By Kevin Rademeyer.
With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup less than a month away, three powerhouses – England, New Zealand and Canada, have emerged as front-runners in what promises to be the most fiercely contested tournament to date.
England, chasing a third title and buoyed by home support, enter the tournament with a squad packed with pedigree. Emily Scarratt prepares for a fifth World Cup, while skipper Zoe Aldcroft leads a team that includes veterans Marlie Packer and Sarah Bern, alongside exciting debutants like Lilli Ives Campion and Jade Shekells. Head coach John Mitchell has blended seasoned heads with fresh legs as the Red Roses aim to exorcise the heartbreak of their narrow 2022 final loss.
Reigning champions New Zealand arrive with a settled and star-studded 33-player group. Coach Allan Bunting has retained 16 players from the victorious 2021 squad, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu. Kelly Brazier prepares for her fourth tilt at the trophy, joined by the explosive Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and the ever-reliable Stacey Waaka.
Rising talents Jorja Miller and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have earned their places after stellar Sevens-to-15s transitions, while 18-year-old Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the youngest Black Fern to feature at a World Cup. New Zealand open Pool C against Spain in York, followed by Japan and Ireland.
Canada, fresh from back-to-back wins over South Africa, look primed to disrupt the duopoly. Alexandra Tessier captains a team full of bite and belief, supported by returning stalwarts like Olivia DeMerchant, Karen Paquin, and Tyson Beukeboom. Emily Tuttosi, the top try-scorer in 2021, returns with unfinished business, while Sophie de Goede has successfully recovered from injury to lead Canada’s powerful forward pack. Sevens stars such as Fancy Bermudez and Caroline Crossley add attacking flair.
The trio face different paths through the group stages: England open against the USA before facing Samoa and Australia; New Zealand meet Spain, Japan and Ireland; and Canada take on Fiji, Wales and Scotland.
While challengers like France, Australia and a rising South Africa hope to upset the hierarchy, the road to Twickenham seems destined to run through these three giants. England’s discipline, New Zealand’s firepower and Canada’s resilience promise a thrilling tournament. One thing is certain, the battle for the crown will be intense.