Women’s Rugby World Cup Begins England, New Zealand Favorites

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England features the Red Roses and the Black Ferns as the dominant favorites, with England entering the tournament on an impressive unbeaten streak bolstered by new coaching leadership. Fans of the Red Roses are facing difficulties acquiring the official World Cup replica shirts due to a supply chain error by kit manufacturer Castore, resulting in sold-out online stock and limited availability only at match venues. Despite this, the Rugby Football Union remains optimistic about fan support and merchandise availability. England captain emphasizes strong leadership and the growing visibility of women's rugby, drawing inspiration from the success of the Lionesses in football to boost the sport's profile. The tournament is expected to draw record crowds, underscoring the increasing popularity and commercial interest in women's rugby. Retired England player Gill Burns reflects on the sport's evolution from amateur roots to the current professional era, expressing no resentment but pride in how far the game has come.