As the world eagerly counts down to the opening whistle of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. Set to kick off on August 23, this tenth edition of the tournament comes at a time when women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth—now accounting for a remarkable 25 percent of the global playing base. The stage is set for a showcase of world-class talent, fierce rivalries, and the possibility of history being rewritten on English soil.
England, the top-ranked team in the world, enters the tournament as the overwhelming favorite. Under the leadership of captain Zoe Aldcroft and coach John Mitchell, the Red Roses have become a near-unstoppable force, boasting 57 wins in their last 58 tests and riding a staggering 27-match unbeaten streak. Their only recent blemish? A heartbreaking 34-31 loss to New Zealand in the 2022 final, a match that saw England bravely lead with 14 players until the 71st minute after an early red card. This year, the Red Roses are hungry for redemption, and with eight players yet to taste defeat in international rugby, they’re carrying both confidence and a clean slate into the competition. Emily Scarratt, a legend of the game, will tie the record with her fifth World Cup appearance, adding even more experience to an already formidable squad.
But if history teaches us anything, it’s that the Black Ferns of New Zealand can never be counted out. The six-time champions, ranked third in the world, are determined to defend their crown. Coach Allan Bunting has called upon a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces: the electrifying Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has come out of retirement, Kelly Brazier returns for her fourth tournament, and young fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee is already turning heads. Despite losing three consecutive matches to England since their last World Cup triumph, the Black Ferns remain a tournament powerhouse, with co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu aiming to rally their side for another deep run.
Statistical models are also weighing in. Professor Niven Winchester’s Rugby Vision, which simulates 10,000 tournament outcomes, gives England a 70.3 percent chance of lifting the trophy—by far the highest probability among all contenders. New Zealand follows with an 18.8 percent chance, while Canada (6.7 percent) and France (3.9 percent) round out the quartet of likely champions. According to the model, there’s a 99.7 percent chance that one of these four teams will emerge victorious. The expected semifinal showdowns? England versus France and Canada versus New Zealand—a tantalizing prospect for fans craving high-stakes drama.
Canada, currently ranked second in the world, is brimming with confidence. Under captain Alexandra Tessier and coach Kevin Rouet, the Canadians are unbeaten in seven tests this year, including a gritty 27-27 draw with New Zealand. Their squad features 21 players returning from the 2022 World Cup and six silver medalists from the Paris Olympics sevens. The return of Sophie de Goede from a long-term ACL injury adds further firepower, and midfielder Tessier herself is a nominee for world player of the year. As back-rower Fabiola Forteza put it, “We feel ready.” Canada’s Rugby Vision odds for reaching the quarterfinals are a staggering 99.4 percent, making them a near-lock for the knockout stages.
France, ranked fourth, is another perennial contender. Co-captains Marine Ménager and Manaé Feleu lead a squad that suffered a heavy 40-6 defeat to England in their last warmup—marking their 16th consecutive loss to the Red Roses. Yet, Les Bleues are known for peaking at the right moment, and their dynamic backs Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Gabrielle Vernier could prove decisive. To bolster a pack that struggled against England, France has introduced new faces in the forwards, hoping to finally break through to a first-ever final after multiple semifinal heartbreaks.
Elsewhere, the field is packed with compelling storylines. Australia, ranked sixth, is guided by captain Siokapesi Palu and coach Jo Yapp, who is stepping down after the tournament for family reasons. The Wallaroos’ game against the United States on August 30 is tipped to decide the pool’s second quarterfinalist. The U.S., led by captain Kate Zackary and coach Sione Fukofuka, recently snapped a winless streak with a 34-21 victory over Fiji in front of a record 15,000 fans in Washington. Star center Ilona Maher, now the most followed rugby player in the world with 8.7 million social media fans, brings both talent and star power to the squad.
Scotland and Wales, ranked eighth and ninth respectively, are set for a crucial pool clash in Manchester. Scotland, captained by Rachel Malcolm, is aiming for its first quarterfinals in 27 years, with key players recovering from injury just in time. Wales, under co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams, celebrated a historic first test win in Australia this July, a significant milestone under new coach Sean Lynn after a turbulent winter of contract negotiations.
Other teams bring their own unique narratives. Samoa returns to the World Cup after an 11-year absence, led by veteran Sui Tauaua-Pauaraisa, who will turn 38 during the tournament. Fiji, with 20-year-old captain Alfreda Fisher, continues to build momentum under coach Ioan Cunningham. Ireland, having reignited their program after missing the 2022 edition, features Six Nations star Aoife Wafer and several promising newcomers. Japan, Spain, Italy, South Africa, and debutants Brazil round out a diverse and ambitious field—each with their own blend of experience, youth, and determination.
Brazil’s qualification is particularly inspiring. Making their World Cup debut as the 25th-ranked team, the Yaras are captained by Eshyllen Coimbra and coached by Emiliano Caffera. Their journey has been accelerated by Olympic exposure, and captain Raquel Kochhann’s recovery from breast cancer—culminating in her role as Brazil’s flagbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics—has galvanized the squad and fans alike.
As the tournament prepares to unfold, expectations are sky-high. The Rugby Vision model predicts Scotland to edge Wales by nine points in their opener, but with a 29.5 percent chance for an upset, nothing is set in stone. With the women’s game growing rapidly, drawing ever-larger crowds, and producing headline-grabbing stars, the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup promises to be a spectacle for the ages. Will England finally reclaim the crown on home turf, or will the Black Ferns, Canada, or France spoil the party? One thing is certain: the world will be watching as a new chapter in rugby history is written.
