The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is generating considerable excitement as it approaches its kickoff. The tournament is being hosted by England from August 22 to September 27, 2025. It will feature an expanded format with 16 teams, the largest ever for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The tournament will feature an opening match between England and the United States at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on August 22, 2025. According to The Guardian, England, who are the top-ranked team globally, are considered strong favorites and have won 26 consecutive matches leading up to the tournament. However, other teams like Canada, ranked 2nd, and New Zealand, ranked 3rd and the defending champions, are also expected to be competitive. The tournament is aiming for record-breaking attendances, with more than 375,000 tickets already sold. The final will take place at Twickenham Stadium in London on September 27, 2025.
The tournament is also being highlighted for its increasing emphasis on inclusivity and the growth of women in rugby. A record number of female coaches (23, up from 6 in 2021) will be participating in the tournament, representing a significant step forward for women in rugby coaching. In addition, female athletes are actively promoting the sport through social media, with USA player Ilona Maher boasting over 8 million combined followers on social media platforms. This visibility is helping to bring new audiences and perspectives to the sport. World Rugby has also implemented initiatives, such as the Impact ’25 program, aimed at encouraging greater participation by women and girls in the sport at all levels.
