Down-low on the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England 2025

The Women’s Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest tournaments in women’s sports, showcasing elite-level rugby talent from across the globe. In 2025, the world’s top female rugby players will descend on England for this event.

The Road to England 2025: What’s At Stake?

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be the ninth edition of the prestigious competition, and it’s poised to be a milestone event. England will host the tournament for the second time, following their successful staging of the competition in 2010. As the host nation, England's team, the Red Roses, will be looking to take it one step further and claim the defend the title on home soil. But, they’ll face stiff competition from rugby powerhouses like New Zealand, France, Canada, and the United States, all of whom are eager to claim the top spot.

When and Where Will the Tournament Take Place?

The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is set to be held from the middle of August to the end of September 2025, Matches will be played at various venues across England, including some of the country’s most iconic rugby stadiums. The pool stages will take place in different cities, followed by the knockout rounds, culminating in the grand final at Allianz Stadium.

The venues at which games will be hosted are Allianz Stadium, Ashton Gate, Sandy Park, York Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Franklins Garden, Salford Community Stadium, and Sunderland Stadium of Light.

Who Will Compete?

The tournament will feature 16 of the best teams from around the world, with the teams earning their places through regional qualifiers. Here they are:

• England (host nation)

• New Zealand (defending champions)

• France 

• Canada

• Australia

• United States

• Wales

• Scotland

• Ireland

• Japan

• South Africa

• Italy

• Samoa

• Fiji

• Spain

• Brazil

  
  

These teams will compete in a round-robin format in the group stages, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stages.

What Makes the 2025 Tournament Special?

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be a significant moment in the sport's history for a few key reasons:

1. Growth of Women’s Rugby: The 2025 tournament will continue the trajectory of growth that women’s rugby has seen in recent years. As more visibility and investment flow into the women’s game, the competition becomes fiercer, and the level of play is higher than ever. Expect to see athletes who are breaking records, smashing stereotypes, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

2. The Return to England: England’s passionate rugby fanbase is sure to bring an added layer of excitement to the tournament. With home support, the Red Roses will be under even more pressure to perform, but they’ll also have the advantage of familiarity and enthusiasm from their fans, with also looking to make record breaking crowds to the tournament.

3. Increased Media Coverage: Women’s sports, including rugby, are experiencing a boom in media coverage and attention. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be streamed and broadcast to a global audience, allowing fans from all corners of the world to tune in and cheer on their favourite teams.

4. Legacy of Diversity and Inclusion: The sport is becoming more inclusive, with more teams from traditionally underrepresented regions now qualifying. The 2025 tournament is expected to celebrate this diversity and make strides in inspiring future generations of female athletes.

   
   

How to Watch and Follow the Tournament

As we approach 2025, the Women's Rugby World Cup will be accessible to fans through a variety of platforms. BBC Sport will have exclusive rights to broadcast every game of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England allowing fans to follow the tournament from the comfort of their own homes.

For those looking to get closer to the action, tickets are available for the event. If you plan to attend, it’s wise to keep an eye out for ticket announcements and venue information. With the huge interest in the tournament, demand is expected to be high.

Why Should You Care About the Women’s Rugby World Cup?

The Women’s Rugby World Cup is not just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of equality in sports. It’s an opportunity for fans to witness history as women’s rugby continues to grow in prominence. This event will showcase incredible athleticism, thrilling gameplay, and the stories of the women who have worked tirelessly to reach the pinnacle of their sport.