World Rugby has unveiled the match schedule for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, setting the stage for six thrilling weekends of competition in what promises to be the largest celebration of women’s rugby to date.
The tournament will kick off with an exciting opening weekend, as host nation England takes on the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday, 22 August 2025.
Meanwhile, reigning champions New Zealand will begin their title defense against Spain at York Community Stadium on Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Brazil, making history as the first South American team to qualify for a Women’s Rugby World Cup, will mark their tournament debut against South Africa at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, also on Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Designed with both teams and fans in mind, the schedule promises exciting matchups at each of the eight host locations.
Family-friendly kick-off times and optimized travel arrangements for teams ensure a high-quality experience for all.
Following World Rugby standards, each team will benefit from a minimum of six rest days between pool matches, allowing the world’s top teams to prepare and perform at their best.
Adding to the excitement, six double-header fixtures will take place during the pool stages, creating a festival-like atmosphere in host cities.
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These events will offer a day out for families and local communities, with affordable child ticket prices for all matches, including the opening games and knockout stages.
Most kick-off times will be in the afternoon, making the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 a family-oriented event, inspiring the next generation of players in England.
The pool stage will conclude with a dramatic weekend of matches across four venues, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the quarter-finals and the knockout rounds.
The Black Ferns perform the winning haka after winning the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final against England at Eden Park, Auckland.
Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, expressed her excitement, stating:
“The confirmation of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule brings a wave of anticipation, as fans in the host nation and around the globe can now mark their calendars for this era-defining tournament.
With thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments guaranteed across the country, the stage is set for the world’s top teams to showcase the very best of women’s rugby. Whether you’re a long-time rugby fan or a newcomer, this is a historic moment you won’t want to miss.”
22 August 2025- England vs USA (Sunderland’s Stadium of Light)
24 August 2025- New Zealand vs Spain (York Community Stadium)
24 August 2025- Brazil vs South Africa (Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton)
VIEW THE FULL MATCH SCHEDULE HERE >>
RWC Pools:
Pool A
Australia
England
Samoa
USA
Pool B
Canada
Fiji
Scotland
Wales
Pool C
Ireland
Japan
New Zealand
Spain
Pool D
Brazil
France
Italy
South Africa
