The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is ramping up as England hosts an expanded edition of the tournament.

16 teams, four more than competed three years ago in New Zealand, began with hopes of success in the biggest Women’s World Cup yet to be played across the length and breadth of the country.

The Red Roses are favourites to triumph on home soil having gone unbeaten since losing the final to the Black Ferns in Auckland in 2022 – and know it will be Canada, rather than the defending champions, in the final after a stunning semi-final performance.

France will hope to upset England on Saturday as an event that could prove a real catalyst for the growth of the women’s game reaches a crescendo.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup?

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in England, starting with the opening clash in Sunderland on Friday 22 August and culminating with the third place play-off and final at Twickenham on Saturday 27 September.

What cities are hosting games?

There are eight venues for the tournament. Sunderland’s Stadium of Light was used for the opening game, while Exeter’s Sandy Park and Bristol’s Ashton Gate will play host to the quarter-finals – with the latter stadium again used for the two semi-finals. Twickenham will host the final, with World Rugby confirming a sellout crowd.

The Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Salford Community Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton and York Community Stadium will host pool matches.

Pools

Pool A: England, Australia, United States, Samoa

Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji

Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain

Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the tournament on the BBC, with extensive coverage on television and online via the BBC iPlayer.

Full fixture schedule

All times BST

Friday 22 August

Pool A: England 69-7 USA

Saturday 23 August

Pool A: Australia 73-0 Samoa

Pool B: Scotland 38-8 Wales

Pool B: Canada 65-7 Fiji

Pool D: France 24-0 Italy

Sunday 24 August

Pool C: Ireland 42-14 Japan

Pool D: South Africa 66-6 Brazil

Pool C: New Zealand 54-8 Spain

Saturday 30 August

Pool B: Canada 42-0 Wales

Pool B: Scotland 29-15 Fiji

Pool A: England 92-3 Samoa

Pool A: USA 31-31 Australia

Sunday 31 August

Pool C: Ireland 43-27 Spain

Pool C: New Zealand 62-19 Japan

Pool D: Italy 24-29 South Africa

Pool D: France 84-5 Brazil

Saturday 6 September

Pool B: Canada 40-19 Scotland

Pool A: USA 60-0 Samoa

Pool B: Wales 25-28 Fiji

Pool A: England 47-7 Australia

Sunday 7 September

Pool C: Japan 29-21 Spain

Pool D: Italy 64-3 Brazil

Pool C: New Zealand 40-0 Ireland

Pool D: France 57-10 South Africa

Quarter-final fixtures, kick-off times

Saturday 13 September

Quarter-final 1: New Zealand 46-17 South Africa

Quarter-final 2: Canada 46-5 Australia

Sunday 14 September

Quarter-final 3: France 18-13 Ireland

Quarter-final 4: England 40-8 Scotland

Semi-final fixtures, kick-off time

Friday 19 September

New Zealand 19-34 Canada

Saturday 20 September

France v England (15:30), Ashton Gate

Final

Saturday 27 September

Third-place play-off final (12:30), Twickenham

World Cup final (16:00), Twickenham