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.

The tournament kicks-off on 22^nd August 2025, with Exeter proudly playing host to a number of group and Quarter-Final matches at Sandy Park. Celebrations and events will be taking place across the city and with the countdown now on, here's your guide on everything you need to know in preparation for the biggest event in Exeter this 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 sixteen 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.

Sixteen nations from across the world will be participating in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, with Sandy Park welcoming reigning champions New Zealand alongside Canada, Italy, Japan, France, Brazil, Scotland, Wales and Fiji.

Tickets

Due to the huge growth in women’s rugby, there is an unprecedented demand for tickets. The next round of tickets will be available on 25th February and you can register your interest now.

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.

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