The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be a landmark event for the sport, taking place across England from August 22 to September 27, 2025. This year marks the first-ever 16-team edition of the tournament, creating the biggest celebration of women’s rugby yet. Fans can look forward to 32 action-packed matches across eight cities, culminating in a sold-out final at Twickenham Stadium, a fitting finale for this historic tournament.
Tournament Dates and Format
The competition runs for just over five weeks, kicking off on August 22 and ending with the grand final on September 27. The 16 teams will be divided into four pools of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. From there, the winners will battle through the semifinals, bronze final, and finally the championship match at Twickenham.
Host Cities and Stadiums
To bring the event closer to fans across the nation, matches will be played in eight host cities:
- Sunderland – Stadium of Light
- Brighton & Hove – Amex Stadium
- Bristol – Ashton Gate
- Exeter – Sandy Park
- Manchester – Salford Community Stadium
- Northampton – Franklin’s Gardens
- York – York Community Stadium
- London – Twickenham (Bronze Final & Final)
This nationwide approach ensures accessibility, spreading the excitement to rugby communities across England.
The Final at Twickenham
The championship match will take place on September 27, 2025, at Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby. The event is already expected to break attendance records, confirming the largest crowd ever for a women’s XVs match. The final will showcase two world-class teams battling for the title in front of a packed stadium and a global audience.
Fixtures and Results
Fans can follow every match with live fixtures, results, standings, and highlight videos available on the official tournament website. The quarterfinals will be split between Ashton Gate and Sandy Park, while both semifinals take place in Bristol. The bronze final and the championship game will close out the tournament at Twickenham.
Teams and Qualification
All 16 teams have qualified through automatic berths and regional competitions organized by World Rugby. The expanded format has allowed for greater global representation, making the 2025 edition one of the most competitive Women’s Rugby World Cups ever.
Record-Breaking Growth
England 2025 is already setting new records, with unprecedented ticket sales and nationwide demand. Strategic scheduling, with most games played on weekends, along with affordable pricing has made the event more accessible to families and first-time rugby fans.
Why This World Cup Matters
This tournament is not just about rugby, it’s about growing the game and elevating women’s sport worldwide. It is the first Women’s Rugby World Cup with 16 teams, fully integrated across multiple English cities, and serves as a model for future global tournaments. Its success will also set the stage for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
City-by-City Highlights
- Sunderland: Stadium of Light hosted the opener, anchoring the North East’s role in the event.
- Brighton & Hove: Amex Stadium returns to World Cup duty after hosting iconic rugby and football events.
- Bristol: Ashton Gate becomes the knockout hub, hosting both semifinals.
- Exeter: Sandy Park strengthens the South West’s rugby tradition by hosting quarterfinals.
- Northampton: Franklin’s Gardens engages Midlands rugby fans.
- Manchester: Salford Community Stadium expands the game’s presence in the North.
- York: York Community Stadium connects Yorkshire supporters to world-class rugby.
- London: Twickenham hosts the grand finale, ensuring a record-breaking close.
FAQs
Dates: August 22 – September 27, 2025
Final Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Teams: 16 national sides (expanded from 12)
Fixtures & Results: Available on the official tournament site
Why It’s Special: The largest Women’s Rugby World Cup ever, with record-breaking crowds and nationwide participation
