All you need to know about the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup as the tournament reaches the semi-final stage
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, a tournament that’s smashed records for ticket sales, has reached the semi-final stage.
Defending champions New Zealand take on Canada in the first semi on Friday night, a clash between the second- and third-placed teams in rugby’s world rankings. The Black Ferns came from behind to beat South Africa while the Canadians put in a statement performance to dispatch Australia.
The second semi-final on Saturday afternoon will be a clash between two sides who know each other extremely well, Six Nations rivals France and England. France overcame Ireland in a tense quarter-final that went down to the final play. The Red Roses, meanwhile, had a comfortable win over neighbours Scotland to secure their place in the last four.
Related: How the Women’s Rugby World Cup began
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about what’s already the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history, including fixtures, venues, squads and more.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Overview
Dates: 22 August 2025 – 27 September 2025
Host nation: England
Teams:
- Pool A England, Australia, USA, Samoa
- Pool B Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
- Pool C New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
- Pool D France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil
Holders: New Zealand
Most titles: New Zealand (6)
First season: 1991
First winners: USA
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 TV coverage
TV overage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is available in many countries around the world, with viewers in the UK able to watch for free across BBC services.
Find out how to tune into the action where you are in our comprehensive how to watch the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup guide.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 tickets
More than 375,000 tickets have already been sold for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, a tournament record by some distance. Seats are still available for Friday’s semi-final between Canada and New Zealand at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Check out the Rugby World Cup website for details.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 venues
The tournament has been held at multiple venues across England.
The two semi-finals will both take place at Ashton Gate at Bristol, while the bronze final and final are both at Twickenham Stadium in London.
The following stadiums have also hosted World Cup matches.
- Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- AMEX Stadium , Brighton and Hove Albion
- Sandy Park, Exeter
- Franklins Gardens, Northampton
- Salford Community Stadium, Manchester
- York Community Stadium, York
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Results so far
Friday 22 August
- England 69 v 7 USA
Pool A: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Saturday 23 August
- Australia 73 v 0 Samoa
Pool A: Salford Community Stadium, Salford - Scotland 38 v 8 Wales
Pool B: Salford Community Stadium, Salford - Canada 65 v 7 Fiji
Pool B: York Community Stadium, York - France 24 v 0 Italy
Pool D: Sandy Park, Exeter
Sunday 24 August
- Ireland 42 v 14 Japan
Pool C: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton - South Africa 66 v 6 Brazil
Pool D: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton - New Zealand 54 v 8 Spain
Pool C: York Community Stadium, York
Saturday 30 August
- Canada 42 v 0 Wales
Pool B: Salford Community Stadium, Salford - Scotland 29 v 15 Fiji
Pool B: Salford Community Stadium, Salford - England 92 v 3 Samoa
Pool A: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton - USA 31 v 31 Australia
Pool A: York Community Stadium, York
Sunday 31 August
- Ireland 43 v 27 Spain
Pool C: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton - New Zealand 62 v 19 Japan
Pool C: Sandy Park, Exeter - Italy 24 v 29 South Africa
Pool D: York Community Stadium, York - France 84 v 5 Brazil
Pool D: Sandy Park, Exeter
Saturday 6 September
- Canada 40 v 19 Scotland
Pool B: Sandy Park, Exeter - USA 60 v 0 Samoa
Pool A: York Community Stadium, York - Wales 25 v 28 Fiji
Pool B: Sandy Park, Exeter - England 47 v 7 Australia
Pool A: Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton
Sunday 7 September
- Japan 29 v 21 Spain
Pool C: York Community Stadium, York - Italy 64 v 3 Brazil
Pool D: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton - New Zealand 40 v 0 Ireland
Pool C: Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton - France 57 v 10 South Africa
Pool D: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Saturday 13 September
- New Zealand 46-17 South Africa
Quarter-final: Sandy Park, Exeter - Canada 46-5 Australia
Quarter-final: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Sunday 14 September
- France 18-13 Ireland
Quarter-final: Sandy Park, Exeter - England 40 v 8 Scotland
Quarter-final: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Upcoming fixtures
Friday 19 September
- New Zealand v Canada (SF1)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Kick-off: 7pm BST / 8pm SAST / 4am AEST (Saturday) / 6am NZST (Saturday) / 2pm ET / 11am PT
Saturday 20 September
- France v England (SF2)
Ashton Gate, Bristol
Kick-off: 3.30pm BST / 4.30pm SAST / 12.30am AEST (Sunday) / 2.30am NZST (Sunday) / 10.30am ET / 7.30am PT
Saturday 27 September
- Runner-up SF1 v Runner-up SF2 (Bronze Final)
Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 12.30pm BST / 1.30pm SAST / 9.30pm AEST / 11.30pm NZST / 7.30am ET / 4.30am PT - Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (Final)
Twickenham Stadium, London
Kick-off: 4pm BST / 5pm SAST / 1am AEST (Sunday) / 3am NZST (Sunday) / 11am ET / 8am PT
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 squads
Semi-finalists
New Zealand
- Forwards Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Vici-Rose Green, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Georgia Ponsonby, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Layla Sae, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kennedy Tukuafu, Chryss Viliko
- Backs Kelly Brazier, Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant, Amy du Plessis, Iritana Hohaia, Renee Holmes, Maia Joseph, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Risi Pouri-Lane, Theresa Setefano, Braxton Sorensen-McGree, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Stacey Waaka, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Canada
- Forwards Tyson Beukeboom, Gillian Boag, Caroline Crossley, Sophie de Goede, Olivia DeMerchant, Fabiola Forteza, McKinley Hunt, Brittany Kassil, Taylor McKnight, Daleaka Menin, Maya Montiel, Mikiela Nelson, Courtney O’Donnell, Julia Omokhuale, Karen Paquin, Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft, Rachel Smith, Emily Tuttosi
- Backs Olivia Apps, Fancy Bermudez, Alysha Corrigan, Paige Farries, Claire Gallagher, Asia Hogan Rochester, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Justine Pelletier, Taylor Perry, Julia Schell, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Florence Symonds, Alex Tessier
France
- Forwards Makarita Baleinadogo, Rose Bernadou, Axelle Berthoumieu, Manon Bigot, Yllana Brosseau, Lea Champion, Khoudedia Cissokho, Annaelle Deshaye, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall Raclot, Teani Feleu, Manae Feleu, Agathe Gerin, Hina Ikahehegi, Assia Khalfaoui, Taina Maka, Marie Morland, Seraphine Okemba, Elisa Riffonneau
- Backs Kelly Arbey, Carla Arbez, Emilie Boulard, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Morgane Bourgeois, Alexandra Chambon, Joanna Grisez, Nassira Konde, Marine Menage, Carla Neisen, Lina Queyroi, Lina Tuy, Gaby Vernier
England
- Forwards Zoe Aldcroft, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Rosie Galligan, Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward
- Backs Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Abby Dow, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney Macdonald, Lucy Packer, Helana Rowland, Emily Scarratt, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing
Eliminated teams
Australia
- Forwards Katalina Amosa, Bree-Anna Browne, Emily Chancellor, Annabelle Codey, Piper Duck, Ashley Fernandez, Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani, Lydia Kavoa, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Ashley Marsters, Tania Naden, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Faliki Pohiva, Adiana Talakai, Tabua Tuinakauvadra
- Backs Lori Cramer, Waiaria Ellis, Georgina Friedrichs, Caitlyn Halse, Tia Hinds, Desiree Miller, Manua Moleka, Faitala Moleka, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Caitlin Urwin, Samantha Wood
Scotland
- Forwards Leah Bartlett, Sarah Bonar, Rebecca Boyd, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Adelle Ferrie, Evie Gallagher, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm, Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young
- Backs Beth Blacklock, Leia Brebner-Holden, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills
Ireland
- Forwards Claire Boles, Beth Buttimer, Ruth Campbell, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Linda Djougang, Brittany Hogan, Neve Jones, Ivana Kiripati, Siobhan McCarthy, Sadhbh McGrath, Edel McMahon, Cliodhna Moloney Macdonald, Sam Monaghan, Grace Moore, Niamh O’Dowd, Ellena Perry, Fiona Tuite, Aoife Wafer
- Backs Enya Breen, Amee Leigh Costigan, Aoife Dalton, Meabh Deely, Stacey Flood, Nicole Fowley, Eve Higgins, Emily Lane, Anna McGann, Nancy McGillivray, Dannah O’Brien, Beibhinn Parson, Aoibheann Reilly, Molly Scuffil-McCabe
South Africa
- Forwards Nolusindiso Booi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Micke Gunter, LIndelwa Gwala, Luchell Hanekom, Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Nombuyekez o Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Yonela Ngxingolo, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Ntsako Faith Tshauke, Vainah Ubisi
- Backs Jacomina Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Tayla Kinsey, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe, Nadine Roos, Maceala, Samboya, Unam Tose, Eloise Webb, Mary Zulu
USA
- Forwards Emerson Allen, Catherine Benson, Tahlia Brody, Hope Cooper, Rachel Ehrecke, Charli Jacoby, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Rachel Johnson, Maya Learned, Alivia Leatherman, Georgie Perris-Redding, Hope Rogers, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Paige Stathopoulos, Freda Tafuna, Hallie Taufoou, Kathryn Treder, Kate Zackary
- Backs Cassidy Bargell, Kristin Bitter, Gabriella Cantorna, Erica Coulibaly, Cheta Emba, Joanne Fa’avesi, McKenzie Hawkins, Emily Henrich, Sariah Ibarra, Alev Kelter, Ilona Maher, Bulou Mataitoga, Olivia Ortiz, Lotte Sharp
The United States’ Ilona Maher has been one of the biggest stars in the tournament (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Samoa
- Forwards Denise Aiolupotea, Glory Aiono, Utumalama Atonio, Joanna Fanene Lolo, Avau Filimaua, Nina Foaese, Tori Iosefo, Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva, Lulu Leuta, Ana Mamea, Faith Nonutunu, Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Christabelle Onosemo-Tuilaepa, Sui Pauaraisa, Sinead Ryder, Ana-Lise Sio, Ti Tauasosi, JayJay Taylor
- Backs Ana Afuie, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Drenna Falaniko, Linda Fiafia, Davina Lasini, Saelua Leaula, Fa’asua Makisi, Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, Melina Grace Salale, Faalua Tugaga, Harmony Vatau, Karla Wright-Akeli
Wales
- Forwards Katherine Baverstock, Alex Callender, Gwen Crabb, Maisie Davies, Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Kelsey Jones, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis, Branwen Metcalfe, Carys Phillips, Gwenllian Pyrs, Alaw Pyrs, Molly Reardon, Donna Rose, Jennie Scoble, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Tilly Vucaj, Kate Williams
- Backs Keira Bevan, Carys Cox, Hannah Dallavalle, Megan Davies, Lleucu George, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Courtney Keight, Kerin Lake, Seren Lockwood, Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Kayleigh Powell, Catherine Richards
Fiji
- Forwards Alfreda Fisher, Jade Coates, Nunia Daunimoala, Manuqalo Komaitai, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu, Rusila Nagasau, Karalaini Naiseqa, Mereoni Nakesa, Selai Naliva, Adi Salaseini Railumu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Loraini Senivutu, Asinate Serevi, Bitila Tawake, Bulou Vasuturaga, Sulita Waisega, Carletta Yee
- Backs Ema Adivitaloga, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Salanieta Kinita, Kolora Lomani, Kelerayani Luvu, Adi Salote Nailolo, Alowesi Nakoci, Josifini Neihamu, Setaita Railumu, Michella’e Brigid Stolz, Repeka Adi Tove, Mere Vocevoce, Litiana Vueti
Japan
- Forwards Kyoko Hosokawa, Sachiko Kato, Masami Kawamura, Wako Kitano, Ayumu Kokaji, Hinata Komaki, Sakurako Korai, Asuka Kuge, Miharu Machida, Manami Mine, Iroha Nagata, Nijiho Nagata, Jennifer Nduka, Seina Saito, Ayano, Sakurai, Yuna Sato, Kotomi Taniguchi, Otoka Yoshimura
- Backs Megumi Abe, Nao Ando, Mana Furuta, Sakurako Hatada, Haruka Hirotsu, Komachi Imakugi, Mele Yua Havili Kagawa, Kanako Kobyashi, Rinka Matsuda, Misaki Matsumura, Sora Nishimura, Ayasa Otsuka, Moe Tsukui, Minori Yamamoto
Spain
- Forwards Lourdes Alameda, Ines Antolinez Fernandez, Cristina Blanco Herrera, Sidorella Bracic Rodriguez, Alba Capell, Monica Castelo, Mireia Des Andres, Laura Delgado, Eider Garcia Fuentes, Nerea Garcia Rementeria, Nuria Jou, Elena Martinez, Ana Peralta Baquet, Valentina Lucia Perez Marquez, Lia Pineiro, Anna Puig, Marieta Roman Mallen, Victoria Rosell Martinez, Gemma Silva Sierra
- Backs Maider Aresti Felix, Amalia Argudo, Claudia Cano, Ana Cortes, Lea Ducher, Anne Fernandez de Corres, Tecla Masoko Bueriberi, Claudia Pena Hidalgo, Zahia Perez, Claudia Perez Perez, Clara Piquero, Ariadna Bingbing Vergara Piqueras, Alba Vinuesa
Italy
- Forwards Ilaria Arrighetti, Giordana Duca, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Elisa Giordano, Laura Gurioli, Isabella Locatelli, Gaia Maris, Alessia Pilani, Alissa Ranuccini, Sara Seye, Francesca Sgorbini, Desiree Spinelli, Emanuela Stecca, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Beatrice Veronese
- Backs Alia Bitonci, Gaia Buso, Beatrice Capomaggi, Giada Corradini, Alyssa D’Inca, Francesca Franzotto, Veronica Madia, Sara Mannini, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Beatrice Rigoni, Michela Sillari, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin
Brazil
- Forwards Larissa Alves Carvalho, Franciele Barros, Camilla Carvalho, Eshyllen Coimbra, Iris Coluna, Marcelle da Cruz de Souza, Dayana Dakar, Pamela dos Santos Soares, Julia Leni De Lima, Tais Gomes da Costa Prioste, Isabela Gomes Saccomanno, Natalia Jonck, Raquel Kochhann, Larissa Fernanda Lima Silva Henwood, Giovana Mamede, Leticia Medeiros, Ana Carolina Santana, Leticia Silva Ferreira, Samara Vergara
- Backs Giovanna Barth Moreira, Luiza Gonzalez da Costa Campos, Leila Dos Santos Silva, Marina Fioravanti, Maria Gabriela Graf, Isadora Lopes, Aline Mayumi Bednarski, Mariana Nicolau, Carolyne Pereira, Edna Santini, Bianca Silva, Yasmim Luiza de Lima Soares, Fernanda Tenorio
Previous Women’s Rugby World Cup winners
New Zealand’s players celebrate after winning the Rugby World Cup in 2022 (Getty Images)
2022 – New Zealand (delayed a year due to COVID)
2017 – New Zealand
2014 – England
2010 – New Zealand
2006 – New Zealand
2002 – New Zealand
1998 – New Zealand
1994 – England
1991 – USA
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