Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Fixtures, Teams, And Venues

Introduction to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to captivate fans across England, running from 22 August to 27 September. This landmark 10th edition promises thrilling rugby action, with England hosting the tournament on home soil. The Red Roses, England’s national women’s rugby team, enter as favourites, aiming to use the home advantage to finally dethrone New Zealand’s dominant Black Ferns.

With five weeks of intense competition ahead, the tournament will not only showcase top-tier rugby talent but also mark a pivotal moment for women’s sport in the UK.

Key teams and tournament favourites

The Red Roses arrive with impressive credentials: currently ranked number one globally and winners of the last seven Six Nations titles. Their determination to claim the World Cup on home turf adds extra excitement to this year’s competition. England have been finalists in eight of the previous nine tournaments, winning twice, but have often been thwarted by the Black Ferns.

New Zealand’s Black Ferns are the team to beat. With six World Cup titles, including the last two consecutive wins, they have a formidable reputation. Notably, five of their six titles came at England’s expense, highlighting the fierce rivalry between these two rugby powerhouses.

Other notable contenders

• France: Consistently strong performers with a powerful squad aiming to upset the traditional powerhouses.
• Canada and Australia: Both have shown resilience in recent tournaments and could spring surprises in knockout stages.
• Ireland and Scotland: Emerging as competitive sides, especially buoyed by home support in some fixtures.

Fixture schedule and key matches

The tournament kicks off on 22 August at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, with England facing the United States in a commanding 69-7 victory that set the tone for the competition.

The pool stages take place across eight venues in England, culminating in thrilling quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals held primarily in Bristol and at the iconic Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Knockout stage overview

• Quarter-finals (13-14 September): Notable clashes include England vs Scotland in Bristol and New Zealand vs South Africa in Exeter.
• Semi-finals (19-20 September): Winners of quarter-finals battle for final spots, with matches again hosted in Bristol.
• Final and bronze final (27 September): Both matches will be played at Twickenham, the spiritual home of English rugby, with a capacity of 82,000, promising an electric atmosphere.

The detailed fixtures reflect a well-structured schedule designed to maintain high intensity and fan engagement throughout.

Venues hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Matches are spread across eight stadiums, from large city arenas to more intimate rugby grounds, reflecting the tournament’s national reach.

• Allianz Stadium, Twickenham: Hosts the final and bronze final; iconic venue with an 82,000 capacity.
• Stadium of Light, Sunderland: Opens the tournament with a 49,000 capacity.
• American Express Stadium, Brighton: Pool stages with a 31,876 capacity.
• Aston Gate, Bristol: Quarter-finals and semi-finals, 26,462 capacity.
• Sandy Park, Exeter: Pool and quarter-finals, 15,600 capacity.
• Franklin's Gardens, Northampton: Pool matches, 15,249 capacity.
• Salford Community Stadium, Manchester: Pool matches, 11,404 capacity.
• York Community Stadium, York: Pool matches, 8,500 capacity.

This diverse selection ensures fans across England have access to world-class rugby and helps promote the sport nationwide.

Historical context and previous winners

Understanding the tournament’s history adds perspective to this year’s competition. Since the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, held in Wales, only three nations have lifted the trophy:

• United States: Won the very first tournament in 1991.
• England: Claimed the title in 1994 and 2014, showcasing their long-standing pedigree.
• New Zealand: The dominant force with six titles, including the last three consecutive wins.

The rivalry between England and New Zealand has been a defining feature, with many finals contested between these two giants.

England’s 32-player squad for the 2025 World Cup

The Red Roses squad features a blend of experienced internationals and exciting new talents. Key players include:

• Forwards: Marlie Packer (110 caps), Amy Cokayne (83 caps), and Zoe Aldcroft (63 caps) provide strength and leadership.
• Backs: Emily Scarratt (118 caps), Natasha Hunt (80 caps), and Jess Breach (45 caps) offer creativity and scoring threats.

This balanced squad aims to combine physicality with skillful play to challenge the Black Ferns’ dominance.

Broadcasting and fan engagement

Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, which secured a historic broadcast deal enhancing coverage of women’s rugby. This partnership promises greater visibility and accessibility for the sport, encouraging new audiences to engage with the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

For those interested in following the tournament closely, the Sky Sports Secures Historic Wsl Broadcast Deal From 2025 article on SportsScoop offers insight into how broadcasting is expanding in women’s sports.

Conclusion: What to expect from the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event for rugby fans in England and worldwide. With England aiming to capitalise on home advantage and the Black Ferns determined to defend their crown, every match is set to be fiercely competitive.

Hosting the tournament across multiple venues also reflects a growing appreciation and support for women’s rugby, signalling a bright future for the sport. Whether you are a seasoned rugby supporter or new to the game, this World Cup offers an exciting opportunity to witness some of the finest displays of athleticism and team spirit.

Stay updated with SportsScoop for the latest on fixtures, results, and expert analysis throughout the tournament.