2025 Rugby World Cup

Name: 2025 Rugby World Cup
Start: 2025-08-22T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-09-27T23:59:59+01:00
Location: England

August 22 – September 27 BST

The 2025 Rugby World Cup is an international competition for national women’s rugby union teams, first held in 1991 and played every four years. Just three nations have won the women’s Rugby World Cup since its establishment – New Zealand have won a record six times, followed by England with two victories and the United States with one. The current holders are New Zealand, who won the 2021 tournament on home turf – narrowly defeating England 34-31 at Eden Park.

When is the 2025 Rugby World Cup?

The Rugby World Cup takes place every 4 years, with the tenth edition of the women’s Rugby World Cup scheduled for Friday 22nd August to Saturday 27th September 2025.

Where is the 2025 Rugby World Cup?

The 2025 Rugby World Cup is being hosted in England for the second time (after hosting in 2010) and the fifth time the tournament has been hosted on the British Isles. The following eight venues have been confirmed to be used:

Brighton and Hove – Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium (Capacity – 31,876)
Bristol – Ashton Gate (Capacity – 27,000)
Exeter – Sandy Park (Capacity – 15,600)
London – Twickenham Stadium (Capacity – 82,000)
Manchester – Salford Community Stadium (Capacity – 12,000)
Northampton – Franklin’s Gardens (Capacity – 15,249)
Sunderland – Stadium of Light (Capacity – 49,000)
York – York Community Stadium (Capacity – 8,500)

Who is competing in the 2025 Rugby World Cup?

The 2025 Rugby World Cup will be contested by 16 nations, an expansion from the 12 that played in former editions of the tournament. Qualification for the tournament was achieved through various pathways:

Automatic Qualifiers: New Zealand, England, France, and Canada qualified by reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 Rugby World Cup. (England also automatically qualified as hosts).
Regional Competitions: A further six nations qualified through regional competitions, including the 2024 Six Nations, 2024 Pacific Four Series, and regional tournaments in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America. These teams are Ireland (Europe), South Africa (Africa), Japan (Asia), USA (North America), Fiji (Oceania), and Brazil (South America).
WXV: The remaining six teams qualified through the 2024 WXV competition. These include Australia, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Samoa, and Spain.

The pool stage has been allocated as follows:

Pool A: England, Australia, United States, Samoa
Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil

How to travel to and around the 2025 Rugby World Cup

When attending the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, a combination of air travel for international arrivals and robust domestic transport options will be key to navigating between host cities and venues.

Air Travel Options for International Visitors:

England boasts a comprehensive network of airports, offering excellent connectivity to both international and domestic destinations.

London Airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, Southend): These are the primary international gateways and are ideal for reaching Twickenham Stadium (London) and Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium.
- Heathrow (LHR): The UK’s largest airport, with vast global routes, is well-connected to London via the Heathrow Express, Underground (Piccadilly Line), and coaches. From London, frequent train services run directly to Brighton.
- Gatwick (LGW): A significant base for both full-service and low-cost flights. The Gatwick Express and regular train services connect directly to London and Brighton.
- Stansted (STN) & Luton (LTN): Primarily serve low-cost European routes and have good rail and coach links into London.
- London City (LCY): Closest to central London, catering mainly to business travellers with connections to key European cities.
- London Southend (SEN): A smaller airport with good rail links into London.
Manchester Airport (MAN): The busiest airport outside London, excellent for reaching Salford Community Stadium (Manchester). It also offers reasonable connections to York Community Stadium and Northampton (Franklin’s Gardens) via direct train services.
Bristol Airport (BRS): Your primary gateway for matches at Ashton Gate (Bristol) and Sandy Park (Exeter). There are regular bus services from the airport to Bristol Temple Meads train station, from where direct trains run to Exeter.
Newcastle International Airport (NCL): The closest airport for attending matches at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Newcastle Airport has a direct Metro link to Newcastle city centre, from where short train or Metro journeys will take you to Sunderland.
Birmingham Airport (BHX): Offers good connectivity to the Midlands, which can provide an alternative for reaching Northampton (Franklin’s Gardens) and potentially other venues via the extensive UK rail network.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA): Another option for accessing York Community Stadium, with bus connections to Leeds and then onward trains to York.

Domestic Travel within England:

Once in England, an efficient public transport network makes it easy to travel between host cities.

Train Network: England has an extensive rail network connecting all major cities and many towns, offering a fast and scenic way to travel.
- Intercity Routes: High-speed services link London with major cities like Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Newcastle. Key lines connect London’s major train stations (e.g., Euston, King’s Cross, Paddington, Waterloo) to different regions.
- Connectivity to Venues:
  - London (Twickenham): Well-served by local train services from central London stations.
  - Brighton (Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium): Direct train services from London.
  - Bristol (Ashton Gate): Major train station (Bristol Temple Meads) connects to London, Exeter, and other parts of the UK. Local transport from the station to the stadium.
  - Exeter (Sandy Park): Served by Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central stations, with direct links to London and Bristol. Sandy Park stadium has its own dedicated train station.
  - Manchester (Salford Community Stadium): Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria are major rail hubs with excellent connections across the country. Local tram and bus services connect to Salford.
  - Northampton (Franklin’s Gardens): Northampton station has direct links to London Euston. Local transport to the stadium.
  - Sunderland (Stadium of Light): Connected by the Tyne and Wear Metro, which links to Newcastle Central Station (a major national rail hub).
  - York (York Community Stadium): York is a significant hub on the East Coast Main Line with direct services from London, Manchester, and Scotland. Local buses from the city centre to the stadium.
- Booking Train Tickets:
  - Advance Tickets: These are the cheapest fares and are available for specific trains, usually released 8-12 weeks before travel. Book early for the best prices, especially during a major event.
  - Off-Peak/Super Off-Peak: More flexible than Advance tickets, valid during quieter times outside of morning and evening rush hours.
  - Anytime: Most flexible but also the most expensive, allowing travel on any permitted train.
  - Railcards: If you’re eligible (e.g., 16-25, Senior, Two Together, Family & Friends, Disabled Persons), a Railcard can save you 1/3 on most fares for an annual fee. They are available to non-residents.
  - BritRail Pass: Exclusively for international visitors, these passes offer unlimited train travel for a set number of days within a period, often providing good value for those planning extensive rail travel.

Coach Services (Buses):
- National Express and Megabus: These are the primary intercity coach operators, offering extensive networks across England. Coaches are generally a more economical option than trains, though journeys can take longer.
- They connect most major cities, towns, and airports. This can be a good option for budget-conscious travellers or for routes not directly served by train.
- Booking Coach Tickets: Similar to trains, booking in advance online will usually secure the best fares.

General Travel Considerations for the Rugby World Cup:

Book Early: Given the scale of the Rugby World Cup, demand for flights, trains, and coaches will be high. Booking well in advance (especially for match days and popular routes) is crucial for securing availability and better prices.
Consider Regional Airports: Don’t just focus on London. Flying into regional airports like Manchester, Bristol, or Newcastle can be more convenient and potentially cheaper if your primary match destinations are outside the capital.
Public Transport is Key: Stadium parking is often limited. Utilize the efficient public transport networks (trains, trams, buses) in and between host cities to get to matches. Plan your journeys to the stadiums well in advance.
Check Travel Documentation: Ensure your passport is valid. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. Verify the latest requirements from the UK government well before your travel dates (e.g., eligible non-Europeans from January 2025, eligible Europeans from April 2025).
Allow Extra Time: Expect increased passenger numbers and potential delays at airports and transport hubs during the tournament. Factor in ample time for security checks, connections, and travel to venues on match days.

How do I get tickets to the 2025 Rugby World Cup?

Official Website: The primary and most reliable place to purchase tickets is through the official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 ticketing website here.
Sales Windows: Tickets have been released in phases. While a significant number were sold in previous application phases (including priority windows for those who were unsuccessful in earlier ballots), more tickets went on sale in May 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis. This included limited availability for popular matches like the final in London and England’s pool matches.
Pricing: Tickets are designed to be accessible, with prices starting from as little as £10 for adults and £5 for children. Many seats are available under £25. For example, a family of four can attend England’s opening match at the Stadium of Light from just £30.
Match Availability: Tickets are available across all matches, though some high-demand games (like England’s pool matches against Samoa and Australia, and the final at Twickenham) may have limited availability, potentially requiring the purchase of ticket-inclusive experience packages.

An official resale platform is launching on June 24, 2025, also via the official ticketing website here. This platform allows fans who can no longer attend to securely sell their tickets at face value to other supporters, ensuring a safe and legitimate buying process.

Where to Stay during the 2025 Rugby World Cup

For attendees of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, accommodation will be a key consideration given the spread of venues across England. Here’s a summary of where to stay, categorized by venue locations:

General Accommodation Advice for the Rugby World Cup:

Book Early: This is the most crucial advice. With 16 nations competing and a significant increase in capacity, hotels and other accommodation options in host cities will fill up quickly, especially for popular match weekends. Booking well in advance (as soon as your match tickets are secured) is highly recommended for the best prices and availability.
Consider Transport Links: When choosing accommodation, prioritize proximity to public transport (train stations, bus stops, Metro/tram lines) that offer easy access to the stadiums. Many stadiums are located on the outskirts of city centres.
Variety of Options: England offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels, self-catering apartments, and B&Bs.
Explore Beyond the City Centre: While city centres offer convenience for dining and nightlife, consider staying slightly outside in well-connected suburbs for potentially better value.

Accommodation Options by Venue Location:

1. London (Twickenham Stadium)

Central London: Offers the widest range of hotels, from luxury to budget. Excellent transport links (Underground, National Rail) make it easy to get to Twickenham. However, it can be expensive.
Twickenham/Richmond Area: Staying closer to the stadium offers convenience for match days, with a more village-like feel. Options include hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Booking here will be highly competitive.
West London Suburbs (e.g., Hammersmith, Kingston, Putney): Good transport links to Twickenham and potentially more affordable than central London.

2. Brighton & Hove (Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium)

Brighton City Centre: A vibrant city with numerous hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs, especially near the seafront and The Lanes. It’s well-connected by bus to the stadium.
Hove: Often a quieter, more residential option than central Brighton, but still with good transport links to the stadium.
Coastal Towns Nearby: Consider towns like Eastbourne or Worthing if you have a car or are willing to use regional train services, though daily travel will add time.

3. Bristol (Ashton Gate)

Bristol City Centre: Offers a wide array of hotels and guesthouses around the Harbourside and city centre. Good bus connections to Ashton Gate.
Clifton: An affluent area with boutique hotels and B&Bs, known for its Georgian architecture and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Well-connected to the city centre.
South Bristol: Some hotels and guesthouses closer to the stadium area, which might be more convenient for match days.

4. Exeter (Sandy Park)

Exeter City Centre: Various hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s train stations provide easy access. Sandy Park has its own dedicated train station for match days.
Near Sandy Park Stadium: Limited options, but some hotels and guesthouses are available in the immediate vicinity or easily accessible by train.

5. Manchester (Salford Community Stadium)

Manchester City Centre: A huge range of hotels, apartments, and hostels, catering to all budgets. Excellent tram (Metrolink) and bus connections to Salford Quays and onward to the stadium.
Salford Quays/MediaCityUK: Modern hotels and apartments are available here, offering closer proximity to the stadium and a vibrant waterfront area.
Greater Manchester: Consider staying in well-connected towns around Manchester if city centre prices are too high.

6. Northampton (Franklin’s Gardens)

Northampton Town Centre: A selection of hotels and guesthouses. Franklin’s Gardens is typically a short taxi or bus ride from the town centre.
Surrounding Areas: For those with a car, there are options in nearby towns and villages that might offer a more rural experience.

7. Sunderland (Stadium of Light)

Sunderland City Centre: Limited hotels and guesthouses directly in the city centre. The Stadium of Light is easily accessible via the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Newcastle upon Tyne: Often a preferred base due to its larger variety of hotels, vibrant nightlife, and excellent transport links. Newcastle is just a short Metro journey from Sunderland and the Stadium of Light.
Durham: A historic city south of Sunderland with beautiful hotels, offering a different atmosphere, but requiring a train journey to Sunderland.

8. York (York Community Stadium)

York City Centre: A very popular tourist destination with a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs within the city walls. Regular bus services connect to the Community Stadium.
Near York Community Stadium: Some newer hotels and larger chain hotels are located closer to the stadium area, often with good access to the A64.

Remember to consider the dates you plan to attend matches and research the best transport routes from your chosen accommodation to the specific stadiums.