Welcome to your latest dose of all things Rugby World Cup 2025. It has been a busy one, so strap in and get involved:
1. RWC 2025: 'a massive sporting moment'
Here is a Tuesday treat to get the Rugby World Cup 2025 juices flowing:
We cannot wait to see it all unfold in just 66 days.
2. Teams continue preparation with worldwide clashes
It has been a great week for Fiji, Brazil and South Africa with all three Rugby World Cup 2025 nations securing big wins.
First up, Fiji dramatically fought their way past RWC 2025 rivals Samoa to claim another Oceania Rugby Women's Championship title.
With both teams comfortably seeing off Tonga in their opening matches, all eyes were on their heavyweight clash. And having built a 17-5 half-time advantage hosts Fiji survived a spirited Samoa comeback to triumph 24-20.
For Rugby World Cup debutants Brazil it has been another week and another win. Seven days after seeing off USA A, the Yaras powered to a brilliant 58-7 victory over Colombia - securing their biggest margin of victory ever and ensuring the smiles continue to grow ahead of their first RWC 2025 Pool D match on 24 August.
Meanwhile, over in Madagascar Brazil's opponents in that World Cup opener, South Africa, were crowned Rugby Africa Women's Cup champions.
A gutsy 19-12 victory over Kenya was key, with a number of fringe first team squad players impressing. That set up a joyful final 61-17 win over hosts Madagascar.
Finally, in a precursor to their Pool A match-up on 23 August in Manchester, England, Australia have announced their A team will host Samoa in Canberra on 28 June.
3. RWC 2014 winner Hunter inspires next gen
While the spotlight burns ever brighter on those about to battle for RWC 2025 glory, plenty of focus is being directed on the future of the game long past the final on 27 September.
With that in mind, Sarah Hunter, England's most capped player of all-time, captain of the 2014 RWC winning side and now Red Roses assistant coach, headed back to Novocastrians RFC, her first ever rugby club last week.
There, she joined 50 girls, women and youth leaders, who are actively involved in strengthening and developing the women’s game as part of a two-day forum designed to strengthen women’s coaching pathways and increase opportunities for female leaders in rugby.
4. Red Roses urge fans to paint nation red and white
While England waits to host the biggest ever celebration of women's rugby, some of the nation's biggest stars are urging fans to get out their needles and show their support.
Inspired by the Red Roses' love of crochet as a team-bonding activity, the team has set up all the resources for people to take part in a Yarn Art Installation project in a location close to them.
Abby Dow, Hannah Botterman and Tatyana Heard are particular crochet experts, with the star winger Dow even creating a tutorial video for first-time knitters.
With benefits including midnfulness, stress-relief, team bonding and self-expression, the call is out to get involved.
5. Support ultramarathoner's Race to RWC 2025
Five-time world record holder Lexi Chambers will complete 10 ultramarathons in 10 days in order to deliver the whistle for the opening Rugby World Cup 2025 match in Sunderland on 22 August - and you can support her as she raises money for ChildFund Rugby.
Chambers' extraordinary efforts are a call to action to support grassroots, rugby-based life skills initiatives for children and young people around the world.
It all kicks-off on 20 June and you can be a part of it:
6. Good news for French RWC 2025 fans
Not only will RWC 2025 be shown on commercial network TF1 in France but now 12 matches will be shown on free-to-air broadcaster France Télévisions.
These include the tournament's opening fixture, England versus USA on 22 August, plus France's Pool D matches versus Brazil (31 August) and South Africa (7 September).
Great for those who like scintillating rugby:
7. Player spotlight: England points machine Emily Scarratt
Emily Scarratt is already a true great of English rugby. The 118-cap centre has an almost endless list of accolades:
- England's highest ever points scorer
- Player of the Final when England won RWC 2014
- Top points scorer at RWC 2014
- Set to become first English player to appear in five RWCs
- Captained Team GB's sevens side at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
And the 35-year-old is not done yet...
8. Team spotlight: six-time champions New Zealand
No one will fancy playing New Zealand at RWC 2025.
The team known as the Black Ferns might have had an up-and-down couple of years, losing to the likes of England, Canada and Ireland while dropping down to No.3 in the world rankings.
But not for nothing are they record six-time Rugby World Cup champions.
Check them out and see what you know about the most successful women's rugby nation so far:
9. RWC Replay: Thomas disappears from defenders #RWC2017
Pure pace allied to footwork and rugby intelligence: an unbeatable combination, as the USA's Kris Thomas showed at Rugby World Cup 2017 versus England. The fact she did it from way inside her own half only adds to the wonder.
Enjoy rugby at its most joyful:
