Guide to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

The biggest celebration of women’s rugby comes to Exeter’s Sandy Park in 2025 as we welcome the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 to our city.

22^nd August 2024 marks exactly a year until the tournament kicks-off and with Exeter proudly hosting a number of group and Quarter-Final matches at Sandy Park, celebrations and events will be taking place across the city.

With the countdown now on, here's your guide on everything you need to know in preparation for the tournament next year.

About the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025

For the first time ever, the expanded showcase event will be hosted across eight venues and cities around the country with 16 teams competing to be crowned world champions. The countrywide format makes it the most accessible Women’s Rugby World Cup ever, offering an unparalleled opportunity for fans to see, engage with and support the stars of the women’s game in towns and cities around England.

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will represent a generational moment for global rugby that will set new standards, welcome new fans and families to the sport and inspire a new generation of players, providing an exciting catalyst to nationwide and global rugby growth.

As of now, ten teams have already secured their place in the tournament, with the remaining teams being decided through the WXV 2024 tournament, where the six best non-qualified nations will earn their spot in the prestigious world cup finals.

The teams already qualified are the host nation England, who will be joined by Canada, France, New Zealand, Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, Japan, USA, Samoa and Fiji.

Tickets

Due to the huge growth in women’s rugby, there is an unprecedented demand for tickets. Over 400,000 tickets will be available and you can be amongst the first to find out information on their release by registering your interest via the official Women’s RWC 2025 website. You can book your place at the opening game and the final from 24th September (priority tickets on 17 September for Mastercard cardholders) and tickets for all remaining matches will go on sale in October. 

Ticket prices will range from £5 to £95 across the tournament, with over 60 per cent of tickets under £25 and children’s prices available at every match, including the knockout phase. Accessible tickets will also be available for all matches.

About Sandy Park

Home to the Premiership's Exeter Chiefs and Exeter Chiefs Women, Sandy Park knows how to put on a rugby show having previously been selected as a venue for the Rugby World Cup 2015 and in 2023 hosted a two-test series between England and Canada. With a capacity of 15,000, fans at Sandy Park will be able to get up close to the action and be part of an incredible atmosphere generated around the stadium.

England and Exeter scrum-half Claudia McDonald said: “The fans pack out the stadium and make so much noise. It’s going to be amazing for Exeter to host matches and we can’t wait to see so many people there.”

Matches at Sandy Park

Exeter will host some of the biggest stars from across global rugby right on your doorstep, starting with an all-European affair between France and Italy, as well as welcoming reigning champions New Zealand who face Japan and a thrilling tie between Canada and Scotland amongst others. 

Saturday 23rd August, 8:15pm - France v Italy

Sunday 31st August, 2pm - New Zealand v Japan

Sunday 31st August, 4:45pm - France v Brazil

Saturday 6th September, 12pm - Canada v Scotland

Saturday 6th September, 2:45pm - Wales v Fiji

Sandy Park will also host two Quarter-Final matches on 13th and 14th September.

Exeter celebrates

There will be plenty going on in the city when the tournament rolls around, starting off with the opening ceremony, a spectacular event to kick off proceedings, fan engagement areas for those who want to feel the matchday buzz, dressing around the city to bring the tournament to life, and much more.

For those of you who want to get even closer to the action, there will be a volunteer programme during the tournament allowing you to be a part of an historic sporting event here in the south-west.

Key dates

22th August: One year to go to Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025

17th September: Opening and final match tickets priority sale for Mastercard cardholders for all fans registered on the RWC 2025 website

24th September: Opening and final match tickets presale access for all fans registered on the RWC 2025 website, along with RFU member clubs and Constituent Bodies and the England Rugby Club

27th September - 12th October: WXV (last Women's RWC 2025 qualifiers)

October 2024: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Draw

October 2024: Match schedule announcement

October 2024: Tickets on sale for all matches, including a second priority window for Mastercard cardholders.

November 2024: Match tickets

Fans will have the opportunity to apply for tickets to all matches from 11:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 5th November until 11:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 19th November. Ballots will be used for any price categories which are oversubscribed.

Visit the official Women’s RWC 2025 website for the latest news and information.