Welcome to your round-up of all the latest Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 happenings:
1. World No.2 & 3 fight out thrilling draw in final pre-RWC 2025 match-up
In a sign perhaps of just what fans can expect when Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks-off in three months’ time, nothing could separate two of the best women’s teams on the planet last weekend.
In the end, it took an 83rd-minute try from New Zealand’s Sylvia Brunt to secure the reigning world champions a 27-27 draw with Canada in front of their home fans in Christchurch. This after the visitors had threatened to repeat their heroics of 12 months ago and take control of the 2025 Pacific Four Series.
With their next meeting set to be in the knockout stages of RWC 2025, Canada – ranked second in the world, a place ahead of New Zealand – were agonisingly close to a second successive victory over their storied rivals.
But instead, it is the Black Ferns who have a slight advantage, on points difference, at the top of the Pac Four table. They will face the USA on Saturday 24 May in the final match of this year’s series and with Canada having played Australia a day earlier, they’ll know exactly what they need to do to secure a final piece of morale-boosting silverware.
2. Australia secure boost over Pool A rivals USA
It may well mean nothing when they meet again in the big one in York on Saturday 30 August, but for now it is Australia who can claim the advantage, having defeated the USA 27-19 in the Pacific Four Series last weekend.
With their looming Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool A match casting a sizeable shadow, there was undoubtedly a sharpened focus on the pair’s match-up in Canberra. That was evident from the big crowd, and indeed the intensity from the whistle.
But despite taking the lead, the USA – who named star Ilona Maher at 13 – could not live with the host's invention and accuracy.
And in the end it was Olympic sevens star Charlotte Caslick who stole the headlines, grabbing her first Wallaroos try in a captivating performance.
3. De Goede’s looming return further boosts high-flying Canada
Life is looking rosy for Canada right now. Sat second in the world, thanks to a brilliant 2024 plus a classy start to 2025, the team is on a roll.
And things are likely to keep getting better ahead of Canada’s opening RWC2025 Pool B fixture v Fiji on 23 August. Squad captain and one of World Rugby’s 2024 Dream Team picks, Sophie de Goede is nearing full fitness.
The goal-kicking back-row forward had her dream of playing at last year’s Olympic Games shattered, after tearing her ACL 10 months ago. But now, she has a new mission.
4. Experienced, global RWC 2025 referring panel confirmed
Officials hailing from 12 nations worldwide and including the four most-capped female referees in test history, will take charge of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
This after the roster of 22 Emirates Match Officials – comprising 10 referees, six assistant referees and six Television Match Officials (TMOS) – was recently announced.
Between them the group boast more than 350 test match appearance, with Sara Cox (England) set to take part in her fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup. Elsewhere Zimbabwe’s Precious Pazani is the first African female official from outside of South Africa to take part, while Maria Heitor is Portugal’s first representative.
5. Catch dazzling World Cup Trophy out on tour
Former players, big-name artists and most importantly, crowds of fans young and old have been out and about in England with the new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy.
After its dramatic unveiling in London:
The golden prize headed to Brighton, one of eight RWC 2025 venues, where it took centre stage in some surprising venues:
Keep an eye on the Rugby World Cup socials, as the three-week tour continues at pace.
6. Team spotlight: rugby’s coming power Spain
A revitalised Spanish team will head to its seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup firmly believing they are part of their nation’s surge to the sport’s top table.
In a year in which their men’s sevens team ended the season on the podium in the HSBC SVNS Series and their 15s counterparts secured their participation at Rugby World Cup 2027, the women will take centre stage this summer.
Drawn alongside Japan, who sit just two places ahead of them at 11 in the world rankings, Ireland (world No.5) and New Zealand (No.3), the reigning Rugby Europe champions – led by inspirational skipper Laura Delgado – will firmly believe they can spring some surprises and get out of Pool C.
7. Player spotlight: France’s livewire Pauline Bourdon-Sansus
Pauline Bourdon-Sansus is a star:
It is no wonder the 61-cap scrum-half was nominated for World Rugby’s Player of the Year award in 2024. Critical to France’s surge in form during the 2025 Six Nations – including that paper-thin one-point defeat to champions England in the decider – Bourdon-Sansus appears to be in the form of her life.
Pool D opponents Italy, South Africa and Brazil have been warned.
8. Rugby World Cup replay: Miller sends Ireland wild in 2014
After a past 12 months in which they defeated the reigning world champions and twice finished a strong third in the Six Nations, Ireland may not need too much inspiration ahead of kicking off their RWC 2025 campaign versus Japan on 24 August.
But should they want a little reminder about just how good they can be on the biggest stage of all, here is Alison Miller’s wonder try from RWC 2014, an effort that secured another huge win over New Zealand.
Perhaps look away if you are a Black Ferns fan...
