points or fewer.
Wales had won six of those nine matches, including the narrow 18-15 win at Women’s RWC 2021 that ultimately sealed their passage to the last eight. Will Keira Bevan prove the match-winner once again in Manchester?
The fixtures for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 have been announced today following the pool draw last week.
Another all-Six Nations encounter on the opening weekend as Les Bleues take on the Azzurre in Exeter.
With matches against South Africa and Brazil to come, the winner of this one will leave Sandy Park in pole position to claim top spot in Pool D.
France have won 24 of the 30 meetings between the sides, which date back to a 0-0 draw in 1985, including their only World Cup fixture: a 39-3 victory in the quarter-finals two years ago.
The most recent of Italy’s five victories came only seven weeks before that defeat as they beat Les Bleues 26-19 in Biella, and with the likes of Michela Sillari, Beatrice Rigoni and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi still heavily involved, don’t count out the Azzurre next year.
Manaé Feleu has come a long way, both figuratively and literally, in the past couple of years but if the France captain gets her way, then a place in the history books awaits.
Brazil will become the first South American nation to appear at a women’s World Cup when they take to the field in Northampton next August.
Sitting 42nd in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, As Yaras are the lowest ranked team to make it to England and will want to prove they belong on the biggest stage in their opening match.
For South Africa, this match provides them with an excellent opportunity to secure only their second pool-stage win and first since a 15-10 defeat of Wales, also in England, in 2010.
Victory would set up the Springbok Women for a likely decisive encounter with Italy the following weekend in their pursuit of a first World Cup quarter-final.
No one could deny that rugby is disproportionally tilted towards the men’s game around the world, but nowhere is this imbalance more starkly represented than in South Africa, writes Daniel Gallan. Could that be about to change?
Seven days later, Northampton will again be the setting for a potential humdinger as the rapidly improving Ireland take on Spain, the team that helped deny them a place at the last World Cup.
Ireland have won seven of the teams’ 13 previous meetings, but an 8-7 defeat to Las Leonas at the RWC 2021 Europe Qualifier contributed to their failure to make it to New Zealand.
The Irish have enjoyed a renaissance under head coach Scott Bemand, beating the Black Ferns last month en route to finishing as runners-up in their WXV 1 debut.
That upswing in results was given impetus by a 15-13 defeat of Spain in last year’s WXV 3 finale, a match that Las Leonas led 13-3 heading into the final quarter.
Spain certainly won’t fear Ireland when they meet at Franklin’s Gardens.
As promised in the second entry of the diary, Laura Delgado and the Leonas fulfilled their promise: a World Cup qualification. Not only did they book a ticket to England 2025, but they were also able to lift the WXV 3 trophy for the first time ever.
Two of the most in-form teams heading into the draw, hosts England are on a 20-match winning run while Australia came of age under Jo Yapp in Cape Town, winning WXV 2.
England have won all seven matches between the sides, dating back to a 30-13 victory at the 1998 World Cup in which Yapp appeared as a replacement.
Yapp’s presence in the Wallaroos coaches’ box next September could potentially add an extra spice to the occasion. The former England captain won 68 caps for the Red Roses and is no stranger to the current squad due to her coaching exploits.
England’s run of success in the fixture also includes a 15-0 win in the 2010 semi-finals, a match in which Emily Scarratt lined up opposite Sharni Smale in the centres.
Attack coach Lou Meadows explains why the Red Roses are scoring a wider variety of tries than two years ago.
Ireland remain the only team to have ever beaten New Zealand in the pool stage of a World Cup, having knocked them out of the 2014 tournament.
They also head into 2025 as the only team in world rugby to lead their head-to-head against the Black Ferns, albeit having only played them three times.
Erin King was the Irish heroine at the end of September, coming off the bench at BC Place to score two tries in the final 13 minutes and give Dannah O’Brien the opportunity to claim a 29-27 victory from the kicking tee.
However, the history of the World Cup is littered with examples of the Black Ferns peaking at exactly the right time, and they will hope to exact revenge on England’s south coast.
Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 ticket application opens 5 November (22 October for Mastercard holders). Register your interest now.
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With New Zealand and South Africa playing each other in 2026 and 2030, should tournament organisers look further afield?
The front-row juggernauts are big athletes with big personalities, and a job which requires brain as well as brawn.
Joe Schmidt needs time – and patience – to mould and tutor his shiny new rugby league recruit.
Who else is there? 64 is a large contingent then add on injured and who's left?
Who else is there? 64 is a large contingent then add on injured and who's left?
Fiji made the rwc quarter finals twice before 2023 in 1987 and 2007 along with the quarter final playoffs in 1999. Surely the writer can't forget one of the greatest ever games when fiji knocked out wales in 2007
Fiji made the rwc quarter finals twice before 2023 in 1987 and 2007 along with the quarter final playoffs in 1999. Surely the writer can't forget one of the greatest ever games when fiji knocked out wales in 2007
1. NZ has had time to play together and are likely more settled than England;
Coming off a recent Rugby Championship sure, but I'm not sure England have the selection problems the ABs have.
2. Especially after England's management problems – which must be disruptive (despite it being swept under the carpet or downplayed);
Or being overplayed. Bottom line is, Borthwick is still early in his England career as are his support staff. it's not as if the coaching team had been in place for 3 or 4 years.
3. NZ, despite their performances this year, have a very good pack which I think overall are better (but I guess this is subjective);
They do have a good pack and probably a better front 3, but England have great strength at lock and in the loose forwards, so I'm not sure I agree that the NZ 'pack' are better.
4. England won't have their 1st choice 9 & 10 available;
Marcus Smith is England's first choice 10 and he is available. Spencer – arguably England's #2 scrum half, will most likely start with Randall on the bench. Think there's more question marks over who's starting at 13 for England. Who's NZ first choice 10 these days?
5. On paper, the ABS have better and more experienced players across the squad.
In terms of caps, probably. But again, how long have this ABs team been playing together? Hasn't Robertson been trying new combinations out etc? Who's the starting 10/9 etc? Do the ABs have a settled lock pairing? This is hardly a vintage NZ squad and from what I've been reading, there seems to a fair amount of uncertainty within the NZ camp over who the best starting 15 currently are. In contrast, the bulk of Borthwick's side are – injuries aside, largely known.
One final point is tries scored. Across the last 6 games, NZ have scored 22 to England's 21. Pretty sure you'd have to trawl the record books pretty deeply to find a comparable data set.
And yeah, England are also at home.
1. NZ has had time to play together and are likely more settled than England;
Coming off a recent Rugby Championship sure, but I'm not sure England have the selection problems the ABs have.
2. Especially after England's management problems – which must be disruptive (despite it being swept under the carpet or downplayed);
Or being overplayed. Bottom line is, Borthwick is still early in his England career as are his support staff. it's not as if the coaching team had been in place for 3 or 4 years.
3. NZ, despite their performances this year, have a very good pack which I think overall are better (but I guess this is subjective);
They do have a good pack and probably a better front 3, but England have great strength at lock and in the loose forwards, so I'm not sure I agree that the NZ 'pack' are better.
4. England won't have their 1st choice 9 & 10 available;
Marcus Smith is England's first choice 10 and he is available. Spencer – arguably England's #2 scrum half, will most likely start with Randall on the bench. Think there's more question marks over who's starting at 13 for England. Who's NZ first choice 10 these days?
5. On paper, the ABS have better and more experienced players across the squad.
In terms of caps, probably. But again, how long have this ABs team been playing together? Hasn't Robertson been trying new combinations out etc? Who's the starting 10/9 etc? Do the ABs have a settled lock pairing? This is hardly a vintage NZ squad and from what I've been reading, there seems to a fair amount of uncertainty within the NZ camp over who the best starting 15 currently are. In contrast, the bulk of Borthwick's side are – injuries aside, largely known.
One final point is tries scored. Across the last 6 games, NZ have scored 22 to England's 21. Pretty sure you'd have to trawl the record books pretty deeply to find a comparable data set.
And yeah, England are also at home.
Glad you pointed out the absurdity of the Mclennan comments. After ruining 2023 for us all he still is at it.
Totally agree re giving Joseph time to find his position and relearn the game he played as a kid. Are you confident both Joe Schmidt and Dan Mackellar will.manage this well? The media here will likely just be reporting on Joseph's every move and ignoring the other players
Glad you pointed out the absurdity of the Mclennan comments. After ruining 2023 for us all he still is at it.
Totally agree re giving Joseph time to find his position and relearn the game he played as a kid. Are you confident both Joe Schmidt and Dan Mackellar will.manage this well? The media here will likely just be reporting on Joseph's every move and ignoring the other players
no
Sacks more cash than any other province in Ireland and they spend it on developing and acquiring players. Quel surprise…
Sacks more cash than any other province in Ireland and they spend it on developing and acquiring players. Quel surprise…
Are these the same rankings that saw the 6th ranked team beat the 2nd and 3rd recently?
Are these the same rankings that saw the 6th ranked team beat the 2nd and 3rd recently?
POM (big angry lawn mowing bully) got paid back for his his big mouth spray on Sam Cane by first being outplayed by Sam Cane in the quarter final of last year's world cup, & then being on the losing side. BR comment was totally justified, insulting his captain was not a good idea after all 😂
POM (big angry lawn mowing bully) got paid back for his his big mouth spray on Sam Cane by first being outplayed by Sam Cane in the quarter final of last year's world cup, & then being on the losing side. BR comment was totally justified, insulting his captain was not a good idea after all 😂
Well it's good news that Robbie's head grew back.! Also, you've a bit of a contradiction going on there, if Dane Coles reacted to Sexton's big petulant gob, that would suggest Sexton instigated it would it not.? Also, do you remember Heaslip getting red carded for kneeing Ritchie McCaw in the head 3 times back in 2010.? There's been bad blood between these 2 teams for some time really, long may it continue.!
Well it's good news that Robbie's head grew back.! Also, you've a bit of a contradiction going on there, if Dane Coles reacted to Sexton's big petulant gob, that would suggest Sexton instigated it would it not.? Also, do you remember Heaslip getting red carded for kneeing Ritchie McCaw in the head 3 times back in 2010.? There's been bad blood between these 2 teams for some time really, long may it continue.!
And LSL. He was excellent this season
And LSL. He was excellent this season
I agree those two would have strengthened the squad. A lock squad over 4 tests of LSL, Skelton, Rodda and Frost is serious
I agree those two would have strengthened the squad. A lock squad over 4 tests of LSL, Skelton, Rodda and Frost is serious
Did you see any of his NPC games Nick. His form was very average. He was playing in a weaker pack and when the going got tough he went missing. That has been a consistent criticism of his game over the years. He looked very good for the Blues but they had the dominant pack in every game the only exception being the game against the Crusaders. And that was the game that Sotutu went missing.
Did you see any of his NPC games Nick. His form was very average. He was playing in a weaker pack and when the going got tough he went missing. That has been a consistent criticism of his game over the years. He looked very good for the Blues but they had the dominant pack in every game the only exception being the game against the Crusaders. And that was the game that Sotutu went missing.
Waiting for the comment from Forward Pass.
Waiting for the comment from Forward Pass.
It's obvious. Queensland.
You're right. That's really fair feedback.
Not that it makes up for the oversight here but I'll use this as a chance to give this a nudge: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/if-i-lose-my-position-if-i-lose-my-contract-my-family-wont-eat/
You're right. That's really fair feedback.
Not that it makes up for the oversight here but I'll use this as a chance to give this a nudge: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/if-i-lose-my-position-if-i-lose-my-contract-my-family-wont-eat/
They would just be adding tests, not remov9ng any, so they would be making more money. Plus, they make a lot playing japan every time. That's why they do it so much
They would just be adding tests, not remov9ng any, so they would be making more money. Plus, they make a lot playing japan every time. That's why they do it so much
Agree regarding SA, now that the entire nation has taken to rugby. But also agree with TK regarding NZ. They are there or thereabout and only a few games into the new management system. It will be interesting to see if Ireland can sustain their recent performance, as an Irish fan I hope they can because they are bringing immense pleasure to supporters like me who remember the 70's, 80's etc. But we'll have to wait and see. SA could very well be the dominant force for some time. But hopefully we'll have a situation like it is today where any one of 5 or hopefully more are capable of winning.
Agree regarding SA, now that the entire nation has taken to rugby. But also agree with TK regarding NZ. They are there or thereabout and only a few games into the new management system. It will be interesting to see if Ireland can sustain their recent performance, as an Irish fan I hope they can because they are bringing immense pleasure to supporters like me who remember the 70's, 80's etc. But we'll have to wait and see. SA could very well be the dominant force for some time. But hopefully we'll have a situation like it is today where any one of 5 or hopefully more are capable of winning.
Great article and good to see the front row getting their due. It’s no accident that the last two men’s RWCs have been won by the team with two complete front rows that would walk into most of their opponents’ starting XVs.
But it’d be nice if it had considered the women’s game as well – to take just two examples, Sarah Bern is one of the most complete rugby players ever to play the game, and yet Maud Muir is justifiably keeping her on the bench.
Great article and good to see the front row getting their due. It’s no accident that the last two men’s RWCs have been won by the team with two complete front rows that would walk into most of their opponents’ starting XVs.
But it’d be nice if it had considered the women’s game as well – to take just two examples, Sarah Bern is one of the most complete rugby players ever to play the game, and yet Maud Muir is justifiably keeping her on the bench.
I recall NZ being the butt of a lot of WC jokes after the first in 1987 up to 2011 as they kept getting knocked out despite being favourites in many cases, glass houses and all that. You'd think that after being subjected to it you might be a little bit reluctant to dish it out, but I would guess that's just a reflection on the individuals concerned.
I recall NZ being the butt of a lot of WC jokes after the first in 1987 up to 2011 as they kept getting knocked out despite being favourites in many cases, glass houses and all that. You'd think that after being subjected to it you might be a little bit reluctant to dish it out, but I would guess that's just a reflection on the individuals concerned.
It's definitely time we see All blacks bring change to their calendar. AB's for last 15 years now have been versing mainly 'traditional' sides and been too conservative. Regularly seeing AB's do once off 4 year period or don't at all verse sides like Tonga, Samoa, Georgia, Japan, Uruguay and 8th Ranked Europe team. They should be playing all these sides every 4 years! Watching the AB's is boring watching likes of Ireland, Wales, France on regular basis! Lastly watching the AB's vs Springboks feels meaningless since they're both in Rugby Championship when they are competing with Australia & Argentina too.
If the AB's were versing Springboks outside of Rugby Championship every year, replacing it with Freedom Cup, Doesn't make sense to be playing it in Rugby Championship! AB's vs Springboks outside Rugby Championship makes more sense, would bring more meaning, would strengthen the rivalry between them, reach out new audiences, bring understanding of significance between them, become like State of Origin of rugby union and grow rugby game overall! Makes total sense if we swapped out Springboks(move to Six Nations) with Fiji in Rugby Championship. All Blacks calendar really needs to change too!
AB's top 'Marquee Players' (Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Rieko Ioane) should only be selected for matches against top 8 ranked teams and not feature in Rugby Championship which prevents next generation of players(Stephen Perofeta, Noah Hotham, Dalton Papalii, Samipeni Finau, Billy Proctor) properly developing to their true form on international level.
It's definitely time we see All blacks bring change to their calendar. AB's for last 15 years now have been versing mainly 'traditional' sides and been too conservative. Regularly seeing AB's do once off 4 year period or don't at all verse sides like Tonga, Samoa, Georgia, Japan, Uruguay and 8th Ranked Europe team. They should be playing all these sides every 4 years! Watching the AB's is boring watching likes of Ireland, Wales, France on regular basis! Lastly watching the AB's vs Springboks feels meaningless since they're both in Rugby Championship when they are competing with Australia & Argentina too.
If the AB's were versing Springboks outside of Rugby Championship every year, replacing it with Freedom Cup, Doesn't make sense to be playing it in Rugby Championship! AB's vs Springboks outside Rugby Championship makes more sense, would bring more meaning, would strengthen the rivalry between them, reach out new audiences, bring understanding of significance between them, become like State of Origin of rugby union and grow rugby game overall! Makes total sense if we swapped out Springboks(move to Six Nations) with Fiji in Rugby Championship. All Blacks calendar really needs to change too!
AB's top 'Marquee Players' (Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Rieko Ioane) should only be selected for matches against top 8 ranked teams and not feature in Rugby Championship which prevents next generation of players(Stephen Perofeta, Noah Hotham, Dalton Papalii, Samipeni Finau, Billy Proctor) properly developing to their true form on international level.
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