**Rugby Union Set to Shine as Women’s World Cup Heads to England**
As one sporting triumph stirs the nation, another is poised to capture the public imagination. Following England’s historic victory in the Women’s European Football Championships, attention now turns to rugby, with the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup 2025 preparing to kick off on English soil. The event promises to be a landmark in the sporting calendar, uniting fans from across the globe in a celebration of athletic prowess and determination.
With just weeks to go before the opening whistle, anticipation is reaching fever pitch among rugby supporters. England, hosts and perennial powerhouses, enter the tournament as the world’s top-ranked nation. Buoyed by their home crowd and steered by 2024’s Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, the Red Roses have high hopes of lifting the trophy at Twickenham Stadium on 27 September. Their campaign begins on opening night with a showdown against a formidable USA side at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, setting the tone for what many predict will be a fiercely contested competition.
The home nations will not have the path to glory entirely to themselves. Wales, Scotland, and Ireland are all fielding determined squads and domestic rivalries will be reignited early, as Wales and Scotland are set to face off at Salford Community Stadium on the tournament’s second day. Meanwhile, Ireland’s journey starts at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, where they will take on Japan in their opening fixture.
The scope of the competition, however, extends well beyond the British Isles. Traditional rugby giants such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and France will bring their own ambitions and unique styles to the pitch. Each of these overseas contenders carries a legacy of international victory and will be aiming to upset the established order. The inclusion of so many elite teams underscores the growing global standard of women’s rugby and promises spectators an array of compelling matchups throughout the event.
Ticket sales figures reflect the mounting excitement. Over 275,000 seats have been snapped up, with fixtures spread across major venues including Brighton, Bristol, Exeter and York, ensuring fans nationwide can experience the action up close. The BBC will provide comprehensive live coverage, further amplifying the tournament’s reach and ensuring that no moment passes unnoticed by the sporting public.
To enhance the experience for dedicated followers, a special edition guide to the tournament is available. This comprehensive publication includes exclusive interviews, insightful features, in-depth team profiles, and a pull-out wall chart — an essential companion for anyone hoping to follow the fortunes of their favourite sides as the drama unfolds. Fans interested in this guide can order it online or pick up a copy in shops from 13 August.
For many, the tournament represents more than a mere sequence of matches — it is a celebration of the powerful momentum behind women’s sport in the UK and worldwide. As interest and investment continue to grow, the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup stands as a testament to the skill, resilience, and passion thriving within the women’s game.
Notably, this summer’s event serves not just as a showcase for world-class rugby, but as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of players and supporters. The packed stadiums and national media coverage promise to further elevate the profile of players and solidify the status of women’s rugby in the wider sporting landscape.
As final preparations are made and squads assemble, the stage is set for a tournament of historic significance. Whether supporting from the stands, watching on television, or following through dedicated guides and wall charts, one thing is certain: Rugby Union has returned to centre stage — and the world will be watching.