- All 16 participating teams now officially welcomed to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
- Following Saturday’s events in Sunderland, Northampton and Exeter, the remaining eight teams – Australia, Samoa, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Fiji, Spain and New Zealand – were welcomed on Sunday in Manchester and York
- VNR material, photos and speeches available for download
After the three colourful events held on Saturday in Sunderland, Northampton and Exeter, the remaining eight participating teams have attended the final two Welcome Ceremonies in York and Manchester for their official tournament welcomes from World Rugby, England 2025 and local dignitaries.
Former England full-back and current World Rugby Vice-Chairman Jonathan Webb addressed Australia, Samoa, Scotland and Wales at Rates Hall in Manchester, before World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin was among those who addressed Canada, Fiji, Spain and defending champions New Zealand (captains pictured above) at Tempest Anderson Hall in York’s Museum Gardens.
Inspiring ahead of 2029 – Palu
“We are so incredibly excited to be part of this Rugby World Cup because we know it is going to be a remarkable tournament, one of the best ever,” said Australia captain, Siokapesi Palu.
“It is truly inspiring and something that we hope for back at home (at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029). Women’s sport probably isn’t as visible at home as it is here, so it’s good to see with our own eyes, a great benchmark for where we are.”
Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm added: “Playing at a World Cup is truly something we have dreamt of our entire lives. And to be here and have an opportunity to be part of what is going to be the biggest event in women’s rugby so far… I’m so proud.”
Now we can really feel it is happening – Turani
Italy’s Silvia Turani and France’s Manaé Feleu summed up the mood among all of the players at the ceremony their teams shared at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday.
“We have been talking about the World Cup in England for a long time and now we can really feel it is happening. The flight yesterday, the Opening Ceremony today, being in England, it is happening now,” said Turani.
“The venue was amazing. We weren’t expecting such a sacred venue. Having a ceremony for a World Cup is special and having it in a cathedral was so special. I think the girls all enjoyed it. It was so incredible to be in this place,” said Feleu.
Black Ferns out to inspire next generation
The Black Ferns of New Zealand kick off their title defence against Spain in York on Sunday, 24 August, two days after hosts and world number one side England get the tournament underway against USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
“What motivates us is everybody back home,” said co-captain, Kennedy Tukuafu. “It makes us just want to get out there, put out a performance that we’re really proud of and inspire the next generation. [Our legacy] is what we do on the field but also what we do off the field, giving back to the community to make people want to pick up a rugby ball.”
The defending champions are due to visit a local school in York on Monday as Rugby World Cup fever grips the north of England.