Women’s Rugby World Cup: Everything You Need to Know

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off on 22 August in England, and it promises to be the biggest edition yet. Sixteen teams will compete across eight venues, including Sunderland, London’s Twickenham, Exeter, Manchester, Bristol, York, Northampton, and Brighton, before a final at Twickenham on 27 September.

What’s the format and where’s it taking place?

For the first time, the field has expanded to 16 teams, up from 12. England women’s rugby, New Zealand, France, and Canada qualified automatically. Brazil enters the fray for the first time as South America’s debutant, bringing fresh global interest.

The hosts, England, affectionately known as the Red Roses, open the tournament at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light against the United States, followed by matches against Australia and Samoa in Pool A.

Who has won before?

Only three nations have lifted the trophy so far:

• USA, inaugural champions in 1991, beating England 19–6 in Cardiff

• England, winners in 1994 (38–23 vs USA) and again in 2014 (21–9 vs Canada)

• New Zealand’s Black Ferns, the dominant force, have claimed six titles (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021)

  
  

The most recent final, held in New Zealand on 12 November 2022, saw the Black Ferns edge England 34–31 in a thrilling encounter at Eden Park.

Why is this tournament so significant?

This year’s World Cup marks a turning point for women’s sport. First, it's the largest ever, with ticket sales already surpassing 300,000, doubling past figures and breaking ground on visibility and attendance levels. Second, it's hosted in one of the strongest rugby nations, enabling England to push the profile of the women’s game even further.

The tournament also showcases the depth of talent. England's squad features Emily Scarratt, poised to become the first player to compete in five World Cups, alongside veterans like Marlie Packer and Alexis Matthews. 

New Zealand’s squad contains returning stars such as Portia Woodman‑Wickliffe, Kelly Brazier (on her fourth campaign), and co‑captains Ruahei Demant, and Kennedy Tukuafu.

The bigger picture

This tournament is a celebration of growth in women’s rugby, from expanding global representation to record‑breaking fan engagement. It’s also a catalyst as venues across England come alive with fan zones, grassroots events, and community engagement, celebrating a sport that’s reaching new heights.

In short, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is going to be a landmark moment for women’s rugby and sport in general. It will undoubtedly be a showcase of skill, ambition, and national unity, lighting the flame within the next generation of players and fans alike.