The biggest event in women’s rugby is now just days away, with last year’s finalists among the teams naming their squads as they all begin their respective quests for 2025 glory.
Here is your round-up of all the big announcements plus a whole lot more:
1. Squads taking shape
The squad announcements have been coming thick and fast since USA got the ball rolling earlier this month.
England and New Zealand, finalists at Rugby World Cup 2021, are among those to name their players for this year’s big event, with Natasha “Mo” Hunt returning to the England fold for a crack at the title.
For the Black Ferns, Kelly Brazier will feature in her fourth Rugby World Cup, while Portia Woodman-Wickliffe will take part in her third. On the other end of the experience scale, rising teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee is the youngest member of the squad at 18 years of age.
2. Emily Scarratt to make history
Among the names read out for England’s squad announcement was Emily Scarratt, who will make history when she takes the field at Rugby World Cup 2025 by becoming the first England player to compete at five Rugby World Cups.
The playmaker made her tournament debut at Rugby World Cup 2010, and was Player of the Match when England beat Canada in the final of Rugby World Cup 2014. The 35-year-old is the highest ever England Women’s points scorer and has played 118 time for England so far, putting her third in the all-time list behind Rocky Clark and Sarah Hunter.
“More than experience, she understands the legacy of the Red Roses,” England coach John Mitchell said of Scarratt. “She wants to leave the Red Roses in a better place.”
3. ‘Rugby culture truly special’ – Ilona Maher
USA hosted Fiji in a training run at Mount St. Mary’s University on Friday, with the session free and open to the public.
Fiji had been based in the facility all week, and while there was plenty of great rugby on display, there was also time for the teams to mingle and get to know one another ahead of #RWC2025.
USA superstar Ilona Maher posted a video of the two teams singing together in a perfect show of rugby’s shared values.
4. Player watch: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe breaks record
With the news that Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is back for more Rugby World Cup action, it seem appropriate to look back on her stunning performance against USA in May.
The superstar scored a frankly unbelievable seven (yes, seven!) tries during the game, in the process surpassing Vanessa Coutts as the Black Ferns’ all-time leading try scorer.
How lucky we are to have her back in our stadiums and on our screens!
5. Official Fan Zones unveiled
Exciting news for rugby fans as the official Fan Zones for Rugby World Cup 2025 have been unveiled, including one at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester as well as the iconic Battersea Power Station in London.
Other cities across the UK are also turning up the volume for fans, with vibrant Fan Zones that bring the excitement, passion, and energy of the tournament to life. From iconic landmarks to buzzing community spaces, each host location offers a unique way to soak up the rugby spirit!
6. World Rugby joins UN Women to discuss gender equality
At a special side event of the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) co-hosted by ChildFund Rugby, World Rugby, and UN Women, global leaders from around the world gathered to discuss advancing gender equality and accelerating progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Held against the backdrop of Beijing+30 and renewed urgency to meet the 2030 Agenda, sport’s role in driving inclusive, evidence-based change at scale was emphasised.
ChildFund Rugby Ambassador Ilona Maher said: “We talk a lot about the power of sport, but it’s time to show what that really means. Sport can change the way girls see themselves and how their communities see them too. When sport is backed by strong partnerships and real investment, it becomes a way to open doors and involve girls in decisions that affect their lives. That’s what this event was about – showing that sport can further gender equality.”
7. Rugby World Cup Replay: Spectacular 2021 final revisited
With England and New Zealand naming their squads for the upcoming tournament, let’s take a look back on the absolute thriller they served up in the 2021 final.
The two best teams in the world went toe to toe as the lead exchanged hands multiple times, with the Black Ferns ultimately holding firm to win their sixth title in front of their jubilant fans.
While New Zealand were the worthy victors on the day, both sides deserve credit for the way they showcased how our game should be played.
8. Team spotlight – Italy
Italy kept up their preparations for Rugby World Cup 2025 by beating Scotland 34-29 at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella on Friday night, with the impressive Alyssa D’Inca scoring a hat-trick of tries.
The Italians beat Wales and Scotland in this year’s Six Nations, and in the first two WXV 2 tournaments they have notched five wins out of six games, including victories over USA and South Africa.
The ever-improving Italians will no doubt be looking to make an immediate impact when their tournament gets underway against France in Exeter on the opening weekend.
9. Mural unveiled in Salford
The excitement for #RWC2025 is rapidly building – mostly evident on the actual buildings themselves in Salford.
Salford Watersports Centre have revealed a mural that includes a tribute to Sale Sharks’ Morwenna Talling, who is part of England’s squad. With all the fever of the Lionesses winning this year’s Euros, there is a real feeling the Red Roses can follow suit and make it a few months to remember for England sports fans!
10. And finally… Rugby Pass to pick Top 50 Players
With so many players at the peak of their powers heading to England for Rugby World Cup 2025, debate around the best and brightest players in the game is hotting up.
Rugby Pass have decided to try settle the debate by engaging experts from around the world to whittle down a long list of supreme talent and come up with the top 50 women’s rugby players.
They’ve considered many factors, from hard-built reputations after years of service, to leadership qualities, consistency and raw ability.
It’s not a simple task and no doubt will spark even more heated conversations online and in rugby clubs and pubs around the world!