Final Lap for World’s Top Female Rugby Stars Ahead of RWC 2025

New Zealand Announces Final Squad; England Heads to Italy

The planet’s best female rugby players are gearing up for the final stretch before Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off. Here’s what you need to know:

• New Zealand Names Final Pre-RWC Squad – The reigning champions have announced a 33-strong squad for their final warm-up matches before the big event. Notable inclusions are the returns of experienced backs Kelly Brazier and Renee Holmes, Alana Bremner stepping up as co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant, and potential debuts for Laura Bayfield and Mia Anderson.
• England Heads to Italy for Last Training Camp – The hosts, England, are also in the final stages of their preparation. They’re heading to Treviso, Italy, for a month-long camp, with head coach John Mitchell promising their “most uncomfortable training camp of all” in soaring temperatures.

Injury Blow for France; Australia and Canada Ready for Action

• Bourdon Suspended for France’s RWC Opener – A blow for France as their talismanic scrum-half Bourdon Sansus is suspended for the first match against Italy. The world no. 4 side will miss Sansus’ leadership and playmaking skills.
• Australia Boosted by Duck, McKenzie, and Moleka – The Wallaroos got a major confidence boost from their A team’s comfortable victory over Samoa. Experienced duo Piper Duck and Arabella McKenzie impressed, while teenager Manu’a Moleka scored two tries.
• Canada and South Africa Set for Double-Header – World no. 2 side Canada has trimmed its pre-RWC squad to 32 for a two-match tour to South Africa. South Africa has assembled an experienced squad, with four players not featuring in the 2021 RWC.

RWC 2025 Guides, Heat Guidelines, and Player Spotlights

• Ellie Kildunne and Amber Reed’s RWC Fan Guides – If you’re heading to York or Bristol for the RWC action, check out exclusive guides from Ellie Kildunne and Amber Reed for the best pre-match experiences, rugby pubs, tourist attractions, and more.
• Heat Guidelines in Place for RWC 2025 – England might not be known for scorching temperatures, but World Rugby has heat guidelines in place, including water breaks and extended half-times, to ensure player safety.
• Maher’s Docuseries, Keight’s Versatility, and Ireland’s Rise – Ilona Maher, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze medallist, is set to feature in a docuseries produced by Reese Witherspoon’s company. Wales’ Courtney Keight has been a versatile player in her first 20 caps, and Ireland, not present at the last RWC, is now a rising force in the women’s rugby world.

Woodman-Wickliffe’s First and Last Rugby World Cup Tries

Watch New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s first and most recent Rugby World Cup tries, both scored against Wales. With 20 tries and counting, how many more will she add?

FAQs

1. When does Rugby World Cup 2025 start?
   The tournament begins on 23 August 2025.
2. Who are the reigning champions?
   New Zealand is the reigning champion, having won the last two tournaments.
3. How many teams will participate in RWC 2025?
   A total of 12 teams will compete in RWC 2025.

Pro Tip

Mark your calendars: Don’t miss your favorite teams’ matches. Check out the RWC 2025 fixtures for the latest schedules and updates.

Call-to-Action

Which team are you backing to win the Rugby World Cup 2025? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and let’s discuss!