2025 Women's Rugby World Cup Opens August 22

The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup will commence on August 22, 2025, with England facing the United States at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. The tournament features 16 teams, an increase from 12 in 2021, and includes matches across eight venues, concluding with the final at Twickenham on September 27. England, the top-ranked team, will also compete against Samoa and Australia in Pool A, while Ireland opens their campaign against Japan on August 24. New Zealand, the defending champions, will begin their defense against Spain on August 24. The tournament promises a series of thrilling matches, with six double-header fixtures scheduled and a focus on player welfare with at least six days of rest between games.