Women's Rugby World Cup: England emerge as favorites on home soil
England head into the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup as top seeds on home turf, but face stiff challenges from Canada, New Zealand and a resurgent Ireland
England strong favorites at home
England's Red Roses open the tournament against the United States in Sunderland on 22 August. As six-time Six Nations Grand Slam winners and world No.1s, they have lost only once in 58 matches, a narrow defeat to New Zealand in the 2022 final. Head coach John Mitchell says the squad’s mental skills work aims to turn past disappointment into decisive advantage.
Ireland's rise and injury concerns
Ireland have climbed from 10th to 5th in the world rankings since 2022, highlighted by a 29-27 win over New Zealand in September 2024. Coach Scott Bemand is monitoring star flanker Aoife Wafer's recovery from knee ligament damage, hopeful she will return for the pool finale against the Black Ferns after matches with Japan and Spain.
Scotland and Wales battle for pool spot
Scotland, beaten five times this year amid contract uncertainties, open against Wales in a crucial pool fixture. Captain Rachel Malcolm stresses unity despite off-field issues, while Wales, hampered by co-captain Alex Callender's ankle injury and past contract disputes, seek to build on their one win under coach Sean Lynn.
New Zealand and Canada contend
Six-time champions New Zealand aim to peak after a thrilling 27-27 draw with Canada in Christchurch. Coach Allan Bunting believes his squad has matured since a challenging season. Canada, ranked second and boosted by Premiership Rugby talent and Olympic sevens stars, recorded a 42-10 win over the USA before departing for England.
Other contenders and tournament details
France ran England close in the Six Nations finale and will aim to reverse that result in warm-up play. Australia begin their final campaign under Jo Yapp. Sixteen nations, including debutants Brazil, will play across eight venues from Exeter's Sandy Park to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, with over 300,000 tickets sold.
England must manage home pressure to convert their recent dominance into World Cup glory.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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