By Kevin Rademeyer.
With the tournament kicking off on 22 August in Sunderland, the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup marks a long-awaited return to England, last hosting in 2010.
Excitement is high after a gripping 2021 final in Auckland, where New Zealand edged England 34-31 in one of the sport’s most memorable showdowns.
Matches will unfold across eight cities – Sunderland, Manchester, York, Northampton, Bristol, Exeter and Brighton and London , with 16 nations in the hunt. England open the tournament against the USA at the Stadium of Light, aiming to end their title drought on home turf. Head coach John Mitchell’s squad blends experience with fresh energy, led by captain Zoe Aldcroft and veteran Emily Scarratt.
Reigning champions New Zealand arrive with a settled 33-player squad. Co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu steer a team featuring teenage breakout Braxton Sorensen-McGee and debutant Laura Bayfield. The Black Ferns begin Pool C play against Spain in York.
Canada, semi-finalists in 2021, pose a serious threat in Pool B. Alexandra Tessier captains a seasoned lineup including Olivia DeMerchant and top try-scorer Emily Tuttosi.
South Africa, drawn in Pool D with France, Italy and Brazil, gear up with two warm-up matches against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium. Australia, meanwhile, face mounting injury woes and recent losses, with Charlotte Caslick battling to return in time.
World Rugby has confirmed South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron will officiate the tournament opener, reprising her 2017 debut honour. With over 300,000 tickets sold and a surge in global interest, the 2025 World Cup promises to be the most impactful edition yet. All roads now lead to Sunderland.