The inaugural WXV (Women’s XVs) competition is poised to redefine the landscape of international women’s rugby, featuring 18 qualified teams divided into three dynamic tiers. The top tier, WXV 1, consists of teams from the Women’s Six Nations and the World Rugby Pacific Four Series, all of whom earned their spots through stellar performances in these prestigious tournaments. To complete the lineup, regional tournaments were also held to determine the teams for the remaining WXV 2 and WXV 3, ensuring a truly global representation in this groundbreaking competition. See our article on how teams qualified for the WXV here.
Broadcast
All WXV divisions – WXV 1, WXV 2, and WXV 3 – will have live broadcasts, with free streaming on RugbyPass TV for matches outside the respective territories. Viewers in New Zealand can catch all WXV 1 fixtures on Sky New Zealand and Stan Sport, while TFI broadcasts France’s matches. ITV, a long-standing Rugby World Cup partner, will showcase England and Wales matches in WXV 1 on ITVX, with Wales’ games also available on S4C. South African host broadcaster SuperSport covers WXV 2, and Sky New Zealand viewers will also be able to watch WXV 2 in its entirety. South-East Asian network BEIN has signed up for blanket coverage of all three divisions as the appeal of women’s rugby continues to grow.
You can catch all the USA WXV matches on RugbyPass TV. For those who might require a VPN for access, we recommend using NordVPN to ensure a smooth streaming experience in the meantime. Enjoy the action!
Securing Spots for Rugby World Cup 2025
New Zealand, England, France, and Canada have already earned their places in RWC 2025 based on their performances in the previous RWC 2021. England, as the host nation, automatically qualifies.
Six more teams will secure their spots through regional tournaments, with one team representing each of Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, and the Pacific Four Series.
The remaining teams will secure their positions through WXV, with berths awarded to the top five ranked non-qualified teams at the conclusion of WXV 2024, potentially making it six if the host nation was not already pre-qualified from RWC 2021. This distinction holds significance for future WXV Tournaments.
Tournament Format
In each of the three tournaments, a “cross-pool” structure will be employed. The six participating teams will be divided into two pools of three, with a unique twist: teams within the same pool won’t face each other. Instead, they will compete against all three teams in the opposing pool. Tournament rankings will be determined by the outcomes of these three matches.
Rankings will adhere to the standard tournament point system (four points for a win, plus customary bonuses). In the event of tied scores (a likely scenario given the format), the following criteria will be used to establish precedence, in this order:
- 1. The winner of any head-to-head match between the tied teams
- Points difference
- Tries difference
- Total points scored across all matches
- Total tries scored
- Fewest red cards
- Fewest yellow cards
Locations: A Global Stage for WXV Tournament
The WXV Tournament promises to be a global celebration of women’s rugby excellence, with matches held in diverse and captivating locations. Here’s a closer look at the venues for this historic event:
New Zealand – WXV 1: The rugby fervor ignites in New Zealand as WXV 1 matches are scheduled at these iconic venues:
- Sky Stadium in Wellington: Hosting matches on October 20 and 21, Sky Stadium has a capacity of 32,000 and has previously hosted one women’s test match – a 28-16 victory for the Black Ferns against Canada in June 2017. It was also a venue during RWC 2011 and a host for the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series between 2000-17.
- Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin: Serving as the battleground on October 27 and 28, this stadium was built for use during RWC 2011, hosting four pool-stage matches. It has never hosted a women’s test but did stage six group-stage matches during the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland: Lighting up with action on November 3 and 4, this venue will host the final round of WXV 1, headlined by the Black Ferns’ encounter with the Red Roses. While primarily associated with rugby league, it has staged numerous men’s tests, including Samoa’s 42-13 RWC 2023 qualifying victory against Tonga.
Cape Town, South Africa – WXV 2: Cape Town welcomes WXV 2 with matches showcasing teams’ skills in this vibrant South African city. Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, known for its rugby heritage, will host the opening WXV 2 match on October 13, followed by encounters between Scotland and South Africa, as well as USA and Samoa. Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town will then welcome the teams for the second and third rounds of WXV 2, played between October 20-28.
Dubai, UAE – WXV 3: Dubai sets the stage for WXV 3, with all nine matches in the tournament played at The Sevens Stadium. It all starts on October 13 when Fiji takes on Colombia. The venue has a rich history in international rugby and World Rugby events, having hosted the RWC 2023 Final Qualification Tournament and the RWC Sevens 2009, the first to feature a women’s event. The Sevens Stadium has also been used as a home ground by the UAE and was a prominent venue on the World Series between 2007-23. This December, it will host the opening round of HSBC SVNS.
A Call for Inclusivity and Equality
While the rugby world celebrates this monumental event, concerns have been raised regarding the choice of Dubai as a venue, considering the city’s known lack of support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Prioritizing inclusivity and equality in sports is crucial, and future considerations should ensure that venues align with these values, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
Schedule & Results
Date | Time (CST) | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Score | Event |
| 10/13 | 7:00 AM | Italy | 28 | Japan | 15 | WXV 2 |
| 10/13 | 8:00 AM | Fiji | 67 | Colombia | 13 | WXV 3 |
| 10/13 | 9:30 AM | Scotland | 31 | South Africa | 17 | WXV 2 |
| 10/13 | 10:30 AM | Ireland | 109 | Kazakhstan | 0 | WXV 3 |
| 10/14 | 7:00 AM | USA | 36 | Samoa | 26 | WXV 2 |
| 10/14 | 8:00 AM | Spain | 32 | Kenya | 0 | WXV 3 |
| 10/20 | 10:00 PM | Canada | 42 | Wales | 22 | WXV 1 |
| 10/20 | 1:00 AM | England | 42 | Australia | 7 | WXV 1 |
| 10/20 | 7:00 AM | USA | 14 | Scotland | 24 | WXV 2 |
| 10/20 | 8:00 AM | Kazakhstan | 18 | Kenya | 12 | WXV 3 |
| 10/20 | 9:30 AM | Italy | 36 | South Africa | 18 | WXV 2 |
| 10/20 | 10:30 AM | Spain | 26 | Fiji | 19 | WXV 3 |
| 10/21 | 1:00 AM | New Zealand | 17 | France | 18 | WXV 1 |
| 10/21 | 8:00 AM | Ireland | 64 | Colombia | 3 | WXV 3 |
| 10/21 | 9:00 AM | Japan | 32 | Samoa | 10 | WXV 2 |
| 10/27 | 1:00 AM | England | 45 | Canada | 12 | WXV 1 |
| 10/27 | 7:00 AM | Scotland | 38 | Japan | 7 | WXV 2 |
| 10/27 | 8:00 AM | Kazakhstan | 0 | Fiji | 118 | WXV 3 |
| 10/27 | 9:30 AM | South Africa | 33 | Samoa | 7 | WXV 2 |
| 10/27 | 10:30 AM | Kenya | 21 | Colombia | 5 | WXV 3 |
| 10/27 | 10:00 PM | New Zealand | 70 | Wales | 7 | WXV 1 |
| 10/28 | 1:00 AM | France | 20 | Australia | 29 | WXV 1 |
| 10/28 | 8:00 AM | Ireland | 15 | Spain | 13 | WXV 3 |
| 10/28 | 10:00 AM | USA | 8 | Italy | 30 | WXV 2 |
| 11/3 | 1:00 AM | Australia | 25 | Wales | 19 | WXV 1 |
| 11/3 | 10:00 PM | France | 20 | Canada | 29 | WXV 1 |
| 11/4 | 1:00 AM | England | 33 | New Zealand | 12 | WXV 1 |
Standings
Travel Squads
WXV 1
France
Forwards: Yllana Brosseau, Clara Joyeux, Assia Khalfaoui, Coco Lindelauf, Ambre Mwayembe, Elisa Riffonneau, Agathe Sochat, Laure Touyé, Madoussou Fall, Manaé Feleu, Audrey Forlani, Axelle Berthoumieu, Léa Champon, Charlotte Escudero, Émeline Gros, Gaëlle Hermet, Romane Ménager.
Backs: Océane Bordes, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Alexandra Chambon, Carla Arbez, Lina Queyroi, Lilou Graciet, Nassira Konde, Marine Ménager, Gabrielle Vernier, Cyrielle Banet, Émilie Boulard, Morgane Bourgeois, Suliana Sivi.
England
Forwards: Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maud Muir, Lark Atkin-Davies, Amy Cokayne, Connie Powell, Zoe Aldcroft, Rosie Galligan, Cath O’Donnell, Maisy Allen, Sarah Beckett, Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews, Marlie Packer, Morwenna Talling.
Backs: Natasha Hunt, Lucy Packer, Ella Wyrwas, Holly Aitchison, Sophie Bridger, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Amber Reed, Helena Rowland, Jess Breach, Abby Dow, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia MacDonald.
Canada
Forwards: Alexandria Ellis, Ashlynn Smith, Brittany Kassil, Courtney Holtkamp, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian Boag, Julia Omokhuale, Laetitia Royer, McKinley Hunt, Mikiela Nelson, Sara Cline, Sara Svoboda, Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom.
Backs: Alexandra Tessier, Claire Gallagher, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Julia Schell, Justine Pelletier, Krissy Scurfield, Madison Grant, Olivia Apps, Paige Farries, Sabrina Poulin, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
Wales
Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Abbey Constable, Kelsey Jones, Carys Phillips, Kat Evans, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Donna Rose, Cerys Hale, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Alisha Butchers, Bryonie King, Alex Callender, Kate Williams, Beth Lewis (VC), Sioned Harries.
Backs: Jasmine Joyce, Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Carys Cox, Meg Webb, Kerin Lake, Hannah Bluck, Carys Williams-Morris, Lleucu George, Robyn Wilkins, Niamh Terry, Keira Bevan, Meg Davies.
New Zealand
Forwards: Kate Henwood, Sophie Fisher, Tanya Kalounivale, Krystal Murray, Amy Rule, Chrys Viliko, Luka Connor, Natalie Delamere, Georgia Ponsonby, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Charmaine Smith, Alana Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Liana Mikaele Tu’u, Layla Sae, Kennedy Simon (co-captain).
Backs: Ariana Bayler, Iritana Hohaia, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Ruahei Demant (co-captain), Rosie Kelly, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Patricia Maliepo, Renee Holmes, Martha Mataele, Mererangi Paul, Ruby Tui, Katelyn Vahaakolo.
Australia
Forwards: Bree-Anna Cheatham, Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani, Bridie O’Gorman, Emily Robinson, Ashley Marsters, Tania Naden, Adiana Talakai, Annabelle Codey, Atasi Lafai, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (captain), Sera Naiqama, Leilani Nathan, Emily Chancellor, Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
Backs: Jasmin Huriwai, Layne Morgan, Carys Dallinger, Arabella McKenzie, Faitala Moleka, Georgina Friedrichs, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Melanie Wilks, Lori Cramer, Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart, Ivania Wong, Siokapesi Palu.
WXV 2
Samoa
Forwards: Rereglory Aiono, Maletina Brown, Tiara-Lee Fanuatunu, Avau Filimaua, Ana Mamea, Sosoli Talawadua, Angelica Uila, Lulu Leuta, Mary Lumsden, Easter Savelio, Olalini Tafoulua, Fogamanono Tusiga, Utumalama Atonio, Nina Foaese, Sui Pauaraisa, Sinead Ryder, Tia Tauasosi.
Backs: Saelua Leaula, Faalua Tugaga, Bella Milo, Cassie Siataga, Rebeka Cordero-Tufuga, Allison Futialo, Taalili Iosefo, Hope Schuster, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Linda Fiafia, Hasting Leiataua, Karla Wright-Akeli.
Japan
Forwards: Sachiko Kato, Natsuki Kashigawa, Masami Kawamura, Asuka Kuge, Sakurako Korai, Hinata Komaki, Seina Saito, Yuka Sadaka, Kotomi Taniguchi, Ayano Nagai, Iroha Nagata (captain), Nijiho Nagata, Mio Nishimura, Sakurako Hatada, Manami Mine, Otoka Yoshimura, Mei Yoshimoto, Jennifer Nduka.
Backs: Megumi Abe, Nao Ando, Komachi Imakugi, Ayasa Otsuka, Kanako Kobayashi, Moe Tsukui, Sora Nishimura, Haruka Hirotsu, Mana Furuta, Misaki Matsumura, Kotono Yasuo, Minori Yamamoto.
Italy
Gaia Buso, Beatrice Capomaggi, Sofia Catellani, Giulia Cavina, Alyssa D’Incà, Giordana Duca, Elena Errichiello, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Lucia Gai, Elisa Giordano, Francesca Granzotto, Laura Gurioli, Isabella Locatelli, Veronica Madia, Gaia Maris, Nicole Mastrangelo, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Alessia Pilani, Alissa Ranuccini, Beatrice Rigoni, Sara Seye, Michela Sillari, Emanuela Stecca, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini.
South Africa
Forwards: Aseza Hele, Lusanda Dumke, Catha Jacobs, Nompumelelo Mathe, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Nolusindiso Booi, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Amber Schonert, Yonela Ngxingolo, Asithandile Ntoyanto, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Roseline Botes, Micke Gunter, Lucell Hanekom, Lindelwa Gwala.
Backs: Byrhandrè Dolf, Mary Zulu, Chuma Qawe, Veroeshka Grain, Unathi Mali, Maceala Samboya, Jakkie Cilliers, Piwokuhle Nyanda, Shaunique Hess, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Rumandi Potgieter, Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey.
Scotland
Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Christine Belisle, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Demi Swann, Anne Young, Elis Martin, Lana Skeldon, Sarah Bonar, Eva Donaldson, Fiona McIntosh, Louise McMillan, Emma Wassell, Evie Gallagher, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (captain), Rachel McLachlan.
Backs: Caity Mattinson, Mairi McDonald, Helen Nelson, Beth Blacklock, Coreen Grant, Sarah Law, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Meryl Smith, Rhona Lloyd, Francesca McGhie, Liz Musgrove, Chloe Rollie.
USA
Forwards: Tiara A’au, Catie Benson, Charli Jacoby, Alivia Leatherman, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Monalisa Tupou, Kathryn Treder, Paige Stathopoulos, Hallie Taufoou, Evelyn Ashenbrucker, Erica Jarrell, Tahlia Brody, Yeja Dunn, Rachel Ehrecke, Rachel Johnson, Georgie Perris-Redding, Freda Tafuna.
Backs: Taina Tukuafu, Carly Waters, Gabby Cantorna, Eti Haungatau, Emily Henrich, Kate Zackary, Meya Bizer, Lotte Clapp, Autumn Czaplicki, Summer Harris-Jones, Mata Hingano, Tess Feury, Bulou Mataitoga.
WXV 3
Kenya
Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Helsa Khisa, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma (captain), Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti, Angel Charity Juma, Laureen Akoth, Priscah Nyerere, Freshia Awino, Diana Omoso, Naomi Muhanji, Evelyn Kalamera, Mercy Migingo, Stacy Atieno, Michelle Akinyi, Edith Nariaka, Jiveti Daisy Osore, Lewin Amazimbi, Valentine Otieno, Maureen Chebet, Grace Okulu, Judith Okumu, Phoebe Akinyi, Terry Ayesa, Sharon Auma.
Fiji
Bitila Tawake (captain), Salanieta Nabuli, Loraini Senivutu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Penina Turova, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Unaisi Lalabalavu, Ana Korovata, Doreen Narokete, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa, Sereima Leweniqila, Mereoni Nakesa, Teresia Tinanivalu, Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita, Vani Arei, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Adita Milinia, Adi Fulori Rotagavira, Merewai Cumu, Rusila Nagasau, Setaita Railumu, Jennifer Goodsir Ravutia, Merewairita Neivosa, Atelaite Buna, Luisa Tisolo, Mary Kanace, Iva Sauira.
Spain
Forwards: María del Castillo, Inés Antolínez, Marta Estellés, Cristina Blanco, Marieta Román, Sidorella Bracic, Laura Delgao, Mireia de Andrés, Anna Puig, Leyre Bianchi, Lourdes Alameda, Carmen Castellucci, Alba Capell, Nerea García, María Calvo, Olivia Fresneda, Vico Gorrochategui.
Backs: Julia Castro, Bingbing Vergara, Maider Aresti, Inés Bueso-Inchausti, Zahia Pérez, Alba Vinuesa, Icíar Pozo, Amalia Argudo, Clara Piquero, Claudia Pérez, Tecla Masoko, Claudia Peña, Jimena Blanco Hortiguera.
Kazakhstan
Forwards: Karina Sazontova (captain), Darya Simakova, Natalya Kamendrovskaya, Symbat Zhamankulova, Yelena Yurova, Karina Tankisheva, Irina Balabina, Moldir Askhat, Balzhan Akhbayeva, Kuralay Turalykova, Yuliya Oleinikova, Anna Chebotar, Ivanova Lyudmila, Dadajanova Tatyana, Xeniya Chertova, Svetlana Malezhina.
Backs: Rigina Bainazarova, Daiana Kazibekova, Daria Kuznetsova, Kundyzay Baktybayeva, Liliya Kibisheva, Darya Tkachyova, Eva Bekker, Tatyana Kruchinkina, Milana Kotova, Anastassiya Yevdokimova, Milana Alayeva, Alyona Melnikova, Kamila Alseitova, Gulim Bakytpek.
Ireland
Forwards: Aoife Wafer, Brittany Hogan, Christy Haney, Dorothy Wall, Edel McMahon, Eimear Corri, Fiona Tuite, Grace Moore, Linda Djougang, Maeve Óg O’Leary, Megan Collis, Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Ruth Campbell, Sadhbh McGrath, Sam Monaghan, Sarah Delaney.
Backs: Aoibheann Reilly, Aoife Dalton, Aoife Doyle, Béibhinn Parsons, Clara Barrett, Dannah O’Brien, Eve Higgins, Katie Whelan, Leah Tarpey, Méabh Deely, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Nicole Fowley, Natasja Behan.
Colombia
Camila Cardona, Carolina Naranjo, Daniela Roman, Tatiana Delgado, Gisel Gómez, Leidy Garcia, María Cortes, Natalia Caycedo, Velentina Yepes, Angie Manyoma, Tatiana Hernandez, Paola Delgado, Sara Vélez, Silvia Olave, Sofía Granados, Camila Lopera, Isabel Ramirez, Juliana Soto, Laura Gutierrez, Maribel Mestra, Melisa Rios, Stefanía Sarmiento, Valentina Álvarez, Valeria Cuartas, Ángela Alzate, Luisa Zurique, María Arzuaga, Andrea Ramirez, Natalia Barajas, Alejandra Villota.
Qualified Teams
See our article on how teams qualified for the inaugural WXV here.
Past Results
This is the first year of this groundbreaking tournament.
Share this:
Discover more from YSCRugby | Women's Rugby News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.