Women’s Rugby World Cup – How to watch on TV and BBC iPlayer and follow across Radio, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport online

The Women’s Summer of Sport shows no signs of slowing and the next unmissable chapter is the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, live from England. This is the next major milestone in BBC Sport’s unrivalled summer of women’s sport coverage where Names Will Be Made.

BBC Sport is bringing fans all the analysis, reaction, and behind the scenes content from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

With a world-class presenting, punditry and commentary line-up, and coverage across every BBC platform – TV, radio and online – fans can make sure they don’t miss a moment of the action, wherever they are this summer.

It’s all kicking off from 22 August and here’s how you can watch and follow all the action across the BBC…

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Opening Weekend Across The BBC

On Friday 22 August, Six Nations champions and host nation England take on USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light where you can watch live coverage on BBC One and iPlayer from 6.30pm or listen on Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Watch Scotland V Wales live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 23 August, with coverage from 2.15pm BST or listen on Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

As well as Scotland V Wales, on Saturday 23 August, watch Australia v Samoa at 12pm, Canada v Fiji at 5.30pm and France v Italy at 8.15pm with coverage on BBC iPlayer.

Watch Ireland v Japan live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 24 August, with coverage from 11.45am BST or listen on Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

As well as Ireland V Japan, on Sunday 24 August, watch South Africa v Brazil at 2.45pm and New Zealand v Spain at 5.30pm with coverage on BBC iPlayer. 

TV and iPlayer

BBC Sport is the exclusive home of live coverage for every match in the tournament. Fans can watch every game live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website/app with full access from kick-off to the final whistle. All group stage matches featuring England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be shown live on TV along with every knockout round clash.

Leading the charge, Gabby Logan and Ugo Monye head up the presenting team bringing viewers the best of the action from key venues across England. They’re joined by commentary heavyweights Sara Orchard, Andrew Cotter and Claire Thomas, with Sonja McLaughlan, Sarra Elgan and Elma Smit reporting pitch-side.

Adding world-class insight are World Cup winners Maggie Alphonsi and Katy Daley-McLean, former England head coach Simon Middleton, and legendary co-commentator Brian Moore, a powerhouse team offering unrivalled expertise and behind-the-scenes perspective.

Coverage of the home nations is bolstered by former Wales Captains Siwan Lillicrap and Philippa Tuttiett; Scotland internationals Deborah McCormack and Heather Lockhart and former Irish players Sene Naoupu and Anna Caplice will follow Ireland’s campaign throughout.

Bringing a burst of fan energy into the mix, former England 7’s player and current Gladiators superstar Jodie Ounsley will be on site at selected matches, capturing the drama and atmosphere from inside the grounds and following England’s journey throughout the competition.

The coverage kicks off on BBC One with a blockbuster opener on Friday 22 August, as Six Nations champions and host nation England take on USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The opening weekend also features a must-watch clash between Scotland and Wales at Salford Community Stadium, and Ireland’s opener against Japan at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton. BBC Sport’s presentation team will be on the ground in Sunderland, Salford and Northampton on opening weekend, bringing audiences every moment from these headline fixtures.

Radio and BBC Sounds

5 Live Breakfast’s Rachel Burden kicks off the tournament with live opening day coverage from Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and BBC Sounds will have live commentary of every home nation match plus both semi-finals and the final. Meanwhile Sara Orchard and Ugo Monye will be on hand regularly throughout the tournament on 5 Live and the chart-topping Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

Bringing the big moments to life is the powerhouse 5 Live commentary team Claire Thomas, James Burridge, Oisin Langan, Nick Webb, Thomas Duncan and Gareth Rhys Owen. They’ll be delivering unmatched insight and pitch-side expertise throughout the tournament.

Providing expert insight during England’s campaign are three World Cup winners Kat Merchant, Rachael Burford and Giselle Mather. Expect sharp analysis and big-match breakdowns from those who’ve been there and done it on the biggest stage.

Alongside regular editions of the podcast fans can also tune in to a special weekly series throughout the World Cup, Barely Rugby, hosted by comedian Harriet Kemsley and featuring England stars Hannah Botterman and Meg Jones. The show blends insightful rugby chat with personality and humour, adding a fresh twist to the tournament conversation.

Audiences can expect live text commentaries, match reports, in-depth features, exclusive interviews, and highlights across the BBC Sport website and app. In addition to this, there will be behind-the-scenes content, expert analysis and all the biggest moments shared across the BBC’s social media channels.

The tournament is part of the BBC’s Women’s Summer of Sport, with a dedicated hub at www.bbc.co.uk/womens-summer-of-sport, celebrating women’s sport through live coverage and special features.