We are now just over a month away from England kicking off the must-watch event of the summer against 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. Anne-Marie to headline opening game
Massive news has just dropped that musician Anne-Marie, known for hits 2002, Friends, and Rockabye among others, will be performing before kick-off in the opening game between England and USA in Sunderland.
The multiple BRIT Award nominee is a hugely exciting addition to what already promises to be a thrilling opening day at Rugby World Cup 2025.
“I’m so excited to perform at the Opening Show presented by O2 and be part of this massive moment for women’s sport," Anne-Marie said.
"Now that I’ve got a daughter of my own, it means even more to be involved in something that shows the next generation that they can do anything. I know Sunderland is going to be going crazy, and I can’t wait to be part of it!”
Click here to read all about it.
2. Aimee Barrett-Theron to referee RWC 2025 opening match
That opening match at the Stadium of Light will be refereed by South Africa's Aimee Barrett-Theron, who also took charge of the opening match at Rugby World Cup 2017.
Barrett-Theron, set to be assisted by Natarsha Ganley of New Zealand and Portugal's Maria Heitor on the night, is renowned as one of the best in the business due to her ability to keep players in check during a game.
Who could forget last year’s U20 Six Nations when she gave the captains of Wales and England a talking to, uttering the now infamous words: "I'm not mad, I'm just really disappointed."
Here's a look at some of her most viral conversations with players:
3. History-maker Sara Cox excited for fifth tournament
Barrett-Theron's announcement came as World Rugby revealed the appointments for the 24 Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 pool matches. Among them is Sara Cox, who will make history by becoming the first female to referee 50 tests when she picks up the whistle for Japan's match against Spain on 7 September.
Incredibly, it will be Cox's fifth Rugby World Cup, and she was visibly emotional when talking about the prospect of showcasing her work in front of those nearest to her in her home city of Exeter.
"I don't think there are very many opportunities where I've been able to have my family around. It's a quite a deep one, it's quite an emotional one,” she said. "I love that I can walk away and say to my mum 'This is what I do'."
4. Emily Robinson’s guide to Brighton & Hove
While Cox will be able to act as tour guide to any friends heading to Exeter, Chiefs back rower Emily Robinson has offered her insights on her own home city of Brighton & Hove.
In the latest instalment of World Rugby's RWC 2025 Venue Guide, Robinson talks through some of her favourite places in the area for a pre-match meal or a post-match refreshment and much, much more.
Click here for all her hot tips about the area!
5. Ten lucky residents win tickets
Brighton will play host two of the biggest games of the pool stage, and to mark the occasion Brighton & Hove council had a giveaway of 10 pairs of tickets, after having first launched an appeal to find worthy recipients for the draw.
One lucky winner was Molly Field, a volunteer at the Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project, a small community garden charity supporting people with learning disabilities, and she is looking forward to watching the Black Ferns take on Ireland on 7 September.
“It was so nice to know people recognise that what I do makes a difference,” she said. “It reminds me how worthwhile my work is. I'm really looking forward to the Ireland vs New Zealand match and hope it's an exciting game!”
The council also recently asked residents to help dress the city for Rugby World Cup 2025 with a theme inspired by the Red Roses' love of crochet.
Those not lucky enough to win tickets to RWC 2025 can still buy some by clicking here!
6. USA stepping up preparations
USA Women’s Eagles have been stepping up their preparations for #RWC2025 and are set to name their final squad on Thursday.
This past weekend a 40-player squad converged at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland ahead of the 32-player announcement later this week, with the wider squad taking part in an internal Stars vs Stripes game.
Those whose names are named in the final squad will be aiming to help right some wrongs after the disappointment of losing out to Canada in the quarter-final stage at Rugby World Cup 2021.
7. Canada’s Sophie de Goede makes her return
Sophie de Goede was part of the Canada team that beat USA in that quarter-final, contributing 10 points with the boot that day.
The Saracens star has been out of the fold for over a year due to an ACL injury, but on Saturday made her long-awaited return to international duty - and just in time for Rugby World Cup 2025.
De Goede played 22 second-half minutes as Canada registered a 33-5 victory over South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, their second win of the tour.
8. 'Ilona Maher would be my pal!'
One of the players hoping to hear her name being read out is star Ilona Maher. On the recent #RWCPod25, Anne Onwusiri spoke highly of the work Maher is doing to raise the profile of rugby as well as raise awareness of body positivity and confidence.
Above all, though, Onwusiri is convinced the pair are destined to be friends.
Onwusiri said: "I feel like we'd be pals if she knew me!"
Watch the full episode from the RWC 2025 podcast on YouTube here:
9. Las Leoncitas crowned champions
The sevens circuit has long been a great breeding ground for the 15s game, and if that's the case then Spain have plenty to smile about when it comes to the future.
Las Leoncitas were crowned champions of Rugby Europe's U18 sevens tournament over the weekend, beating an impressive France outfit 28-17 in the final.
Spain's senior side will be hoping for a strong showing at RWC2025, knowing the stars of the future are already on their heels to try take their places.