IRELAND Women will again face New Zealand in next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England after the draw pitched them against the side they defeated in a benchmark victory in the recent WXV1 tournament in Canada.
Japan and Spain are Ireland’s other opponents in Pool C, setting the stage for what promises to be the largest global celebration of women’s rugby, scheduled from August 22 to September 27, 2025.
Ireland have faced all three sides in recent seasons having toured Japan in 2022, beaten Spain in WXV3 decider in 2023 and, of course, recording that famous WXV1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. The two sides also met in the 2014 Rugby World Cup when Ireland beat the Black Ferns to reach the semi-finals.
With the fixtures being revealed on Tuesday, October 22 via the tournament website, the countdown is well and truly on for fans planning their Women’s Rugby World Cup experience.
Prior to the draw, the 16 qualified teams were placed into four bands based on the World Rugby Women’s Rankings as of 14 October with the top four teams in Band 1 (England, Canada, New Zealand and France) prepopulated into the first position of each pool.
Hosts and current number one team in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, England, have been drawn against Australia, USA, and Samoa in Pool A.
Pool B sees world’s number two Canada set to face Scotland, Wales and Fiji.
Reigning champions New Zealand are joined by Ireland, Japan and Spain in Pool C.
Rugby World Cup 2021 bronze medalists France are drawn in Pool D alongside Italy, South Africa and Brazil.
Speaking after the draw, Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan said: “It’s really exciting, the group is quite familiar in terms of teams we’ve played in the last few years. We went on tour to Japan a couple of years agon and played Spain last year in WXV and obviously we’ve just beaten New Zealand so we can take confidence from that.
“Japan have kicked on, they had a decent WXV recently and Spain, that was a hard win for us last year, and of course New Zealand – I’m buzzing to play them and I’m sure they’ll be up for the rematch. I’m working harder than ever to be back in and ready.
“Belief is massive. The group is so resilient. The hard work put in off the pitch showed in the three performances in the WXV. I think it’s really important that we stay connected so when we come back for Six Nations we’re picking up where we left off.”
The match schedule will be released next Tuesday, October 22.
Ticket Information
All fans will have the opportunity to apply for tickets for all matches from 11:00 (GMT +1) on Tuesday, November 5 until 11:00 (GMT+1) on Tuesday, November 19. Ballots will be used for any price categories which are oversubscribed. Fans can register to be the first to hear about ticket news here.
Prior to the two-week ticket application phase, Worldwide Partner Mastercard is offering its cardholders access to a 48-hour priority sale for all matches from 11:00 (GMT +1) on Tuesday, October 22 until 11:00 (GMT+1) on Thursday, October 24. Only Mastercard card payments will be accepted during this priority window.
