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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Ed Elliot

Why England head into home Rugby World Cup as firm favourites

England Rugby Rugby World Cup
  • England's Red Roses are strong favourites for the upcoming home Rugby World Cup, having been undefeated for 27 games and winning seven consecutive Six Nations titles since their last loss in the 2022 final.
  • The tournament, which kicks off with England facing the United States in Sunderland, aims to elevate women's rugby, drawing inspiration from the growth of women's football.
  • Record-breaking ticket sales have seen over 375,000 of 470,000 available tickets sold, with the final at Allianz Stadium already sold out, indicating unprecedented public appetite.
  • The 2025 competition has expanded to 16 teams, including debutants Brazil, with other home nations like Wales, Scotland, and Ireland also participating.
  • Key players such as England's Ellie Kildunne, Australia's Caitlyn Halse, and Canada's Sophie de Goede are expected to shine, with the tournament poised to be a watershed moment for women's rugby.

IN FULL

Rugby World Cup: England favourites on home soil as women’s rugby seeks to shine

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