Rugby World Cup Weekly 11

There are now less than 50 days until England kick-off the must-watch event of the summer versus USA at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on 22 August. Here is your round-up of all the latest news and views to get you in the mood:

1. Great guests, great chat on official RWC 2025 podcast

Discussing everything from Ilona Maher's impact on the game to Ellie Kildunne's fashion sense via England's RWC 2021 pain and expectations for the biggest celebrations of women's rugby ever, the first episode of the official #RWC2025 podcast is out now: 

An array of top guests will join hosts Betty Glover and Anne Onwusiri each week, with England legend, former international athlete and one-time strongwoman Shaunagh Brown kicking things off. 

Get involved: 

2. Impressive warm-up wins for big guns New Zealand & Canada 

Six-time winners New Zealand took on themselves on Saturday as they look to finalise their Rugby World Cup 2025 squad. 

Ahead of their 12 July match versus Australia, the Black Ferns played a Black Ferns XV in a strongly competitive clash. Check out the highlights below, with the team in black winning 45-12: 

Meanwhile, over in Pretoria, world No.2 ranked side Canada powered to a 50-20 victory over South Africa, in another entertaining RWC 2025 warm-up match. 

Player of the match Florence Symonds and double try scorer Alysha Corrigan grabbed the headlines for the Canadians. 

3. Uncapped faces in Australia's final pre-RWC 2025 squad

Teenager Waiaria Ellis was one of the standout names in the 32-strong squad named by Australia head coach Jo Yapp for the nation's up-coming RWC 2025 warm-up matches. 

Nicknamed 'Baba', the 17-year-old winger impressed in Australia's A's recent win over Samoa and gets a call-up to the big time, as does fellow flyer Caitlin Urwin. 

Former skipper, Piper Duck will also have a chance to impress as the Wallaroos take on New Zealand on 12 July, before a double-header versus Wales on 26 July and 1 August. 

4. France & Scotland reveal RWC 2025 kits 

The countdown is truly gathering pace, as Six Nations rivals France and Scotland became the latest teams to unveil their Rugby World Cup 2025 looks. 

Here's what France will be wearing when they kick-off their campaign against Pool D rivals Italy on 23 August: 

While tartan takes a central role for the Scots, who open up against fierce local rivals Wales on 23 August. 

It's no wonder, Scotland skipper Rachel Malcolm said: “We are fiercely proud Scots, so we are beyond excited to step onto the world’s biggest stage wearing a kit that not only represents our country but who we are as a team.”

5. Grab tickets, pick-up merch & sign-up for fantasy game

If all this is getting you in the #RWC2025 mood - and frankly why wouldn't it - there are a few cracking options staring you in the face. 

First up, get yourself to a game for as little as £10 per ticket for adults and £5 for kids: 

Next, head to the store and be one of the first to rock official RWC 2025 merchandise: 

Finally, get involved in RWC 2025's fantasy game: 

6. Check out Alphonsi's fan-guide to London

Maggie Alphonsi is a born-and-bred Londoner and the RWC 2014 winner has poured all her passion into compiling a list of must-sees and must-dos for all those heading to England's capital city during RWC 2025. 

Do not miss it, with tickets still available for the bronze medal match and the final on 27 September. 

7. RWC 2025 already making major global impact 

More than 2,500 people have benefitted from Impact Beyond 2025 - World Rugby's ambitious programme designed to supercharge women's rugby. 

That is one of the headlines from a mid-year progress report, with 42 unions having also already received grants. 

It is no wonder, England's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said last week, "That is why this government has invested millions of pounds directly into the legacy of this event and I am thrilled to know that this money has been spent on vital areas in the grassroots game like facilities development and encouraging more women and girls to play, coach and volunteer."

8. Continued focus on player welfare 

World Rugby has announced the latest evolution of its Six-Point Plan on player welfare, ensuring this remains the sport's No.1 priority. 

The six points of the new plan which will be monitored until the end of 2028 are: 

1. Care for players and former players
2. Game delivery led by evidence
3. Evolution of the game through consultation, regulation and monitoring
4. Women’s specific interventions
5. Education and compliance support
6. Fostering a culture of welfare within the game

9. Player spotlight: Canada's livewire Alex Tessier

No one knows what Alex Tessier is going to do next and that makes her one of the must-watch players at RWC 2025. 

A fly-half and a centre, the unpredictable Tessier has been a key cog as Canada have risen to No.2 in the world rankings. 

Can she drive her team to a first ever Rugby World Cup win? 

10. Team spotlight: ever-improving Japan

In April Japan pulled off a Hollywood epic, beating the mighty USA 39-33 in Los Angeles.

It was the highlight of a run of a games that has seen the team known as the Sakura Fifteens defeat Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Fiji, Samoa, South Africa and Australia in the past few years. 

Next up, the team coached by former Canada international Lesley McKenzie has a plan to get out of a highly competitive RWC 2025 Pool C, featuring New Zealand, Ireland and Spain. 

They play the latter in a final pair of warm-up matches on 19 and 26 July. 

11. Rugby World Cup Replay: Alarie's 2017 stunner

From teamwork to individual brilliance via strength, pace and power, the try below simply has it all. 

Canada's Elissa Alarie quite rightly takes the plaudits, her nonchalant kick and chase finishing matters off versus a stunned Wales with aplomb. But the winger knows she could not have done it without her superb teammates. 

Enjoy one of the highlights of RWC 2017: