The anticipation is palpable as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend, promising record crowds, star power, and a surge of momentum for the global women’s game. England, the tournament hosts and favorites, open their campaign with an unchanged, battle-hardened XV against the United States at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday night. Meanwhile, Canada, ranked No. 2 in the world, gears up for their own opener against Fiji in York, England, with their sights set on a deep tournament run and a shot at history.
England’s head coach John Mitchell has made a bold statement by sticking with the same starting lineup that dispatched France in their final warm-up on August 9. “Ultimately we are trying to build cohesion, we are coming out of pre-season, not like the southern hemisphere teams who have played a lot of rugby,” Mitchell explained. “With the number of caps spread among that group of girls that is a lot of experience and belief. You have to play those cards in a tournament like this.”
That experience is undeniable: the Red Roses’ starting squad boasts a combined 1,159 caps, with 2014 World Cup-winner Emily Scarratt poised to make her fifth tournament appearance if she comes off the bench. Captain Zoe Aldcroft will lead the team from blind-side flanker, supported by Alex Matthews at number eight. The backline features the strategic mind of Zoe Harrison at fly-half and the electric finishing of Jessica Breach, Abby Dow, and Ellie Kildunne, who together racked up 18 tries in last year’s Six Nations.
England’s strength in depth is clear even among the absentees. Holly Aitchison, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, and Helena Rowland are sidelined with injuries but could return for the second pool match against Samoa. Marlie Packer, the former captain, misses out on the 23 despite serving her one-match ban, with Sadia Kabeya stepping in at open-side flanker. Among the replacements, Scarratt’s inclusion in place of Rowland is the only change from the squad that thrashed France 40-6 in Mont-de-Marsan.
For the United States, outside centre Ilona Maher is a headline attraction on and off the pitch. With 8.8 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Maher is the most-followed rugby player in history, and her influence extends well beyond her social media fame. A bronze medalist in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics and a runner-up on Dancing With The Stars, Maher’s candid conversations about body positivity and her unapologetic attitude have drawn new fans to women’s rugby. “I think this World Cup will be a time to show it,” Maher said, speaking about the sport’s rise in North America. “My presence has brought new eyes to women’s rugby.”
The American lineup also features fly-half McKenzie Hawkins—unique among her teammates with no club ties to England—alongside stars like Exeter prop Hope Rogers and Loughborough Lightning’s Alev Kelter. Saracens’ Lotte Sharp, who previously earned 10 caps for England before switching allegiance to the USA, starts at full-back. The squad’s blend of experience and ambition will be tested immediately against the tournament hosts.
Friday’s match in Sunderland is set to smash attendance records, with over 40,000 tickets already sold and the possibility of surpassing the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup mark of 42,579. England’s 27-game winning streak—untouched since their defeat to New Zealand in the 2022 final—has only fueled expectations. “For women’s rugby it could be the starting point to ‘boom’ the game all over the world,” Aldcroft said. “The ticket numbers are absolutely incredible, it is set to be an incredible tournament and hopefully we can get the momentum behind women’s rugby and women’s sport after the Lionesses’ [European Championship] win.”
While England and the USA command attention in Pool A, Canada’s journey in Pool B is equally compelling. The Canadians, led by captain Sophie de Goede—just back from an ACL injury—face Fiji in York on Saturday, followed by clashes with Scotland and Wales. Despite their lofty ranking and recent silver medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, Canadian women’s rugby remains an amateur pursuit, with players and supporters rallying to close a $1 million funding gap for their World Cup campaign.
Olivia Apps, a key figure on the Canadian team, captured the sense of momentum. “It does feel like we’re at, like, the middle of something that’s about to really explode,” she shared. “And I hope this Rugby World Cup does that for women’s rugby particularly, but for women’s sport generally. But I’m hoping it’s [not just] momentary. … There’s just a lot of excitement within the sport right now in Canada.” Apps, who has alopecia and is vocal about her condition, sees her visibility as a chance to inspire confidence in young athletes: “Even though I was only seven years old, I knew there was something so powerful in just being able to say, ‘Hey, this is who I am and I don’t actually care what anyone thinks’.”
The Canadian squad’s resilience is notable. In addition to de Goede’s return, they’ve had to cope with the late withdrawal of Pamphinette Buisa due to injury. Yet, the team’s spirit and unity are undimmed. Their try celebrations echo Canadian culture, with songs by The Tragically Hip—who have also partnered with Rugby Canada to produce a limited edition fundraising t-shirt, supporting the team’s World Cup ambitions. “This partnership is about getting all of Canada behind one of the most inspiring untold stories in this country,” the band declared. “It’s lifting up a team and a nation on the world stage, cheering on our women as they aim to achieve their dreams.”
The final of this year’s tournament will be played at Twickenham Stadium, already sold out—a testament to the surging popularity of the women’s game. For many players, the World Cup is not just about silverware, but about legacy and visibility. The likes of Maher, Apps, and Aldcroft are not only elite athletes but role models and advocates, helping to drive women’s rugby into the mainstream.
As the opening whistle approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. England’s march begins at home, with a record crowd behind them and a legacy to defend. The USA, led by Maher’s charisma and talent, look to upset the odds. And Canada, fueled by grit and national pride, are ready to prove their mettle on the world stage. The action is just getting started, and with so many stories in play, the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup promises unforgettable moments for fans and players alike.