The Women’s Rugby World Cup: The Stars Meet in England
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is just around the corner, and the top figures in the sport are preparing to arrive in England. The tournament will kick off with an exciting match between the hosts and the United States on August 22 in Sunderland. England, known as the “Red Roses”, is the big favorite to avenge their defeat in the final against New Zealand three years ago and conquer the tournament for the first time since 2014. John Mitchell’s team is in impressive form, with a streak of 27 consecutive victories dating back to that 2022 final. Although the “Kiwis” will seek to defend their title, France and Canada also hope to lift the trophy at Twickenham on September 27, in front of a crowd of 80,000 fans. Don’t miss Ilona Maher and the United States team. Maher, who shone at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the seven modality, will seek to replicate her success in her first major 15-a-side rugby tournament. The tournament organizers hope that this edition will be the biggest and most exciting in history. It already has the largest number of participating teams, with 16 countries competing, four more than in 2022, fighting for the top prize in women’s rugby. Here is the complete list of each team and the match schedule.Group A
England
Status: Favorite
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.Defenses: 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.Matches:- August 22: vs. United States
- August 30: vs. Samoa
- September 6: vs. Australia
Ellie Kildunne wants to emulate Chloe Kelly’s impact at the Rugby World Cup
England name experienced 32-player squad
United States
Status: Applicants
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.
Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 22: vs. England
- August 30: vs. Australia
- September 6: vs. Samoa
Australia
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. Samoa
- August 30: vs. United States
- September 6: vs. England
Samoa
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. Australia
- August 30: vs. England
- September 6: vs. United States
Group B
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.Defenders: 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).Matches:- August 23: vs. Fiji
- August 30: vs. Wales
- September 6: vs. Scotland
Scotland
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. Wales
- August 30: vs. Fiji
- September 6: vs. Canada
Wales
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. Scotland
- August 30: vs. Canada
- September 6: vs. Fiji
Fiji
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. Canada
- August 30: vs. Scotland
- September 6: vs. Wales
Group C
Ireland
Status: Applicants
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.Defenses: 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.Matches:- August 24: vs. Japan
- August 31: vs. Spain
- September 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).Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 24: vs. Spain
- August 31: vs. Japan
- September 7: vs. Ireland
Spain
Status: Applicants
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 RosellDefenders: 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 HidalgoMatches:- August 24: vs. New Zealand
- August 31: vs. Ireland
- September 7: vs. Japan
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 24: vs. Ireland
- August 31: vs. New Zealand
- September 7: vs. Spain
Group D
France
Status: ContendersWorld 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.
Defenses: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. Italy
- August 31: vs. Brazil
- September 7: vs. South Africa
Italy
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 23: vs. France
- August 31: vs. South Africa
- September 7: vs. Brazil
Status: Applicants
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.
Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 24: vs. Brazil
- August 31: vs. Italy
- September 7: vs. France
Brazil
Status: Applicants
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.Defenders: 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.Matches:- August 24: vs. South Africa
- August 31: vs. France
- September 7: vs. Italy
