It has been non-stop action in RWC 2025 world. Here is your round-up of mustn't miss stories from the past week:
1. England & USA try machines eye opening honour
Touching down first at a Rugby World Cup is a rare privilege, and in just 59 days someone in an England or a USA shirt will join that famous roll call.
While we debate whether it might be Abby Dow or Hope Rogers, Ellie Kildunne or Alev Kelter, here is a rundown of those who lit the torch papers at the past four tournaments:
There is still time to ensure you witness this historic moment live on 22 August in Sunderland's Stadium of Light, as one of those aiming to grab the limelight and spoil the host's party underlines:
Move quick and get your tickets now.
2. Insider guide to World Cup opener in Sunderland
Once you have made it to Sunderland for the RWC 2025 party-starter, you will want to make the most of your time in England's buzzing north-east. And there may be no one better to show you round than local legend Sarah Hunter.
The 2014 RWC winner and England's all-time most capped player has taken time out of the day job - ensuring the Red Roses' defence is watertight - to draw up this must-do guide.
Get there if you can.
3. World No.2 Canada name training squad
It has been a great 12 months for Canada and the 38 players recently named in the nation's training squad for upcoming RWC 2025 warm-up matches versus South Africa will be hoping things only get better.
Canada have never bettered their second place finish at RWC 2014, but a rise to No.2 in the world rankings on the back of a maiden Pacific Four Series title last year, plus encouraging results against all their biggest rivals, suggests the North Americans could break their duck in style.
Before opening their RWC 2025 campaign against Pool B rivals Fiji on 23 August in York, Canada will travel to South Africa for matches on 5 and 12 July. Then the trimmed down World Cup squad hosts USA on 1 August, with a final warm-up clash against Ireland on 9 August.
4. Wales change captains & embrace brutal training camp
Canada's Pool B opponents Wales are shaking things up in a bid to turn their form around and cause some shocks at RWC 2025.
Under the guidance of relatively new head coach Sean Lynn, the team that finished bottom of this season Six Nations, has been targeting improved fitness in a training camp players have tactfully described as "physically and mentally challenging".
Drills including 'shark bait' (akin to sumo wrestling) and the feared 'bronco runs' (timed shuttle runs) have taken centre stage for a team desperate to show their best.
Lynn, who led English club Gloucester-Hartpury to three successive PWR titles, has also decided to freshen up the on-field leadership team, announcing that Hannah Jones - in charge since 2023 - will be handing back the captain's armband.
Wales head to Australia next month for their final World Cup warm-up matches.
5. New Zealand reveal RWC 2025 jersey
Few sights in sport are as iconic as the New Zealand rugby jersey, and the recent unveiling of the Black Ferns design for Rugby World Cup 2025 did not disappoint.
Here it is in all its glory:
6. England stars out to inspire next gen
Ensuring RWC 2025 leaves a lasting legacy continues to be a major priority for England's players.
Aware that a home World Cup - especially one on this scale - offers a unique opportunity, fly half Zoe Harrison and centre Tatyana Heard were at Hove Rugby Club last week, coaching a host of awe-struck youngsters.
Not to be left out, their scrum-half partner Natasha Hunt has teamed up with Sporty Spice, of Spice Girls fame, to launch the Force of Nature fund, alongside RWC 2025 partner Volvic. This sees grants offered to grassroots rugby clubs and initiatives aimed at inspiring more young girls to give rugby a go.
Here's the heights they are aiming at:
7. Revised kick-off times for some RWC 2025 quarter-finals
The kick-off times for the first and third Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-finals, taking place at Exeter's Sandy Park on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September respectively have been delayed by 30 minutes.
Instead of kicking off at 12:30 BST, both matches will now start at 13:00.
There is no action required from ticket purchasers, and all tickets already bought remain valid.
8. World Cup trophy spotted atop The O2
Adele, Bon Jovi and Rihana have all rocked London's O2 Arena but even these mega-watt stars have not ascended to quite the heights the newly minted Rugby World Cup trophy managed last week...
9. Faster, simpler disciplinary process for RWC 2025
The process for any players given a red card or cited at Rugby World Cup 2025 will be faster and simpler than ever before, as part of a global trial instigated by World Rugby.
Check out the full details here, with highlights being swifter decisions made and appeals heard sooner.
10. Player spotlight: Aussie powerhouse Marsters
The physicality of elite rugby is mind-blowing and Australia's most capped women's player, Ashley Marsters, brings it every time.
The 31-year-old back-rower has been instrumental to the Wallaroos resurgence in recent times, scoring the match-winning try versus Scotland in 2024's WXV2 clash.
RWC 2025 favourites England have been warned, ahead of the rivals' Pool A clash on 6 September.
11. Team spotlight: debutants Brazil to bring carnival style
On 24 August at Northampton's famous Franklin Gardens, Brazil will become the first ever South American team to compete at a women's Rugby World Cup.
It is quite a story for team that has shot up the rankings in the past 18 months.
After squeezing past neighbours Colombia - at the time ranked 25 spots higher than them in the world standings - 34-13 in July 2024 to grab the last RWC 2025 qualifying spot, the team known as the Yaras has soared.
A 58-7 win over Colombia last week proved just how far they have come as Pool D opponents, France, Italy and South Africa will no doubt have noticed.
12. Rugby World Cup Replay: rolling maul's unrivalled beauty
Rugby is a captivating game precisely because of the degree to which its delights vary. And while a length-of-the-pitch try is undeniably thrilling, there is something equally mesmerising about the power and precision of a driving maul.
Here is one of the very best, with England and Marlie Packer showing just how it's done in on the biggest stage of all:
