Women’s Rugby World Cup Preview
- therookiereporters
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
The Women’s Rugby World Cup will commence on the 22nd of August. The opening match will see the Red Roses (England) face the Women’s Eagles (USA) in Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of one of the most prestigious tournaments.
History of the Competition
This year marks the tenth edition of the competition and is going to be hosted by England for the second time (previously hosted by them in 2010). There will now be 16 teams participating, an increase from the previous 12 in 2021. The reigning champions, New Zealand, go in as favourites to claim victory.
Qualifying
Who are the 16 teams we will see battling it out on the pitch?
The 4 teams that reached the 2021 semifinals - New Zealand, England, France and Canada - get an automatic place to compete this year. From there, half of the remaining 12 places were determined by regional competitions like the 2024 Six Nations, the 2024 Pacific Four Series, and other regional competitions in Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, with the 2024 WXV determining the remaining spots.
The following countries are being represented alongside last year’s semifinalists
Australia
Brazil
Fiji
Ireland
Italy
Japan
South Africa
Scotland
Samoa
Spain
United States
Wales
What are the bands/groups?
Band 1:
England
Canada
New Zealand
France
Band 2:
Australia
Ireland
Scotland
Italy
Band 3:
United States
Wales
Japan
South Africa
Band 4:
Spain
Samoa
Fiji
Brazil
What to know about each country
England
Known as the “Red Roses”, England’s Women’s Rugby Team compete annually in the Women’s Six Nations (W6N) and have won 21 out of 30 championships. Their success doesn’t stop there, as they have won the Grand Slam 19 times and the Triple Crown 25 times, making these ferociously competitive women the most successful team in tournament history. After winning the 1994 and 2014 editions, can they claim it once again this year?
English Line-Up:
Canada
Making their first appearance in 1991, they currently rank 2nd behind England in the World Rugby Rankings. Having made it to the final in 2014 and making 9 total appearances in the tournament, will the Maple Leafs clinch their first title?
Canadian Line-Up:
New Zealand
The Black Ferns are one of the more well-known nations on the list. Their Haka - Ko Uhia Mai - is sure to tremble their opposition. While they currently sit third in the rankings, the lowest they’ve ever placed, will we see the reigning champions defend the try line like never before?
New Zealand Line-Up:
France
Making their debut against the Netherlands in 1982 and competing against the world’s best (England) in the Six Nations, it’s safe to say they will use their knowledge of competitors to their advantage. With their highest finish being 3rd, can they take the next step this year?
French Line-Up:
Australia
The Wallaroos are ready to bounce on this opportunity! Their debut in the competition came all the way in 1998; after a third-place finish in 2010, can they once again return to such a standard despite being ranked sixth?
Australian Line-Up:
Ireland
Winners of the 2013 and 2015 Six Nations, while also claiming the Triple Crown and Grand Slam in 2013, the Irish aren’t short of success. With their biggest win being 109-0 against Kazakhstan in 2023, they’ll definitely be one to watch in this tournament!
Irish Line-Up:
Scotland
The thistle-adorned shirts of Scotland are coming to England for the World Cup. With an intense rivalry between all the British teams, can Scotland claim UK dominance should they go on a deep run this year?
Scottish Line-Up:
Italy
Can Le Azzurre take the trophy away from the reigning champions of New Zealand? With Elisa Giordano as their captain, let’s see where she can take them in this competition.
Italian Line-Up:
United States
With 9 appearances in the World Cup and being the previous champions, they are familiar with the taste of gold. However, after a tumultuous several years and ranking 9th, are the Eagles going to rebound?
American Line-Up:
Wales
First playing in 1987 and having 6 World Cup appearances, can they improve on their 4th place from 1994 this year?
Welsh Line-Up:
Japan
As of 2023, the Sakura Fifteen are ranked 11th in the world rankings. With their best result in the World Cup being an eighth-place finish, can they improve on this statistic in 2025?
Japanese Line-Up:
South Africa
With only 4 appearances since 2006, and their best result 10th in 2010 and 2014, can head Coach Swys de Bruin guide the girls up the table?
South African Line-Up:
Spain
Ranked 13th in 2024, and a best result of 6th in 1991 (their debut), can the Spanish beat their personal record this year?
Spanish Line-Up:
Samoa
Known as Manusina Samoa, they’ve competed in 3 World Cups. In 2023 they won their first Oceania Championship, now can they win their first World Cup?
Samoain Line-Up:
Fiji
The Fijians are certainly history makers, in 2022 they scored the third-highest points in both Men’s and Women’s Rugby at the Oceania Championship with a 152-0 win against Papua New Guinea. Can they add to their legacy in this World Cup?
Fijian Line-Up:
Brazil
Making their debut in the World Cup this year, what can As Yaras bring to the pitch? Having secured their biggest win not too long ago (58-7 against Columbia) they are sure to take that momentum into the tournament.
Brazilian Line-Up:
Now we know the teams and have learnt some more about their success, who are you putting your money on to win the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
Article written by Alice Seager ©️Alice Seager 2025
