Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule confirmed

World Rugby has announced the match schedule for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, setting the stage for six weekends of compelling competition in what promises to be the largest celebration of women’s rugby.

Sandy Park Stadium is set to play host to seven fixtures across the pool stages and knock-out rounds, kicking off with an all-European clash between France & Italy on Saturday 23^rdAugust.

This will be followed by a further four group matches, including defending champions New Zealand and world number two side Canada, before Exeter prepares to host two crucial quarter-final clashes.

The match schedule has been developed with team and fan experience at heart, with exciting matchups in each of the eight host locations, family friendly kick-off times and optimised team travel. Aligned with World Rugby standards, each team will also benefit from a minimum of six rest days between pool matches enabling the world’s top teams to prepare and perform at their best.

Five double header fixtures will take place during the pool stages, generating a festival atmosphere in the host locations and creating a day-out for families and local communities. With child prices available at all matches including the opening and knock-out matches and a vast majority of kick-off times in the afternoon, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be the family event of the year inspiring the next generation of players in England.

The pool stage will culminate in a huge weekend of matches across four venues, with the two best teams on competition points in each pool qualifying for the quarter-finals and the knockout phase.

Exeter Rugby Club CEO & Chairman Tony Rowe CBE, said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup fixtures we are hosting at Sandy Park Stadium are set to introduce our fantastic sport to whole new generation of fans.

“We are incredibly excited to be one of the key hosts for this tournament, and with the fixtures confirmed, I am sure that there will be supporters across the south-west who share our anticipation to welcome defending champions New Zealand and world number two side Canada, along with seven other top sides during the pool stages.

“Personally, it will be wonderful to see some of the stars of our own Exeter Chiefs Women’s side playing both here at Sandy Park and across the tournament for their respective nations.”

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey, said: “The confirmation of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule brings a wave of excitement as fans in the host nation and around the globe can now mark their calendars for this era-defining tournament.

“With thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments guaranteed across the length and breadth of the country, the stage is set for the world’s top teams to showcase the very best of women’s rugby. Whether you’re a rugby fan or a newcomer, join us and be part of this unstoppable energy and historic moment!”

With excitement building, fans will have the opportunity to apply for tickets for all matches from 11:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 5 November until 11:00 (GMT) on Tuesday 19 November. Ballots will be used for any price categories which are oversubscribed.

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) today until 11:00 (GMT+1) on Thursday 24 October at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Only Mastercard payments will be accepted during this priority window.

Sandy Park Stadium Fixtures: 

• Saturday 23 August: France v Italy (kick-off 8.15pm)
• Sunday 31 August: New Zealand v Japan (kick-off 2pm)
• Sunday 31 August: France v Brazil (kick-off 4.45pm)
• Saturday 6 September: Canada v Scotland (kick-off 12 noon)
• Saturday 6 September: Wales v Fiji (kick-off 2.45pm)