Rugby fans are in for a treat as France and Ireland square off in what’s shaping up to be one of the most hotly anticipated clashes of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals. The two European giants, both seasoned competitors on the international stage, meet on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Sandy Park in Exeter, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. BST (8 a.m. ET). There’s more than just a semifinal berth at stake—there’s pride, history, and the chance to break through to the final for the first time for France, or to pull off a seismic upset for Ireland.
Let’s set the stage: France enters the match ranked No. 3 in the world, carrying the weight of six previous World Cup bronze medals and a burning desire to finally reach the finals. The French have been a dominant force in recent years, particularly against Ireland, having won their last six meetings—including a 27-15 victory in Belfast earlier this year. But if you think this is a foregone conclusion, think again. Ireland, now ranked No. 5 after a remarkable five-place climb in the world rankings over the past year, arrive in Exeter brimming with confidence and perhaps a chip on their collective shoulder.
Both teams are intimately familiar with each other, thanks to their regular battles in the Women’s Six Nations. That familiarity breeds not just respect but a tactical chess match. As one rugby analyst put it, “These two sides know each other’s strengths and weaknesses inside out. It’s not just about physicality or skill; it’s about outsmarting your rival.”
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on BBC Two, with coverage beginning at 12:15 p.m. BST. Streaming will also be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website. For viewers in the United States, the match streams exclusively on Paramount+ at 8 a.m. ET, a testament to the growing global appeal of women’s rugby. Paramount+ is even offering a free trial during the World Cup, making it easier than ever for new fans to tune in.
Team news is always crucial in knockout rugby, and both sides have made some eye-catching selections. France have opted for a reshuffle in their backline: Kelly Arbey returns on the wing, while co-captain Marine Menager shifts into the midfield. Morgane Bourgeois is slotted in at full-back, and Teani Feleu, a versatile player comfortable in the back row or at centre, takes a spot on the bench. The French pack remains as formidable as ever, with Yllana Brosseau, Agathe Gerin, and Rose Bernadou anchoring the front row, and co-captain Manae Feleu partnering Madoussou Fall Raclot in the engine room.
For Ireland, the big news is the return of back row dynamo Aoife Wafer, who missed all three group stage games due to injury. Wafer was a standout performer in the Women’s Six Nations, and her presence could be a game-changer for the Irish. Fiona Tuite also returns, forming a new-look flanker combination, while Edel McMahon is sidelined after picking up an injury against New Zealand last week. Stacey Flood is fit and starts at full-back, adding experience and composure to the Irish backfield.
Here are the confirmed team line-ups for this quarterfinal showdown:
France XV: 1 Yllana Brosseau, 2 Agathe Gerin, 3 Rose Bernadou; 4 Manae Feleu (co-capt.), 5 Madoussou Fall Raclot; 6 Axelle Bethoumieu, 7 Lea Champon, 8 Charlotte Escudero; 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 10 Lina Queyroi; 11 Kelly Arbey, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 13 Marine Menager (co-capt.), 14 Joanna Grisez; 15 Morgane Bourgeois.
Replacements: 16 Manon Bigot, 17 Annaelle Deshaye, 18 Assia Khalfaoui, 19 Hina Ikahehegi, 20 Seraphine Okemba, 21 Teani Feleu; 22 Alexandra Chambon, 23 Emilie Boulard.
Ireland XV: 1 Niamh O’Dowd, 2 Neve Jones, 3 Linda Djougang; 4 Ruth Campbell, 5 Sam Monaghan (capt.); 6 Fione Tuite, 7 Aoife Wafer, 8 Brittany Hogan; 9 Aoibheann Reilly, 10 Dannah O’Brien; 11 Amee-Leigh Costigan, 12 Eve Higgins, 13 Aoife Dalton, 14 Beibhinn Parsons; 15 Stacey Flood.
Replacements: 16 Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, 17 Ellena Perry, 18 Sadhbh McGrath, 19 Eimear Corri-Fallon, 20 Grace Moore; 21 Emily Lane, 22 Enya Breen, 23 Anna McGann.
France’s consistency at this level is nothing short of impressive. Their six bronze medals are a testament to their ability to go deep in tournaments, but the elusive final remains just out of reach. “We have unfinished business,” a French team spokesperson said earlier in the week. “Our goal is to finally take that next step.”
On the Irish side, there’s a sense of optimism and belief. Moving up five places in the world rankings is no small feat, especially given the competitive nature of women’s rugby. The return of Aoife Wafer adds a new dimension to their attack and defense, and head coach’s faith in the new flanker pairing signals a willingness to innovate under pressure.
Historically, France have had the upper hand, but their last meeting—a 27-15 French win in Belfast—was closely contested, with Ireland showing flashes of brilliance and resilience. The question now: Can Ireland spring a surprise and break up the presumed final four ahead of the semis?
This quarterfinal isn’t just about individual stars; it’s about two squads who have built their identities on teamwork, grit, and tactical discipline. The Women’s Six Nations rivalry adds another layer of intrigue, as both teams know exactly what to expect from the other. “It’s always a battle when we play France,” said an Irish team official. “But we believe we have the players and the plan to get it done.”
Elsewhere in the tournament, the quarterfinals feature some blockbuster matchups: New Zealand faces South Africa and Canada takes on Australia on Saturday, September 13, while England meets Scotland later on Sunday. The semifinals are set for September 19 and 20, with the bronze final and the championship final closing out the tournament on September 27.
As the teams take the field at Sandy Park, all eyes will be on whether France can convert their historical dominance into a ticket to the semifinals, or if Ireland will script one of the World Cup’s most memorable upsets. The action is just getting started, and with both teams at nearly full strength, this quarterfinal promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises before the final whistle blows.
With kickoff approaching, fans on both sides are holding their breath. Will France’s quest for a first-ever final continue, or will Ireland’s remarkable rise this year culminate in a famous victory? One thing’s for sure: this is women’s rugby at its finest, and the world will be watching as the story unfolds in Exeter.
