Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Squad lists, fixtures, rankings

The Women’s Rugby World Cup is right around the corner and the sport’s biggest stars are descending on England, with the hosts kicking off the tournament against the United States on Aug. 22 in Sunderland.

The Red Roses are strong favourites to avenge their final defeat to New Zealand three years ago and win the tournament for the first time since 2014. Form is on their side, with John Mitchell’s team enjoying a 27-game winning streak that stretches all the way back to that final in 2022.

While the Kiwis will be out to defend their crown, France and Canada also hold hopes of lifting the trophy at Twickenham on Sept. 27 in front of 80,000 fans.

Keep an eye also for Ilona Maher and the United States. She made a splash at the 2024 Olympics in Paris in the sevens format and will be eyeing more of the same in her first major 15-a-side tournament with the U.S.

The tournament’s organisers will be hoping that this tournament will be bigger and better than ever. It already features the most teams in its history, with 16 countries — four more than in 2022 — set to battle it out for the biggest prize in women’s rugby.

Here is the complete list of every squad and each team’s fixture list.

Pool A

England

Status: Favourites
World ranking: No. 1

Forwards: Hannah Botterman, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Maud Muir, Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies, Amy Cokayne, May Campbell, Zoe Aldcroft (captain), Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, Morwenna Talling, Lilli Ives Campion, Alex Matthews, Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati, Marlie Packer, Abi Burton.

Backs: Lucy Packer, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Helena Rowland, Holly Aitchison, Emily Scarratt, Jade Shekells, Tatyana Heard, Meg Jones, Abby Dow, Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Emma Sing, Claudia MacDonald.

Fixtures:

Aug. 22: vs. United States
Aug. 30: vs. Samoa
Sept. 6: vs. Australia

– Ellie Kildunne wants to emulate Chloe Kelly impact at Rugby World Cup
– England name experienced 32-player squad

United States

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 10

Forwards: Hope Rogers, Maya Learned, Charli Jacoby, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Catie Benson, Alivia Leatherman, Kathryn Treder, Paige Stathopoulos, Hope Cooper, Hallie Taufoou, Erica Jarrell – Searcy, Rachel Ehrecke, Emerson Allen, Tahlia Brody, Rachel Johnson, Freda Tafuna, Kate Zackary, Georgie Perris-Redding, Olivia Ortiz.

Backs: Cassidy Bargell, McKenzie Hawkins, Kristin Bitter, Alev Kelter, Emily Henrich, Ilona Maher, Nana Fa’avesi, Gabby Cantorna, Erica Coulibaly, Cheta Emba, Bulou Mataitoga, Sariah Ibarra, Lotte Sharp.

Fixtures:

Aug. 22: vs. England
Aug. 30: vs. Australia
Sept. 6: vs. Samoa

Australia

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 6

Forwards: Katalina Amosa, Bree-Anna Browne, Annabelle Codey, Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck, Ashley Fernandez, Brianna Hoy, Asoiva Karpani, Lydia Kavoa, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Ashley Marsters, Tania Naden, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu (captain), Faliki Pohiva, Adiana Talakai, Tabua Tuinakauvadra.

Backs: Lori Cramer, Waiaria Ellis, Georgina Friedrichs, Caitlyn Halse, Tia Hinds, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Manu’a Moleka, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Caitlin Urwin, Samantha Wood.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Samoa
Aug. 30: vs. United States
Sept. 6: vs. England

Samoa

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 15

Forwards: Glory Aiono Samuelu, Utumalama Atonio, Joanna Fanene Lolo, Avau Filimaua, Nina Maria Foaese, Tori Iosefo, Madisen Jade Iva, Cathy Leuta, Ana Mamea, Faith Nonutunu, Christabelle Onesemo, Demielle Onesemo, Sinead Ryder, Ana-Lise Sio, Sui Pauaraisa (captain), Ti Tauasosi, Jennifer Taylor.

Backs: Ana Afuie, Denise Aiolupotea, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Drenna Falaniko, Linda Fiafia, Davina Lasini, Saelua Leaula, Fa’asua Makisi, Taytana Pati Ah Cheung, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, Melina Salale, Faalua Tugaga, Harmony Vatau, Karla Wright-Akeli.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Australia
Aug. 30: vs. England
Sept. 6: vs. United States

Pool B

Canada

Status: Contenders
World ranking: No. 2

Forwards: Brittany Kassil, Caroline Crossley, Courtney O’Donnell, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian Boag, Karen Paquin, Laetitia Royer, Maya Montiel, McKinley Hunt, Mikiela Nelson, Olivia DeMerchant, Pamphinette Buisa, Rachel Smith, Sophie de Goede, Taylor McKnight, Tyson Beukeboom.

Backs: Alysha Corrigan, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Claire Gallagher, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Julia Schell, Justine Pelletier, Olivia Apps, Paige Farries, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Taylor Perry, Alexandra Tessier (captain).

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Fiji
Aug. 30: vs. Wales
Sept. 6: vs. Scotland

Scotland

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 8

Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Becky Boyd, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (captain), Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young.

Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden, Beth Blacklock, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Wales
Aug. 30: vs. Fiji
Sept. 6: vs. Canada

Wales

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 9

Forwards: Katherine Baverstock, Alex Callender (co-captain), Maisie Davies, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Kelsey Jones, Carys Phillips, Molly Reardon, Alex Callender, Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis, Alaw Pyrs, Tilly Vucaj, Kate Williams (co-captain), Branwen Metcalfe.

Backs: Keira Bevan, Meg Davies, Seren Lockwood, Lleucu George, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox, Hannah Dallavalle, Kerin Lake, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce, Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Catherine Richards.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Scotland
Aug. 30: vs. Canada
Sept. 6: vs. Fiji

Fiji

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 14

Forwards: Jade Coates, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher (captain), Manuqalo Komaitai, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu, Rusila Nagasau, Karalaini Naisewa, Mereoni Nakesa, Selai Naliva, Salaseini Railumu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Loraini Senivutu, Asinate Serevi, Bitila Tawake, Bulou Vasuturaga, Sulita Waisega, Carletta Yee.

Backs: Ema Adivitaloga, Ilisapeci Delaiwaau, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Salanieta Kinita, Kolora Rosi Lomani, Kelerayani Luvu, Salote Nailolo, Alowesi Nakoci, Josifini Neihamu, Setaita Railumu, Michella’e Stolz, Repeka Tove, Mere Vocevoce, Litiana Vueti.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Canada
Aug. 30: vs. Scotland
Sept. 6: vs. Wales

Pool C

Ireland

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 5

Forwards: Claire Boles, Beth Buttimer, Ruth Campbell, Eimear Corri Fallon, Linda Djougang, Brittany Hogan, Neve Jones, Ivana Kiripati, Siobhán McCarthy, Sadhbh McGrath, Edel McMahon (co-captain), Clíodhna Moloney MacDonald, Sam Monaghan (co-captain), Grace Moore, Niamh O’Dowd, Ellena Perry, Fiona Tuite, Aoife Wafer.

Backs: Enya Breen, Amee Leigh Costigan, Aoife Dalton, Méabh Deely, Stacey Flood, Nicole Fowley, Eve Higgins, Emily Lane, Anna McGann, Nancy McGillivray, Dannah O’Brien, Béibhinn Parsons, Aoibheann Reilly, Molly Scuffil-McCabe.

Fixtures:

Aug. 24: vs. Japan
Aug. 31: vs. Spain
Sept. 7: vs. New Zealand

New Zealand

Status: Champions
World ranking: No. 3

Forwards: Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby,, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain).

Backs: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant (co-captain), Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

Fixtures:

Aug. 24: vs. Spain
Aug. 31: vs. Japan
Sept. 7: vs. Ireland

Spain

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 13

Forwards: Laura Delgado (captain), Sidorella Bracic, Inés Antolínez, Gemma Silva, Eider García, Mireia de Andrés, Cristina Blanco, Nuria Jou, Marieta Roman, Lourdes Alameda, Monica Castelo, Elena Martinez, Anna Puig, Nerea Garcia, Alba Capell, Ana Peralta, Lía Piñeiro, Valentina Pérez, Victoria Rosell

Backs: Anne Fernández de Corres, Bingbing Vergara, Maider Aresti, Amalia Argudo, Alba Vinuesa, Zahia Pérez, Claudia Pérez, Tecla Masoko, Clara Piquero, Ana Cortés Ekobo, Claudia Cano, Lea Ducher, Claudia Peña Hidalgo

Fixtures:

Aug. 24: vs. New Zealand
Aug. 31: vs. Ireland
Sept. 7: vs. Japan

Japan

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 11

Forwards: Sachiko Kato, Wako Kitano, Hinata Komaki, Nijiho Nagata, Miharu Machida, Manami Mine, Asuka Kuge, Ayumu Kokaji, Kotomi Taniguchi, Ayano Sakurai, Yuna Sato, Otoka Yoshimura, Masami Kawamura, Sakurako Korai, Seina Saito, Iroha Nagata (captain), Kyoko Hosokawa, Jennifer Nduka.

Backs: Megumi Abe, Moe Tsukui, Ayasa Otsuka, Minori Yamamoto, Nao Ando, Kanako Kobayashi, Sakurako Hatada, Mana Furuta, Haruka Hirotsu, Komachi Imakugi, Mele Yua Havili Kagawa, Misaki Matsumura, Sora Nishimura, Rinka Matsuda.

Fixtures:

Aug. 24: vs. Ireland
Aug. 31: vs. New Zealand
Sept. 7: vs. Spain

Pool D

France

Status: Contenders
World ranking: No. 4

Forwards: Makarita Baleinadogo, Rose Bernadou, Axelle Berthoumieu, Manon Bigot, Yllana Brosseau, Léa Champon, Khoudedia Cissokho, Annaëlle Deshaye, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall Raclot, Manae Feleu (captain), Téani Feleu, Agathe Gérin, Hina Ikahehegi, Assia Khalfaoui, Taïna Maka, Marie Morland, Séraphine Okemba, Élisa Riffonneau.

Backs: Kelly Arbey, Carla Arbez, Émilie Boulard, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Morgane Bourgeois, Alexandra Chambon, Joanna Grisez, Nassira Konde, Marine Menager, Carla Neisen, Lina Queyroi, Lina Tuy, Gabrielle Vernier.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. Italy
Aug. 31: vs. Brazil
Sept. 7: vs. South Africa

Italy

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 7

Forwards: Ilaria Arrighetti, Giordana Duca, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Elisa Giordano (captain), Laura Gurioli, Isabella Locatelli, Gaia Maris, Alessia Pilani, Alissa Ranuccini, Sara Seye, FrancescaSgorbini, Desiree Spinelli, Emanuela Stecca, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Beatrice Veronese.

Backs: Alia Bitonci, Gaia Buso, Beatrice Capomaggi, Giada Corradini, Alyssa D’Inca, Francesca Granzotto, Veronica Madia, Sara Mannini, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Beatrice Rigoni, Michela Sillari, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin.

Fixtures:

Aug. 23: vs. France
Aug. 31: vs. South Africa
Sept. 7: vs. Brazil

South Africa

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 12

Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Babalwa Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Luchell Hanekom, Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Danelle Lochner, Nomsa Mokwai, Vainah Ubisi, Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke.

Backs: Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Mary Zulu, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe,Eloise Webb, Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya, Byrhandré Dolf, Nadine Roos.

Fixtures:

Aug. 24: vs. Brazil
Aug. 31: vs. Italy
Sept. 7: vs. France

Brazil

Status: Outsiders
World ranking: No. 25

Forwards: Franciele Barros, Giovana Mamede, Pamela Soares, Samara Vergara, Taís Prioste, Isabela Gomes Saccomanno, Júlia Leni Lima, Natália Jonck, Ana Carolina Santana, Dayana Dakar, Eshyllen Coimbra (captain), Camilla Ísis Carvalho, Íris Coluna, Larissa Alves, Larissa Henwood Lima, Letícia Medeiros, Letícia Silva, Mercelle Souza.

Backs: Aline Mayumi, Leila Silva, Luiza Campos, Fernanda Tenório, Maria Gabriel Graf, Raquel Kochhann, Carolyne Katrine Pereira, Edna Santini, Giovanna Barth, Mariana Nicolau, Marina Fioravanti, Bianca Silva, Isadora Lopes, Yasmim Soares.

Fixtures:

Aug. 24: vs. South Africa
Aug. 31: vs. France
Sept. 7: vs. Italy