It is here, match-week. The two teams who will kick it all off on Friday at 19:30 BST appear ready to take centre stage, while the rest of the best limber up in their homes from homes across England.
Bring it on:
1. USA get a big welcome in Sunderland
Teams are landing all over the UK for #RWC2025, and they are being treated to some seriously colourful welcome parties.
Check out what was waiting for the USA when they get off the bus in Sunderland:
It remains to be seen if there will be quite so many cheers when they walk out on to the Stadium of Light pitch on Friday night, ahead of kick-off at 19:30…
2. England turn on the style
Meanwhile, rivals England have been adhering to the old adage; ‘look good, play good’.
After all, a tournament suit just has to fit:
And then it is all about the accessories!
3. Fiji blow minds (not ear drums)
Some teams have not just been lapping up the welcome parties held on their honour, they have also been giving the love straight back.
Here is Fiji wowing the crowd in York:
If you want to hear them sing live, then get your tickets here for their opening RWC 2025 Pool B match v Scotland on 30 August in Manchester, and lap up the anthems.
4. Defender honours first ever female rugby player
How much do you know about the first known female rugby player?
At Enniskillen rugby club in Northern Ireland, a 10-year-old Emily Valentine was on the sidelines watching her brothers play along with other boys.
She convinced the boys to let her play, and went on to score a try! Defender is shining a light on that moment – read all about it here.
5. Quickfire questions with Spain’s Clara Piquero
From the first ever player, to one of those to most recently light up pitches all over the world, the spotlight turns to Spain speedster Clara Piquero.
In the latest instalment of Quickfire Questions, we sat down with the youngster to ask her about the best place she has visited, favourite food she’s tried abroad and who she’d invite to a celebrity dinner.
The 26-year-old also revealed her dream job – which is exactly the area she’s studying in!
6. Player spotlight: Scotland international Jade Konkel
One of the key areas of professional sport is nutrition, with each athlete given a specific diet of what works best for them during match weeks and on matchdays, as well as for recovering after a game.
In an episode of Rugby Rising Locker Room, Scotland international Jade Konkel spoke about life as an athlete with a vegan diet, describing what she might eat on a typical day, as well as dispelling myths about the difficulties people think she may face.
It is a fascinating watch:
7. Rugby World Cup rewind: England pipped in 2010 final
While all the excitement builds for the biggest women’s rugby tournament in history, let’s look back on the last time that England played host to a Rugby World Cup.
The Red Roses made it all the way to the final at Twickenham Stoop – mere metres away from Allianz Stadium where this year’s final will be held – but were beaten 13-10 by New Zealand.
Relive the best bits of that pulsating showpiece: