Who Will Win It All? Previewing the Favorites at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in England this year. It will start on August 22, and the final will take place on September 27. The draw has been completed, placing teams into four groups of four. In the previous tournament, only 12 teams competed, but this year there will be 16 teams. Eight different venues in cities across the UK will host the tournament. The final will take place at the Allianz Stadium in London.
Who will play against whom?
In Pool A, England will play against Australia, the USA, and Samoa. The Red Roses were winners of the tournament in 1994 and 2014. The American team won the first tournament held in 1991. The teams will kick off on August 22 with the Red Roses playing against the Women’s Eagles. With online sports betting now legal in many U.S. states, Americans will be able to place bets on who will win this year. Bookmakers from all over the world, including the U.S., are introducing their top picks and odds.
Pool B consists of Canada, Scotland, Wales, and Fiji. Canada is the top seed in the group. Scotland will play Wales, and Canada will play Fiji on August 23.
Pool C is made up of Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, and Spain. The Irish team didn’t qualify for the previous tournament but had a surprise win over New Zealand in the WXV competition a couple of weeks ago. It won the competition in 2013 and 2015.
Pool D consists of France, Italy, South Africa, and Brazil. The French team is the top seed in this group and has often reached the semi-finals. Many of the team members have been recognized at World Rugby Award events. While the South African men’s rugby team was the men’s World Cup winner in 2023 and has won the title four times, the South African women’s team has never gotten near to winning the title.
The favorite teams
The English team
The Red Roses are currently at the top of the rankings. They haven’t lost a game since their loss to New Zealand in the 2022 final. They will be hoping they maintain this form, especially as they will be playing on home turf. According to the bookmakers, they have a 35% chance of winning.
The New Zealand team
The Black Ferns currently hold the title. It has won six of the nine tournaments to date. This team is the top seed in pool C and is currently a favorite with many bookmakers due to its stellar record.
The French team
This team is a fierce competitor internationally and regularly makes it to the end stages of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. It has claimed third place seven times.
The Irish team
The Irish team is a bit of a wild card. It has been performing strongly and has had some impressive victories in the past.
Who are the underdogs?
As underdogs don’t win often, they come with the best odds. The Canadian team is seen as one of the most dangerous underdogs this year. It has been consistently improving its performance. Italy’s successful performance at the Six Nations has brought it onto the radar, although it’s unlikely to win. The Australian team is another underdog that is improving.
Interesting facts about the Women’s Rugby World Cup
One of the interesting facts about this World Cup is that England will be hosting it for only the second time since 2010. It is held every four years.
The winner and the runner-up of each pool qualify for the knockout round. If the top seed wins in each pool, England could only meet Canada or New Zealand (world number 2’s) in the final.
Some top players to watch
Ruahei Demant from New Zealand is an exceptional fly half and arguably one of the best-known female rugby players in the world. She currently co-captains the Black Ferns.
English player Zoe Aldcroft is captain of the Red Roses in 2025. She doesn’t always wear the same number as she is strong in both the second and back rows.
Caroline Boujard in the French team has an attacking style that makes her stand out from other players.
