Can England win the Rugby World Cup on home soil?

The sport keeps on coming and the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which is being held in England, gets underway this weekend. New Zealand are the current holders having triumphed on home soil three years ago to claim a record sixth title. 

Remarkably, five of the last six finals have seen New Zealand face England, with the Black Ferns winning on each occasion. The hosts will be keen to put that record to bed and win their third World Cup. 

The Women’s Rugby World Cup runs until 27th September and has been expanded to 16 teams, making it the biggest to date. The nations competing have been split into four pools, with the top two in each progressing to the knockout stage. 

England have been on a stunning run of form of late and will be hoping to continue that in this tournament. Ahead of more than a month of world-class rugby action, here’s everything you need to know. 

England look to end New Zealand hoodoo 

As we head into the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the question on everybody’s lips is: Can England win it? Why not! The Red Roses head into the tournament with home advantage and are riding on the back of one of their most dominant runs in history. 

They stormed to their seventh consecutive Six Nations title earlier this year and are currently in the midst of a phenomenal 27-match winning streak. They’ll take some stopping and if they can avoid New Zealand until the final, they’ll back themselves to claim a first world title since 2014 in front of their own fans. 

They’ve got an experienced coach in John Mitchell and boast a squad packed with talent. Emily Scarratt is set to appear in her fifth World Cup, while the likes of Zoe Aldcroft, Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews know what it takes to go deep in the tournament. 

While the fact that they’ve lost back-to-back finals may weigh on them psychologically, the roar of packed home crowds and the chance to create a legacy could tip the balance. The Lionesses’ consecutive Euros wins has transformed women’s football in England and a World Cup win for the Red Roses this year could have a similar effect, inspiring a brand-new generation of rugby fans. 

Who are their main rivals? 

It goes without saying that New Zealand are England’s biggest threat. The Black Ferns have unmatched pedigree, having won six of the last seven World Cups, and they’ll arrive in England confident of defending their crown. 

Like England, their squad is loaded with talent, including the imperious Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. The two-time World Cup winner scored an incredible seven tries against the USA earlier this year to become New Zealand’s all-time leading try scorer. 

Elsewhere, France and Canada will both want to go one better after reaching the semi-finals three years ago. They’ve both avoided New Zealand in the pool stage, although France will likely face them in the knockouts if they don’t top their group. 

Incredibly, France have finished third in seven of the nine Women’s Rugby World Cups without ever reaching a final. They’ll be desperate to go one better this time and ride the wave of French rugby’s recent strength, with their men’s side now among the best teams in the world. 

Ireland will also believe they can make a deep run in the competition, though injuries could hinder their progress. Elsewhere, debutants Brazil will be hoping to spring a surprise and make a mark in their first ever World Cup appearance. 

Hospitality at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 

If you fancy enjoying the Women’s World Cup in style, you can join us in our exclusive hospitality facilities. We have packages available for each of England’s pool matches, as well as the semi-finals, bronze final and the final. 

You can make the most of bespoke food and drink offerings, as well as unrivalled views of the action. Enquire today to reserve your place. 

England v USA – Friday 22nd August, Stadium of Light 

England v Samoa – Saturday 30th August, Franklin’s Gardens 

England v Australia – Saturday 6th September, Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium 

World Cup Semi-Finals – Friday 19th September and Saturday 20th September, Ashton Gate Stadium 

World Cup Bronze Final – Saturday 27th September, Twickenham Stadium 

World Cup Final – Saturday 27th September, Twickenham Stadium 

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