Rugby World Cup Weekly 3

In exactly 100 days the biggest, most impactful Women’s Rugby World Cup ever will kick-off. Here are a host of stories to get you in the mood and hopefully encourage you to be a part of the fun.

1. First look at brand new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy

Here it is, with just 100 days to go this is the prize everyone is eying, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Trophy:

Unveiled live on the BBC at London’s famous Battersea Power Station, the newly minted trophy epitomises the growth of the game and a tournament that is set to define a new era of women’s rugby.

With a world map etched into its silver and gold-plated design, it is a global trophy to represent a truly global game. For the first time, all six regions worldwide will be represented at RWC 2025, with debutants Brazil the first South American side to qualify.

Two of England’s legendary past Rugby World Cup winners, Gill Burns (1994) and Rachael Burford (2014) were part of the big reveal, as was the UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy.

“This trophy represents far more than a tournament; it reflects a movement,” World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said. “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to redefine what’s possible in women’s sport.”

The trophy will now head out on a three-week tour across England, taking in all eight host locations as fans and communities gear up for kick-off.

2. Be a part of history and join record crowds at RWC 2025

Despite an incredible 300,000-plus tickets having already been sold – more than double the number purchased four years ago – you can still be part of the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup ever.  

Click here now for your chance to join the fun across England, from 22 August – 27 September.

A new batch of tickets were released on 14 May, selling on a first come first served basis with some availability still for popular matches, including England’s opener versus USA in Sunderland on 22 August.

Sixty percent of tickets cost less than £25, while an official resale platform will launch on 24 June.

3. Get involved in women’s rugby

Rugby World Cup 2025 is not just about the action on the field, the tournament is intended to be a launch pad for women’s rugby.

Impact ’25 is a programme designed to open up the game across the UK. So far:

• More than 850 clubs have received support to grow the women’s game
• 1,400-plus newly qualified female coaches and match officials
• £2.7 million invested to improve club facilities and inclusivity

While Impact Beyond 2025 is a worldwide initiative, including the sport’s first global participation programme for girls, as well a series of six regional summits aimed at strengthening women’s rugby.

Check it out and get your boots on.

4. Brazil name RWC 2025 long list

Sound the bell, those in the running to represent Brazil for the very first time at a Women’s Rugby World Cup have been named.

There are 46 players on Brazil’s long list as they prepare to take on France, Italy and South Africa in Pool D. The debutants, who sealed their spot at RWC 2025 by defeating Colombia in the South American play-off last year, will open up against South Africa in Northampton on 24 August.

5. Defending champs sound warning despite brave Aussie efforts

There is a reason New Zealand are six-time Rugby World Cup winners, and once again the reigning champions look like they are timing their surge to form sweetly.

After a challenging 2024, the Black Ferns opened their 2025 Pacific Four Series in style, defeating an in-form Australia 38-12.

Two tries on debut for 18-year-old fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee was a real highlight for a New Zealand 15 that opened up a swift 26-0 lead.

But despite going down to a 28^th successive defeat to their Trans Tasman rivals, the way Australia fought back from that early deficit – with the second half a 12-12 tie – will give heart to a developing team.

6. Tune in Saturday for heavyweight Pacific Four double-header

The Rugby World Cup 2025 ramifications are ramping up in the Pacific Four Series.

First up this Saturday (17 May) two of the big favourites to be battling it out for glory in England later this year will face-off, as New Zealand host Canada in Christchurch. The fact the Canadians are the world No.2 ranked side, a spot above the Black Ferns, will no doubt only add to the intensity on show.

Soon after, Australia take on the USA in Canberra. The stakes are particularly high here too, with the pair slated to meet again on 30 August in a pivotal RWC 2025 Pool A match.

7. Good news for Rugby World Cup fans Down Under

That Australia v USA Pool match will, like every other Australia match at RWC2025, be shown live and free across Australia.

That is after World Rugby and Nine Entertainment reached an agreement to broadcast all major tournaments through to 2029.

Every Wallaroos game will be on the freely accessible 9Network and 9Now, while every other game will be on Stan Sports. Fans will not miss a moment, full details here.

8. Hosts England to warm-up v Spain & France

England, ranked the best side in the world right now, have announced they will face Spain on 2 August and then France on 9 August in their final warm-up matches before kicking off their home RWC versus USA on 22 August.

Fans in Leicester will get a chance to see the tournament favourites in action against the Rugby Europe champions Spain, before England head to the quiet of Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France and a meet up with the team that pushed them all the way in their recent 6 Nations fixture.

9. Japan step up RWC 2025 preparations

Everywhere you look teams are gearing up for the biggest tournament in the sport, and Japan are no exception.

Off the back of a first ever win over the USA, the side ranked No.11 in the world will kick off the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Women’s Championship versus Kazakhstan on 15 May.

In Pool C alongside defending champions New Zealand, Japan are eying up the huge prize of a quarter-final spot at RWC 2025.

10. Rugby World Cup Replay: a try for the ages

Finally, in the first of a new feature, here is a weekly treat from a past Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Enjoy Abby Dow’s try for England in their RWC 2021 semi-final versus Canada. It is quite a sight.