The Women’s World Cup began in style as England, the hosts and tournament favourites, thrashed the United States 69-7 in front of a record tournament crowd at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
The Red Roses were in a typically dominant mood, 11 tries arriving in all despite a few early errors with Ellie Kildunne, Meg Jones and the rest of the backline to the fore. The hosts showcased their maul might, too, in an encouraging start to a tournament they are expected to win on home soil.
Having started well, an experienced USA side that will hope to escape the pool rather faded. Ilona Maher, perhaps now the world’s best-known rugby player, has bolstered the ranks ahead of this tournament but was quiet and outshined by opposite number Jones. They take on Australia in a crucial fixture next week in York. For England, meanwhile, the journey to the tournament triumph they are seeking has begun.
Follow all of the latest from the Stadium of Light with our live blog below:
England vs USA live
- England thrash the USA in Women's World Cup opener in front of record crowd
- 9' - Sadia Kabeya goes over for opening score from maul (ENG 7-0 USA)
- 19' - Hannah Botterman bashes through as England extend lead (ENG 14-0 USA)
- 25' - USA hit back with brilliant solo score (ENG 14-7 USA)
- 35' - Ellie Kildunne finishes off glorious England move (ENG 28-7 USA)
- 52' - Amy Cokayne continues scoring flurry as England sail out of sight (ENG 45-7 USA)
- 61' - Latk Atkin-Davies adds ninth try as England extend lead (ENG 57-7 USA)
- FT - England 69-7 USA
England light up opening night to show why they are World Cup favourites
21:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleA dominant England showing and a sizeable scoreline - it was the same old Red Roses in Sunderland as the World Cup got underway.
England light up opening night to show why they are World Cup favourites
Ellie Kildunne, player of the match, to the BBC:
21:44 , Ciara Fearn“Amazing. As the game went, we progressed. Lots to take into next week but to play in front of such a crowd... I can’t wait for the next one to start.
“It’s a long tournament. We’ll find out whether [other teams can cope with our power]. We’re going to keep getting better and stronger but this was a good one to start on as we found a way.
“It’s been amazing. It’s been the past three years that we’ve looked forward to this. The crowd and the atmosphere set a standard. As the games progress, we’re going to get better, too. We need to just keep focus.”
England head coach John Mitchell, speaking to the BBC:
21:40 , Ciara Fearn"We built into the first half. We challenged the girls to lift their intensity in the second half and we got a good balance between forwards and backs.
"We are human. It's a home tournament and I am just happy we have started and the girls have experienced an amazing crowd at home.
"There is so much more growth left in us. The Red Roses are eager to get better and it's almost pre-season for us. We have to get better as well."
USA captain Kate Zackary, speaking to BBC Sport:
21:37 , Ciara Fearn"England are in that top position for a reason, they made a few mistakes which we capitalised, we stole a few line-outs, we took a few balls and I am proud of that.
"Every inch you can take off a team like that, you know you can do it against another team."
England Full-back Ellie Kildunne, speaking to BBC Sport:
21:34 , Ciara Fearn"I passed Jess [Breach] a few, she will thank me later as she has passed me a few before.
"It's a full team effort. Hannah Botterman has had a few things to say, she has been in the front row bashing it up through the middle.
"I wouldn't be able to do it, they [the forwards] do a super job."
Abby Dow speaks to the BBC:
21:31 , Ciara Fearn“I’m sure there were a lot of emotions. Through the week it suddenly built: understanding there was a record crowd, the atmosphere, it could have become overwhelming. But it’s ok to live in that emotion. But what an event. A bit scrappy in the first half but let’s keep it going for next week.
“We’ve had great experiences with home crowds in the past but to be at a home World Cup, a big event, the crowd were incredible, so loud, I’ll have to start lip-reading at this rate!
“The key to a successful team is platform and our forwards provided that, to allow us to express ourselves. Without that, we wouldn’t be the team that we are.
“It’s a privilege to be able to play rugby in the north of England. That’s so important.”
Kildunne: The fans made it special
21:29 , Ciara FearnEngland full-back Ellie Kildunne, who was named player of the match, speaking to BBC Sport: "I think the fans made a statement. We had a lot to learn from this game, but the fans made it special."
"It's pretty special, again thank you to everyone that has come, having rugby in the north is special."
Alphonsi: England will only get better
21:28 , Ciara FearnEngland World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi, speaking on the BBC:
"I was impressed by England. It wasn't going to be the perfect game in their first game but it's about building momentum.
"There are things they need to work on but they will only get better. They should be proud of their performance."
Tui: England were shaky to begin with
21:24 , Ciara FearnNew Zealand World Cup winner Ruby Tui, speaking on the BBC:
"I thought England's start wasn't very good, they were rattled. As such a world-class outfit, they won't be happy with that. It was shaky."
Full-time! England 69-7 USA
21:19 , Ciara FearnEngland seal the deal crossing the line 11 times and making a strong statement.
Jarrell managed to slip through England’s defence after the 80-minute mark, but couldn’t break free to score her second try for the USA.
Try! England (Atkin-Davies) 69-7 USA
21:12 , Ciara Fearn75 mins: That’s England’s 11th try now. England’s depth and sheer physicality are intimidating.
The hosts drive forward as a unit creating the opportunity for Atkin-Davies to score her second try of the night. Sing adds the conversion to extend the lead.
England 62-7 USA
21:09 , Ciara Fearn72 mins: A lapse in communication in the USA backline allows a high ball to go unclaimed.
England move the ball around skilfully, but a knock-on from Dow hands the USA a scrum.
England 62-7 USA
21:06 , Ciara Fearn70 mins: The USA have been thoroughly outplayed in the second half though this was always set to be a tough test.
Their World Cup campaign likely begins in earnest next week against Australia as it seems almost certain that England and one other team will advance from Pool A.
Try! England (Breach) 62-7 USA
21:00 , Ciara Fearn64 mins: The highlight of the match sees England finish in style. Despite the USA’s relentless efforts they cannot breach the hosts’ defence.
Seventeen phases later deep in England’s 22 the ball comes free and the Red Roses strike.
Kildunne breaks along the left touchline, chips ahead, regathers, weaves in and out and delivers a perfect pass inside to Breach who scores in spectacular fashion. That’s 10 tries in total now for England!
Scarratt enters the fray making history as the first England player - male or female - to feature in five World Cups.
England 57-7 USA
20:57 , Ciara Fearn64 mins: Maher powers through for the USA and some promising play puts the visitors in a good position down their left.
However, the momentum soon fizzles out highlighting the USA’s lack of the ball speed that England consistently display.
Try! England (Atkin-Davies) 57-7 USA
20:55 , Ciara Fearn59 mins: The USA have visibly run out of energy in the second half while England continue to press relentlessly at the Stadium of Light.
The Red Roses dominate with substitute Atkin-Davies adding to the tally by scoring England’s ninth try of the night.
Try! England (Breach) 50-7 USA
20:51 , Ciara Fearn57 mins: Breach scores her 48th try for the Red Roses after Kildunne who was on track for a hat-trick, makes an unselfish pass out wide to set up her teammate.
England flex their bench strength
20:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleBy Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stadium of Light
It must be pretty demoralising to see bench front rowers of the quality of Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern arriving on the 50-minute mark when you are already 38 points down. The pair could quite easily start for this England side, while Kelsey Clifford has had an excellent year to snare that replacement loosehead shirt from Mackenzie Carson. Clifford is capable of playing both sides of the front row, which has huge value within the England squad – their depth is really on show now. Bern got a huge cheer when her arrival was announced - the tighthead really is a standout star of this England side.
Try! England (Cokayne) 45-7 USA
20:45 , Ciara Fearn51 mins: England are dominating the USA at times looking dangerous with every attack.
Cokayne scores her seventh try of the evening powering through after a well-executed line-out. Harrison misses the conversion going wide.
Try! England (Kildunne) 40-7 USA
20:41 , Ciara Fearn47 mins: That’s six tries in total now for England. There have been moments of promise for the USA, but England have consistently shown why they are a class above.
A brilliant charge down from the outstanding Jones creates a try-scoring chance and Kildunne powers through to extend the lead. Harrison then adds the conversion.
England 33-7 USA
20:38 , Ciara Fearn45 mins: One worry for England head coach John Mitchell has been the team’s struggles to secure clean ball from restarts.
Mistakes like these haven’t hurt them so far, but they could prove costly later in the tournament.
Try! England (Dow) 33-7 USA
20:34 , Ciara Fearn43 mins: England’s persistence pays off as Dow dives over in the corner, scoring her 49th try for the Red Roses.
Harrison misses the conversion going wide for the first time in the match.
England 28-7 USA
20:33 , Ciara Fearn42 mins: England start the second half on the front foot with Jones launching a powerful run toward the try line.
The ball is then shifted wide and back inside as the hosts maintain relentless pressure.
Kick-off! England 28-7 USA
20:31 , Ciara FearnThe second half gets underway at the Stadium of Light as the players return to the field.
England are halfway to securing a winning start on home soil.
England with bonus point in the bag - but can they click fully into gear?
20:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleBy Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stadium of Light
That last missed exchange between Meg Jones and Ellie Kildunne summed up the bad bits of England’s half, a bit too ambitious and rushed in their handling at the line with a few players not quite on the same page. They have, however, already scored the four tries required for a bonus point, with Kildunne’s score, sparked from inside England’s 22, the standout moment so far. Their forwards have been meaty around the park and at the set piece, but John Mitchell will expect a little more cohesion and composure after the interval.
Pure power from Hannah Botterman!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 22, 2025
England have got their World Cup off to a flyer. 🏉#BBCRugby #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/mlQUtVazwJ
England 28-7 USA
20:19 , Ciara Fearn
Half-time! England 28-7 USA
20:17 , Ciara FearnEllie Kildunne and Megan Jones try to link up in the closing moments, but the connection isn’t made bringing the first half to an end.
England head into the break with a strong lead while the USA will need to regroup and find a way to mount a comeback in the second half.
England 28-7 USA
20:14 , Ciara Fearn40 mins: The USA push to cut the deficit before half-time but fail to ground the ball in the corner.
A knock-on then hands England a scrum right on the break. Kelter has returned to the field after her yellow card.
Try! England (Kildunne) 28-7 USA
20:10 , Ciara Fearn35 mins: Dow and Kildunne link up around halfway with Dow bursting forward, drawing in Sharp and then offloading to Kildunne on the inside.
Harrison secures the extras again and that’s England’s fourth try earning them a bonus point.
Try! England (Muir) 21-7 USA
20:07 , Ciara Fearn33 mins: England edge closer to the try line feeding the ball into a threatening position, but Maher’s strong challenge prevents them from scoring under the posts.
Botterman drives the play forward as the Red Roses maintain pressure and the move concludes with Muir grounding the ball to extend England’s lead.
Harrison takes the conversion.
England 14-7 USA
20:05 , Ciara Fearn31 mins: England aiming to capitalise on their numerical advantage see a charge down on the right come to nothing.
They quickly shift the attack to the opposite flank driving toward the try line as the home crowd rallies behind them.
Yellow-card! England 14-7 USA
20:02 , Ciara Fearn27 mins: Kelter receives a yellow card for the USA following a deliberate knock-on leaving the underdogs a player short for the next 10 minutes.
United States show their threat
20:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleBy Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stadium of Light
That Erica Jarrell-Searcy try goes to show the athletic talent within the USA ranks - the lock was a cross-country runner in her youth (alongside playing a good level of basketball and winning gold at the Junior Olympics in eventing) and she was positively striding away there, even from the very quick Jess Breach.
England just need to tighten up a touch, too many loose moments preventing them from really finding their flow.
Try! England 14-7 USA (Jarrell-Searcy)
19:57 , Ciara Fearn25 mins: The USA get on the scoreboard thanks to some sharp passing followed by a powerful run from Jarrell into open space.
An incredible finish from the second row seals the moment! Hawkins gets the conversion.
England 14-0 USA
19:55 , Ciara Fearn22 mins: Missed opportunity for the USA!
The USA carve out strong territory inside England’s half and an opening try seems on the cards.
But the attack involving Mataitoga ultimately breaks down leaving the U.S head coach visibly frustrated.
Try! England (Botterman) 14-0 USA
19:50 , Ciara Fearn18 mins: What a moment! Dow gathers a well-placed kick from Jones on England’s right side and the move culminates with Botterman grounding the ball to extend England’s lead.
Zoe Harrison completes the conversion.
England 7-0 USA
19:48 , Ciara Fearn17 mins: Maher picks up the ball and charges through England’s defence lifting the noise inside the stadium as the crowd reacts. But a slip in play soon brings the attack to an end.
England get another penalty from the scrum.
Penalty! England 7-0 USA
19:46 , Ciara Fearn15 mins: England are caught offside near the halfway line giving the USA an opportunity to advance and gain some valuable territory.
Penalty! England 7-0 USA
19:45 , Ciara Fearn14 mins: England win the scrum against the head once again and opt to kick to touch.
However, USA’s No. 8 Johnson makes a brilliant play at the breakdown turning over the ball and giving her team possession.
England 7-0 USA
19:44 , Ciara Fearn13 mins: England launch an attack from deep with Harrison and Dow making dangerous arcing runs.
The move is eventually halted by a forward pass, but the pressure stays on the U.S who now face a testing scrum.
Maul might
19:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleBy Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stadium of Light:
The maul was England’s chief weapon of destruction at the last World Cup, the agonising end to the final a rare malfunction as Lark Atkin-Davies failed to find Abbie Ward’s hands five metres out. The Red Roses have since sought to evolve a wider game to be more multitudinous, but we saw in the warm-up win over France that their lineout drive remains a real strength – and Sadia Kabeya was the buried beneficiary there.
First walkout of the World Cup! 😍
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) August 22, 2025
Look at the atmosphere! 🌹#RedRoses | #RWC2025pic.twitter.com/rMQSI3HlNT
England 7-0 USA
19:42 , Ciara Fearn11 mins: England look a little unsettled once more from the restart as the ball spills loose.
The U.S are then penalised for a knock-on handing England another opportunity to test their strength at the scrum.
Try! England (Kabeya) 7-0 USA
19:40 , Ciara Fearn8 mins: England strike first! A powerful driving maul rumbles over the line and Kabeya is the one to ground the ball for the opening try.
Zoe Harrison adds the extras and the party is certainly underway here.
Penalty! England 0-0 USA
19:39 , Ciara Fearn7 mins: England win the scrum against the head with Muir getting the better of her opposite number.
Rather than taking the points on offer they kick to the corner clearly sensing a try is within reach.
Knock-on! England 0-0 USA
19:38 , Ciara Fearn5 mins: England have made a strong statement at the first scrum, driving well and perhaps unfortunate not to win a penalty.
They launch a promising attack with full-back Kildunne at the heart of it, but as they push into the U.S 22 a miscommunication between Harrison and Ward sees the ball go to ground. The mistake hands the Americans a scrum deep in their own territory.
England 0-0 USA
19:35 , Ciara Fearn3 mins: England hold back at the breakdown opting instead to focus on quick line speed in defence. The tactic pays off as their pressure forces the U.S. into a mistake and a knock-on. That sets up an England scrum inside American territory.
England 0-0 USA
19:33 , Ciara Fearn2 mins: England make a shaky start as they allow the kick-off to bounce, but they quickly recover and tidy things up with some composure.
The United States respond by settling into possession around halfway putting together some early phases to get themselves into the game.
Kick-off! England 0-0 USA
19:31 , Ciara FearnThe Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is officially underway..
England head into this clash with a dominant record over the United States winning 20 of their 21 meetings. The Eagles’ only victory came in their very first encounter which happened to be the 1991 World Cup final.
In World Cup history England have also been near-unbeatable in the pool stages taking 22 wins from their last 23 group matches. The U.S have their own strong tradition of starting well opening with a win in six of their nine previous tournaments.
Here come the teams..
19:26 , Ciara FearnAnne-Marie has successfully hyped the crowd. The Red Roses are making their way through the tunnel and the Sunderland crowd roar.
Now time for the anthems.
Kick-off is fast approaching
19:18 , Ciara FearnThe stands are beginning to fill quickly and many will be hoping for a Women’s World Cup record crowd tonight. Any attendance above 42,579 would surpass the previous record set at the 2022 final at Eden Park.
Meanwhile, on the pitch teams continue their warm-ups as stadium staff prepare a stage for Anne-Marie who will perform before kick-off.
What to expect from the USA
19:13 , Ciara FearnThe U.S. women’s rugby team is known for its physicality and experience with forwards like Hope Rogers, Rachel Johnson and captain Kate Zackary leading the pack. Centre pairing Alev Kelter and Ilona Maher bring pace and skill and their upcoming match against Australia could decide a spot in the last eight.
Coach Sione Fukofuka who was a former PE teacher has been building the team’s depth since joining in late 2023 focusing on developing both veteran players and emerging talent.
Captain Kate Zackary who has led the back row since 2018 combines sevens speed with 15s experience gained from playing in the UK with Exeter Chiefs and Ealing Trailfinders.
No. 8 Freda Tafuna who will celebrate her 22nd birthday during the World Cup is a powerhouse on the field. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars Team USA is poised to make a strong impact in this year’s tournament.
How the expressive Ellie Kildunne emerged as the face of England’s home World Cup
19:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe face of England’s tournament, meanwhile, is probably full-back Ellie Kildunne, as expressive on the pitch as she is off it.
How the expressive Ellie Kildunne emerged as the face of England’s home World Cup
Ilona Maher: How USA rugby’s poster girl can light up Women’s Rugby World Cup
19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stadium of LightAlso at the centre of attention tonight will be Ilona Maher, perhaps now the world’s best-known rugby player. The social media stardom is now very much part of Maher but she still very much wants to be known as an athlete first. Her name got a mighty cheer when it was read out a few minutes ago, and there were plenty talking about her on the packed Metro over from Newcastle earlier.
Emily Scarratt hailed as Red Roses centre prepares for fifth World Cup: ‘She’s just incredible’
18:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor Emily Scarratt, tonight marks the start of World Cup No 5 - and given what the centre has been through over the last few years, that really is quite something. Her days as a certain starter may be behind her but Scarratt’s influence on the England squad remains significant.
Scarratt hailed as Red Roses centre prepares for fifth World Cup: ‘She’s incredible’
Player-by-player guide to the Red Roses squad
18:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleFamiliar with a few in the Red Roses squad but need a refresher of some of the newer names? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to each and every player in John Mitchell’s 32-player selection.
Who are the Red Roses? Player-by-player guide to England’s Rugby World Cup squad
Team news - USA
18:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe United States hand a start to Ilona Maher at outside centre in an experienced team named by head coach Sione Fukofuka. Hallie Taufoou misses out through injury with Tahlia Brody instead starting in the second row in a pack with plenty of Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) experience, including Hope Rogers at her fourth World Cup. Look out for young Sariah Ibarra off the bench - the sevens convert is a really promising talent.
USA XV: 1 Hope Rogers, 2 Kathryn Treder, 3 Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele; 4 Tahlia Brody, 5 Erica Jarrell; 6 Kate Zackary (capt.), 7 Georgie Perris-Redding, 8 Rachel Johnson; 9 Olivia Ortiz, 10 McKenzie Hawkins; 11 Bulou Mataitoga, 12 Alev Kelter, 13 Ilona Maher, 14 Emily Henrich; 15 Lotte Sharp.
Replacements: 16 Paige Stathopoulos, 17 Alivia Leatherman, 18 Charli Jacoby, 19 Rachel Ehrecke, 20 Freda Tafuna; 21 Cass Bargell, 22 Kristin Bitter, 23 Sariah Ibarra.
USA Women’s Eagles ready to kick off the 2025 @rugbyworldcup 🦅
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) August 20, 2025
📺 Catch the action live on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/s0WtKaOk2P
Team news - England
18:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland head coach John Mitchell names an unchanged starting side from the warm-up win over France, with Zoe Harrison again steering them from fly half and Sadia Kabeya getting the nod on the openside. The absences of Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald due to injury see Emma Sing and Emily Scarratt, set to appear in a fifth World Cup, provide backline cover on the bench.
England XV: 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward; 6 Zoe Aldcroft (capt.), 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews; 9 Natasha Hunt, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Jess Breach, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Abby Dow; 15 Ellie Kildunne.
Replacements: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Maddie Feaunati; 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Emily Scarratt, 23 Emma Sing.
Here we go 🌹
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) August 20, 2025
John Mitchell has named his Red Roses to face the USA in our #RWC2025 opener 👇#WearTheRose | #RedRoses
Team news...
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, the anticipation is very much building in Sunderland - both the city itself and the Tyne & Wear Metro across from Newcastle, where plenty are staying tonight, are packed with fans. Let’s check in on the two teams.
England winger Abby Dow relishing World Cup opener in Sunderland
18:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAbby Dow is relishing the opportunity to return to her roots as the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Sunderland.
Part of Dow’s family hail from Wearside and some will be in attendance for the game, including her 98-year-old grandfather, Gordon.
“My dad was born in Sunderland and my grandad lived there his whole life,” the England winger said.
“We did the long old trips from Berkshire up to Sunderland for our Easters and everything.”
England winger Abby Dow relishing World Cup opener in Sunderland
John Mitchell: ‘People see the Red Roses as an easy team to coach - but it’s a very challenging programme’
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhen John Mitchell took the Red Roses job two years ago, there was plenty of scepticism about the credentials of a coach who had never worked within the women’s game. But the New Zealander has taken England to a level beyond even their sky-high standards - and learned plenty about himself and coaching in the process. I sat down with him earlier in the summer.
Why the Red Roses are ready to finally crown their dominance with Rugby World Cup success
18:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland are strong favourites on home soil for a reason, their dominance clear in pretty much every competition since they turned professional in late 2016. The exception? The last two World Cups, where they’ve fallen short against New Zealand in the final. Is now the time that the Red Roses finally fulfil their potential and crown their superiority with a triumph?
Why the Red Roses are ready to finally crown their dominance with World Cup success
USA boss reveals what success looks like in game his side are unlikely to win
17:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a tricky task for the United States tonight, facing an England side unbeaten in their last 27 matches and that has only lost four games out of their last 91. Eagles boss Sione Fukofuka hopes, though, that his side can rise to the challenge - and make a success of this evening even if defeat is likely.
"They are number one for a reason and they are strong in so many areas,” he explained of England. “In terms of benchmarks for us, we challenge ourselves to compete. We know their set piece is going to be strong, but we feel confident in where we have built to.
"This group has been really positive. The back end of the week is the players' time so we've tried to step back as much as possible and our leadership group does a great job at managing that. We tend to start the game really positive so we're not going to change anything in the lead-up to this one."
Five players to watch at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
17:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are plenty of England stars on show tonight, and regular Women’s Six Nations watchers will be familiar with plenty of those competing for Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Italy and France. But what about beyond that? Here are five players to watch over the next few weeks:
Stadium of Light set to host opener
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’re expecting somewhere in the region of 44,000 fans at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light tonight, which is some effort in a city not at all known for being rugby-mad. There’s a good chance that the attendance outstrips the 42,579 at Eden Park in Auckland for the final three years ago, a mark of the progress made - credit to the RFU and World Rugby for their ambition in taking the tournament here.
England assistant coach, and 2014 World Cup winner, Sarah Hunter may be a Newcastle fan but even she was impressed yesterday.
“I've been buzzing since we got told that the World Cup was going to come to the north-east,” she said. "Just seeing how the game's grown - I was lucky enough to play in a home World Cup in 2010 and to see it now, to know that these girls are going to be playing on a bigger stage, it's exactly where the game should be and it's great to see that growth."
Women’s Rugby World Cup final sold out with Twickenham set for record attendance
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was good news ahead of the tournament on Tuesday as organisers confirmed that the World Cup final is officially sold out. The exact attendance may depend on who makes the final, and some boring operational bits, but all records for women’s rugby are set to be smashed.
Women’s Rugby World Cup final sold out with Twickenham set for record attendance
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 fixtures: Full schedule, match dates and kick-off times
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleEvery game at this tournament takes place at the weekend, a move made both for player welfare reasons and to ensure maximum possible potential of ticket sales. The fixtures come thick and fast - here’s how you can follow each and every one.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 fixtures: Full schedule, match dates and kick-off times
The two sides of a Women’s World Cup that could transform rugby
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis will be the biggest Women’s World Cup in history - and by some margin, too. Great challenges remain in the sport but let us hope this is a launchpad into a new era.
The two sides of a Women’s World Cup that could transform rugby
England vs USA live
08:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s here! A Women’s World Cup that many expect to transform the landscape of rugby begins in Sunderland, with home favourites England taking on the United States in front of 45,000 people at a packed Stadium of Light. Can the Red Roses kick off a tournament they will expect to win in style? Or can the USA spring a shock on the opening night.
Kick off is at 7.30pm BST.
