

Women's
Rugby World Cup

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Standings
Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
Pool D
Teams
News
Follow every moment of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, one of the most prestigious and action-packed rugby tournaments on the international stage, right here at RugbyPass.
Held every four years, the women’s rugby union world cup showcases extraordinary players, passionate crowds and unforgettable matches.
Are you counting down to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup? Enjoy every try, track every tackle and soak up the atmosphere with RugbyPass, your resident rugby gurus.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Format
The Women’s RWC features a new format for 2025. With the exception of 1998 and 2002, previous editions of women’s world cup rugby have been contested by 12 teams. From 2025 onwards, 16 teams will compete to win the sport’s ultimate accolade. These teams will be divided into four pools of four nations.
During the pool stage of the women’s rugby union world cup, each team will play their pool opponents once. The top two nations from each pool will advance to the quarter-finals. The winners of these four quarter-final matches will continue to the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners will progress to the final, while the two semi-final losers will compete in the bronze final.
Women’s Rugby World Cup History
The history of women’s world cup rugby dates back to 1991. Since then, the Women’s RWC has been dominated by one team: New Zealand. In fact, the Black Ferns have won six titles to date (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021). Over the years, New Zealand have been so dominant that only two other teams have won the tournament: England (1994, 2014) and the USA (1991).
The Women’s RWC has undoubtedly played a crucial role in strengthening and promoting the sport. This quadrennial tournament has spearheaded women’s rugby, built an ever-growing fan base and inspired a new generation of female players.
FAQs
When Was the First Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The first Women’s Rugby World Cup took place in 1991, four years after the first men’s RWC. Hosted by Wales, this inaugural tournament was won by the United States.
Who Has Won the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
Three teams have won the Women’s Rugby World Cup: New Zealand, England and the United States.
New Zealand hold the record as the tournament’s most successful nation with six wins (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021). England have claimed two titles (1994, 2014), while the US have won one (1991).
How Many Teams Are in the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
There are 16 teams involved in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. The 1998 and the 2002 RWC were also contested by 16 teams. The other seven tournaments (1991, 1994, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2017 and 2021) featured 12 teams.
How Often is the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is held every four years. However, there have been two exceptions. There was a three-year gap between the 1991 and 1994 tournaments, when the women’s competition was moved to fall one year before the men’s. In addition, the competition was also moved a year forward in 2017 due to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The next Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2025. It will open on 22 August and the final will be held on 27 September 2025. This will be the 10th edition of the Women’s RWC.
Where is the Next Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The next Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in England in 2025. This month-long tournament will be hosted at eight stadiums: Twickenham, the Stadium of Light, Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Ashton Gate, Sandy Park, Franklin’s Garden, Salford Community Stadium and the York Community Stadium.
When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final?
The final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup will take place on 27 September 2025. This thrilling match will be held at Twickenham, the home of the men’s England rugby union team. The final will decide the winner of the 10th Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Who Won the Last Women’s Rugby World Cup Final?
New Zealand won the last Women’s Rugby World Cup final. The Black Ferns faced England at Eden Park, Auckland on 12 November 2022. They defeated the visitors 34-31 in a thrilling battle and claimed their sixth world title.
Which TV Channel is Showing the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be broadcast on major TV networks across the world. TV channels showing the tournament include the BBC in the UK and CBS Sports in the USA. As well as free-to-air services, coverage will also be available on cable, streaming and subscription services.
How to Watch the Women’s Rugby World Cup
To watch the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, you can tune into TV channels, watch on demand or stream online. Looking for a fuss-free way to enjoy the tournament on-the-go? Catch coverage, news and highlights on the RugbyPass app and RugbyPass TV.