Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: A Stage Set for Thrilling Matchups
The countdown begins as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled to kick off on August 22, with hosts England facing off against the 1991 winners, the United States. This highly anticipated match will set the tone for the tournament, which promises to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments across the country.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will feature an expanded format of 16 teams, compared to 12 at the 2021 edition in New Zealand. The “big four” teams – England, New Zealand, Canada, and France – have been seeded first in their respective pools. The tournament will be held across eight venues from August 22 to September 27, with the opening game taking place at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Pool Matches and Quarterfinals
England has been drawn in Pool A, along with Australia, Samoa, and Spain. New Zealand, the defending champions, will face Spain in their opening match on August 24, as part of Pool C. If both teams top their respective pools, they will not meet again until the final in Twickenham. Australia will begin their campaign against Samoa on August 23, while 2014 runners-up Canada will play their first match against Fiji on the same day.
New Entrants and Exciting Clashes
Tournament debutantes Brazil will play their first-ever World Cup match against South Africa in a Pool D clash on August 24. Other exciting matches include the United States vs. England on August 22 and New Zealand vs. Spain on August 24.
Venues and Hosting Cities
Six locations will host pool matches, including Brighton and Hove, Exeter, Salford, Northampton, and York. Exeter and Bristol will stage the quarterfinals, with Bristol also hosting both semifinals. The tournament managing director, Sarah Massey, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating that “the stage is set for the world’s top teams to showcase the very best of women’s rugby.”
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