It’s a done deal. With the event just two years away, World Rugby has confirmed the dates and, more importantly, the venues for the 2025 Women’s World Cup in England. The 10th edition of the tournament will run from August 22 to September 27. For the first time since the event’s inception, matches will be played in eight stadiums and as many cities: Brighton and Hove (Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium), Bristol (Ashton Gate), Exeter (Sandy Park), London (Twickenham), Manchester (Salford Community Stadium), Northampton (Franklin’s Gardens), Sunderland (Stadium of Light), and York (York Community Stadium). Four of these venues are already home to English rugby teams: Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning at Franklin’s Gardens, Exeter Chiefs men’s and women’s teams at Sandy Park, and Sale Sharks at Salford Community Stadium. Twickenham Stadium, the historic home of the England team, will also play host to the tournament. Last April, it was the scene of a new world record for a women’s rugby match, with 58,498 spectators attending the decisive Six Nations match between England and France. The competition will take place in three stadiums that regularly host soccer matches, in Brighton and Hove, Sunderland and York. The match schedule and ticketing details for the 2025 World Cup will be announced next year. Canada, England, France and New Zealand have already qualified, having finished in the top four of the 2021 edition. The remaining twelve places will be awarded via a new women’s international tournament, the WXV, and regional competitions in 2024.
