The countdown is on; Rugby World Cup 2025 is now less than 90 days away and the action on and off the pitch is non-stop. Here's your summary of all the latest, and with the excitement building, don't forget to get tickets here:
1. New Zealand send out World Cup warning
If world No.2 ranked Canada laid down a mighty impressive marker in their final Pacific Four Series match (see below), reigning Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand came out a few hours later and served up a serious statement of intent.
Aware that after Canada’s efforts they needed a 25-point victory to reclaim the Pac 4 trophy they lost to their North American rivals, the Black Ferns went way above and beyond. Treating their fans in Auckland to awe-inspiring display, the six-time RWC winners served a warning to the rest of the world, dismantling a spirited USA 79-14.
As if that was not enough, legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe - who was retired just a few weeks ago - scored a remarkable seven tries. The sixth made the 33-year-old New Zealand's all-time leading try scorer.
Next stop for the Black Ferns is a clash versus Australia on 12 July and then it is their RWC 2025 Pool C opener against Spain on 24 August.
2. Confident Canada continue upward curve
While ultimately they had to hand over the trophy to New Zealand, the 2025 Pacific Four Series marked yet another strong campaign for world No.2 ranked Canada.
A week after drawing 27-27 with the Black Ferns, the Canadians dominated Australia in Brisbane.
The North American's set piece was too much for the hosts, who found themselves over-powered across the pitch. A 45-7 win another sign that Canada - beaten finalists at RWC 2014 - are on a mission.
There were some bright spots for the Wallaroos, with winger Desiree Miller touching down once more and sevens convert Charlotte Caslick once again showing flashes of class.
All eyes now turn to the duo's RWC 2025 opening fixtures on 23 August, with Australia taking on Samoa in Pool A and Canada versus Fiji in Pool B.
3. Wannabe World Cup star Wafer named Six Nations Player of Championship
After topping the charts with 70 carries, 424.7 metres made and 17 defenders beaten, Ireland's Aofie Wafer has been named the Player of the Championship for the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Aged just 22, the back-rower is the first Irish player to receive the award, capping a remarkable rise.
Two of the 12 tries she has scored in her 15 tests came in Ireland's historic win over New Zealand last year and now Wafer has her eyes on sparkling on the biggest stage of all.
Ireland open up their RWC 2025 campaign against Pool C opponents Japan on 24 August.
4. Less than 90 days to go...
If the thrilling end to the Pacific Four Series - not to mention the 2025 Six Nations - has got you wondering about Rugby World Cup 2025, here is everything you need to know, in just 60 seconds:
5. Great news for RWC 2025 fans in the USA
Every Rugby World Cup 2025 match will be streamed in the USA on Paramount+, after World Rugby and CBS Sports announced a landmark agreement.
In a country already boasting more than 800,000 players, a thriving college system and a fanbase of nearly 40 million, the news is a real boost for a nation that will kick-off the biggest women's Rugby World Cup ever, versus England on 22 August.
And the smiles do not stop there for the USA Women's Eagles, with the squad signing professional terms for the very first time.
6. 20-minute red cards in use at RWC 2025
For the first time ever at a Rugby World Cup, 20-minute red cards will be trialled in England this summer.
Under the newly implemented system, a RWC 2025 player who commits foul play that is not deemed deliberate or intentional will receive a red card and be permanently removed from the game. However, their team may return to a full complement after 20 minutes by bringing on one of their available replacements in an attempt to not only protect player welfare but also the integrity of the contest.
Referees retain the authority to issue a full and permanent red card for any foul play considered deliberate and highly dangerous. Check out all the details here.
7. RWC Trophy enjoying life in the fast lane
It is non-stop action for the newly minted women's Rugby World Cup Trophy.
After dazzling in Bristol - a stop that included 90 girls from six different schools trying rugby for the very first time in the shadow of the game's biggest prize - it was on to the home of British motorsport:
Keep your eyes on the Rugby World Cup socials for details as the trophy continues to tour round England.
8. Player spotlight: Scotland skipper Rachel Malcolm
They do not come much more inspirational than 56-cap back-rower Rachel Malcolm. The doctor of environmental physiology has been hailed as one of Scotland's greatest ever captains, having led the team up the world rankings since taking over in 2020.
Fresh from steering her nation to two wins in the Women's Six Nations - including a final-day thriller over world No.5 ranked Ireland - Malcolm has her eyes on a best ever Rugby World Cup performance.
But she needs your help when Scotland get underway in a home nation's derby versus Wales on 23 August:
9. Team spotlight: surging South Africa
While they cannot yet hope to match their two-time reigning RWC-winning men's side, the Women's Springboks are quietly targeting their best-ever display at RWC 2025.
Led by Swys de Bruin, formerly part of Rassie Erasmus' famous coaching panel, and boasting talent like try-scoring hooker Lindelwa Gwala plus captain Nolusindiso Booi, hopes are high for a side that recently defeated Spain 48-26.
Don't miss their opening Pool D clash versus Brazil on 24 August; the first time a team from Africa has taken on a South American nation in a women's World Cup.
10. Rugby World Cup replay: Woodman-Wickliffe wonder try
To mark her remarkable efforts in becoming New Zealand's greatest every try scorer, here is a treat from the Portia Woodman-Wickliffe archives.
Given she is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, and the tournament's all-time leading try scorer, there were plenty to choose from... but we thought you might particularly enjoy this effort, from RWC 2017, versus the USA:
