By Kevin Rademeyer.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in England from 22 August to 27 September, will mark the tournament’s tenth edition and its largest yet, featuring 16 teams for the first time.
Matches will be played across eight venues, from Sunderland’s Stadium of Light to a grand final at Twickenham. Organised by World Rugby, the tournament is expected to break attendance records, with over 250,000 tickets already sold.
Defending champions New Zealand, winners of six of the previous nine tournaments, enter as favourites but face strong challenges from hosts England, France, Canada, and Australia. England, crowned champions in 2014, have lost two consecutive finals to the Black Ferns but arrive unbeaten since 2022, including a series win over New Zealand in WXV1.
South Africa’s Springbok Women, led by veteran captain Nolusindiso Booi, secured their place by winning the 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup with a 46–17 victory over Madagascar. Drawn in Pool D alongside France, Italy, and newcomers Brazil, they open their campaign on 24 August against Brazil at Franklin’s Gardens.
The tournament forms part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 legacy programme, aimed at growing women’s rugby globally through fan-friendly kick-off times and grassroots initiatives. With new teams, passionate crowds, and world-class competition, the 2025 edition promises to be a landmark moment for the sport.
Pools:
Pools were drawn on 17 October, with England, Canada, New Zealand and France the four top-seeded teams. The pools are:
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
South Africa Fixtures
Sunday 24 August 2025
South Africa v Brazil (Pool D)
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 3.45pm SAST
Sunday 31 August 2025
Italy v South Africa (Pool D)
York Community Stadium, York
4.30pm
Sunday 7 September 2025
France v South Africa (Pool D)
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 5.45om SAST
Host venues
The tournament will be held in England. Multiple venues across the country will be used for the competition:
Stadium of Light, Sunderland
AMEX Stadium , Brighton and Hove Albion
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Sandy Park, Exeter
Franklins Gardens, Northampton
Salford Community Stadium, Manchester
York Community Stadium, York
Twickenham Allianz Stadium, London
Whoever England play first in the pool stage will compete at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.