Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Host nation England to face USA in opening match as full schedule revealed
Published 22/10/2024 at 17:53 GMT+1
Anticipation is growing ahead of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, after the schedule was announced on Tuesday. England have been placed in Pool A alongside Australia, Samoa and the USA. They begin with a clash against the USA in Sunderland on Friday, August 22. Scotland and Wales will both compete in Pool B with Canada and Fiji. Meanwhile, Ireland face Japan, New Zealand and Spain.
Biggar, Austin debate how Slade and Spencer can be 'key' for England
Video credit: TNT Sports
Hosts England will kick off the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup against the United States, when the tournament begins next year on Friday, August 22.
Tuesday’s announcement has further fuelled excitement ahead of the competition, with all eyes on the Stadium of Light in Sunderland for the first match.
Reigning champions New Zealand are in action two days later against Spain at the York Community Stadium.
Australia face Samoa in their opening match on August 23 at the Salford Community Stadium, ahead of a Home Nations clash between Scotland and Wales at the same venue later that day.
All teams will have six rest days between their pool stage matches to help with recovery.
Managing director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Sarah Massey, said: “The confirmation of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule brings a wave of excitement as fans in the host nation and around the globe can now mark their calendars for this era-defining tournament.
“With thrilling match-ups and unforgettable moments guaranteed across the length and breadth of the country, the stage is set for the world’s top teams to showcase the very best of women’s rugby.
"Whether you’re a rugby fan or a newcomer, join us and be part of this unstoppable energy and historic moment.”
- Cheika admits Leicester Tigers 'still building' after comeback win over Gloucester
- Rugby league convert Suaalii, English-born Harry Potter in Australia squad for autumn series
- Gatland says Wales squad for Autumn Tests will be 'best for the future of Welsh rugby'
The competition has been expanded to 16 teams from the 12-team edition in New Zealand in 2022, which was delayed by one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It will be a memorable sporting occasion for Brazil, who will play their first-ever match at the tournament against South Africa in Northampton on August 24.
The six locations hosting pool matches includes: Brighton & Hove, Exeter and Bristol.
Sandy Park and Ashton Gate – the stadia at the latter two locations – will also host the two semi-final matches.
The final will be held at Twickenham on Saturday, September 27.
Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement