The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is ramping up as England hosts an expanded edition of the tournament.
16 teams, four more than competed three years ago in New Zealand, began with hopes of success in the biggest Women’s World Cup yet to be played across the length and breadth of the country.
The Red Roses are favourites to triumph on home soil having gone unbeaten since losing the final to the Black Ferns in Auckland in 2022 - and know it will be Canada, rather than the defending champions, in the final after a stunning semi-final performance.
Having come through a semi-final battle against France, England now go for glory as a tournament that could prove a real catalyst for the growth of the women’s game reaches a crescendo.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in England, starting with the opening clash in Sunderland on Friday 22 August and culminating with the third place play-off and final at Twickenham on Saturday 27 September.
What cities are hosting games?
There are eight venues for the tournament. Sunderland’s Stadium of Light was used for the opening game, while Exeter’s Sandy Park and Bristol’s Ashton Gate will play host to the quarter-finals - with the latter stadium again used for the two semi-finals. Twickenham will host the final, with World Rugby confirming a sellout crowd.
The Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Salford Community Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton and York Community Stadium will host pool matches.
Pools
Pool A: England, Australia, United States, Samoa
Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the tournament on the BBC, with extensive coverage on television and online via the BBC iPlayer.
Pool stage results
All times BST
Friday 22 August
Pool A: England 69-7 USA
Saturday 23 August
Pool A: Australia 73-0 Samoa
Pool B: Scotland 38-8 Wales
Pool B: Canada 65-7 Fiji
Pool D: France 24-0 Italy
Sunday 24 August
Pool C: Ireland 42-14 Japan
Pool D: South Africa 66-6 Brazil
Pool C: New Zealand 54-8 Spain
Saturday 30 August
Pool B: Canada 42-0 Wales
Pool B: Scotland 29-15 Fiji
Pool A: England 92-3 Samoa
Pool A: USA 31-31 Australia
Sunday 31 August
Pool C: Ireland 43-27 Spain
Pool C: New Zealand 62-19 Japan
Pool D: Italy 24-29 South Africa
Pool D: France 84-5 Brazil
Saturday 6 September
Pool B: Canada 40-19 Scotland
Pool A: USA 60-0 Samoa
Pool B: Wales 25-28 Fiji
Pool A: England 47-7 Australia
Sunday 7 September
Pool C: Japan 29-21 Spain
Pool D: Italy 64-3 Brazil
Pool C: New Zealand 40-0 Ireland
Pool D: France 57-10 South Africa
Quarter-final results
Saturday 13 September
Quarter-final 1: New Zealand 46-17 South Africa
Quarter-final 2: Canada 46-5 Australia
Sunday 14 September
Quarter-final 3: France 18-13 Ireland
Quarter-final 4: England 40-8 Scotland
Semi-final results
Friday 19 September
New Zealand 19-34 Canada
Saturday 20 September
France 17-35 England
Final
Saturday 27 September
Third-place play-off final: New Zealand vs France (12:30), Twickenham
Rugby World Cup final: England vs Canada (16:00), Twickenham
