The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has shrugged off its “stepchild” label and is now reshaping rugby’s future. Driven by investment, surging participation, and undeniable talent, this event is proving to be an era-defining moment.

The numbers don’t lie. This World Cup is already breaking records. Over 300,000 tickets have been sold, more than double the total attendance for the 2021 tournament. Organizers are calling it the “biggest and best Women’s Rugby World Cup yet,” intentionally designed as the “most accessible tournament ever,” with 95% of England’s population within two hours of a match venue. A new, bold trophy, unveiled just 100 days before kick-off, symbolizes the game’s “unstoppable global rise.” It’s not just a prize; it “reflects a movement,” one “fuelled by passion, shaped by trailblazers, and driven by the next generation”.

This expansion isn’t accidental. It’s built on strategic development and significant financial backing. World Rugby’s “Impact Beyond 2025” program is designed to “supercharge the rise of women’s rugby globally” by boosting its profile, ensuring gender equity in the workforce, and enhancing expertise within unions. Initiatives like “Rugby Rising Play” have successfully introduced 5,300 girls to the sport for the first time in pilot programs. In England, the “Impact ’25” legacy program, fortified by £12.13 million in government funding, has supported over 850 clubs and contributed to a 9.3% year-on-year increase in girls’ participation.

The commitment extends to professionalization. While women’s rugby is not yet financially profitable-even the top-ranked England team is operating at a loss-it is recognized as the “fastest growth area” in the sport, deserving of “proper investment”. In South Africa, SA Rugby is planning to launch its first professional women’s league in 2026, a “necessity” to provide players with “platforms, pathways and professional environments that reflect excellence”. This investment allows unions to expand their match calendars, leveraging existing fixed costs with relatively low marginal expenses compared to the men’s game.

The Battle on the Pitch: Team Achievements and Current Outcomes

The tournament kicked off with hosts England facing the USA on August 22 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

England’s Red Roses entered the competition as the top-ranked team and clear favorites. Their pedigree is undeniable: six consecutive Women’s Six Nations trophies and a victory over New Zealand to claim the inaugural WXV 1 title. They are scheduled to host France and New Zealand this autumn in high-profile fixtures, a clear sign of their intent and the growing appeal of elite women’s rugby. Their home matches draw immense crowds; the last two games at Twickenham shattered attendance records for women’s rugby.

For the Springbok Women of South Africa, this World Cup is about a “newfound belief” and rewriting history. Captain Nolusindiso Booi, a pioneer heading to her fourth and final World Cup, has seen her face on billboards, a tangible sign of increased public recognition for a team that only played its debut international Test in 2004 amidst a severe lack of resources.

Under coach Swys de Bruin, appointed in August 2024, the team aimed to break their “hoodoo” of never reaching the knockout stages after a disappointing 2021 (played in 2022) World Cup where they lost all matches. Their pool included France (ranked 4th), Italy (ranked 7th/8th), and Brazil (ranked 42nd).

The Springbok Women delivered. In a dramatic turn of events, they secured a historic 29-24 victory over Italy, their first-ever win against that nation. This crucial result, especially with the widely anticipated victory of France over Brazil (which came to pass with a dominant 84-5 scoreline for France), meant the Springbok Women advanced to a World Cup quarter-final for the first time ever. Coach de Bruin, visibly emotional, celebrated the team’s “heart” and “smart” play, declaring them “the big improvers of world rugby”. Their growth has been fueled by increased exposure to competitive fixtures and simplified yet effective attacking and defensive systems implemented by De Bruin and assistant coach Bafana Nhleko. Star player Nadine Roos, a two-time SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, has been central to this progress, acting as the “X factor” and chief playmaker for both the 15s and sevens sides. Many players, from disadvantaged backgrounds, play for a “bigger cause,” using their platform to inspire. However, domestic challenges remain, with most players being amateur or semi-professional, underscoring the importance of the upcoming professional league.

Other notable results from the initial rounds include New Zealand beating Japan 62-19, Canada defeating Scotland, and Wales triumphing over Fiji. There was also a “great match” between Australia and the USA, though the specific result was not detailed, and “Cymru (Wales) continued their poor form” in another match.

Who Can Lift the Trophy?

The field of potential champions is narrowing, but the usual suspects remain prominent. England is widely considered the obvious favorite. Their dominance in the Six Nations and WXV 1, combined with home advantage and record-breaking crowds, makes them a formidable force.

France and the Black Ferns of New Zealand are also consistently mentioned as strong contenders. Some opinions even include Canada in the mix of potential trophy lifters. Australia, with their athleticism and raw talent, are seen as a team with future potential under a new coach like Jo Yapp, though challenging the “big four” this year might be a stretch. While New Zealand had a “desperately lucky” win at home in 2022 against France and England, they remain a top threat.

The unexpected success of teams like South Africa, performing “24 points better than prediction” against Italy, demonstrates that the gap in women’s rugby is indeed closing, and upsets are increasingly possible. This World Cup is not just a showcase for established giants; it’s a proving ground for emerging nations, driving the sport’s global narrative forward.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is more than a contest for a trophy. It is a testament to the sport’s growing power, impacting participation, professionalism, and perception worldwide.