Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Women's 2025 Rugby World Cup is set to kick off on 22nd August with the Red Roses taking on the USA in the opening match. With fierce competition from the likes of Canada and New Zealand, this year's Women's Rugby World Cup is set to be monumental with the reveal of a brand new sterling silver, 24-carat gold-plated trophy up for grabs.

A record has been broken before the tournament has even begun, with over 300,000 tickets sold, and even more were released in May due to the surge in demand. Already doubling the last Cup's attendance, this year is set to become the largest Women's Rugby World Cup in history, not only in scale but also in its impact.

Drawn Groups For 2025

Pools were drawn on 17th October 2024, with England, France, New Zealand and Canada as the four top-seeded teams:

Pool A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa.

Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji.

Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain.

Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil.

Who are the Favourites to Win the Cup This Year?

With a 20-match winning streak, England are sitting proudly at the top of the rankings as favourites to win this year. Although making it two years to the final in 2014 and 2021, they were beaten to the post on both occasions by long-term rivals, the Black Ferns. Will history repeat itself? Or will England reign on home ground? Only time will tell. 

Fixtures 

With the first match set to be on 22nd August, this year's women's World Cup will consist of 5 weeks of fixtures between countries in their respective pools:

Friday 22nd August 2025

• England v USA (Pool A)
  Stadium of Light, Sunderland
  Kick-off: 7.30 pm BST 

Saturday 23rd August 2025

• Australia v Samoa (Pool A)
  Salford Community Stadium, Salford
  Kick-off: noon BST 

• Scotland v Wales (Pool B)
  Salford Community Stadium, Salford
  Kick-off: 2.45 pm BST 

• Canada v Fiji (Pool B)
  York Community Stadium, York
  Kick-off: 5.30 pm BST 

• France v Italy (Pool D)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: 8.15 pm BST 

Sunday 24th August 2025

• Ireland v Japan (Pool C)
  Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  Kick-off: noon BST 

• South Africa v Brazil (Pool D)
  Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  Kick-off: 2.45 pm BST 

• New Zealand v Spain (Pool C)
  York Community Stadium, York
  Kick-off: 5.30 pm BST 

Saturday 30th August 2025

• Canada v Wales (Pool B)
  Salford Community Stadium, Salford
  Kick-off: noon BST 

• Scotland v Fiji (Pool B)
  Salford Community Stadium, Salford
  Kick-off: 2.45 pm BST 

• England v Samoa (Pool A)
  Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  Kick-off: 5.00 pm BST 

• USA v Australia (Pool A)
  York Community Stadium, York
  Kick-off: 7.30 pm BST 

Sunday 31st August 2025

• Ireland v Spain (Pool C)
  Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  Kick-off: noon BST 

• New Zealand v Japan (Pool C)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: 2.00 pm BST 

• Italy v South Africa (Pool D)
  York Community Stadium, York
  Kick-off: 3.30 pm BST

• France v Brazil (Pool D)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: 4.45 pm BST 

Saturday 6th September 2025

• Canada v Scotland (Pool B)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: noon BST 

• USA v Samoa (Pool A)
  York Community Stadium, York
  Kick-off: 1.30 pm BST 

• Wales v Fiji (Pool B)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: 2.45 pm BST 

• England v Australia (Pool A)
  Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton
  Kick-off: 5.00 pm BST

Sunday 7th September 2025

• Japan v Spain (Pool C)
  York Community Stadium, York
  Kick-off: noon BST 

• Italy v Brazil (Pool D)
  Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  Kick-off: 2.00 pm BST 

• New Zealand v Ireland (Pool C)
  Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton
  Kick-off: 2.45 pm BST 

• France v South Africa (Pool D)
  Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  Kick-off: 4.45 pm BST 

Saturday 13th September 2025

• Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D (quarter-final one)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: 12.30 pm BST 

• Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A (quarter-final two)
  Ashton Gate, Bristol
  Kick-off: 4.00 pm BST 

Sunday 14th September 2025

• Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C (quarter-final three)
  Sandy Park, Exeter
  Kick-off: 12.30 pm BST 

• Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B (quarter-final four)
  Ashton Gate, Bristol
  Kick-off: 4.00 pm BST

Friday 19th September 2025

• Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
  Ashton Gate, Bristol
  Kick-off: 7.00 pm BST 

Saturday 20th September 2025

• Winner QF3 v Winner QF4
  Ashton Gate, Bristol
  Kick-off: 3.30 pm BST 

Saturday 27 September 2025

• Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (bronze final)
  Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
  Kick-off: 12.30 pm BST

• Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (final)
  Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
  Kick-off: 4.00 pm BST 

Where to Watch

BBC Sport will provide live coverage of the tournament on its linear channels. Every match will also be available for live streaming on BBC iPlayer, and on the BBC Sport website and app. This comprehensive coverage will highlight women's rugby across eight cities in the UK, showcasing rugby's biggest stars to a broader audience than ever before.

Get Decked out for the Women's Rugby World Cup

Become a dedicated fan with rugby merchandise and accessories from Rugbystuff.com, from rugby shirts and beanies to socks and replica rugby balls, you’ll find your whole outfit for watching the momentous fixtures.

Keep up to date with the latest in rugby and the Women’s Rugby World Cup with our blogs and buying guides produced by our team of rugby experts.

Adam Clark

Bio As the driving force behind Rugbystuff Clubhouse, I bring a wealth of experience as a prop and a deep-rooted passion for the game. With my extensive rugby knowledge, I’ve developed a profound understanding of the sport. As the founder, I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow rugby fans. My insights, combined with my industry expertise, make Rugbystuff Clubhouse a go-to resource for players, supporters, and enthusiasts alike.