What’s Next? Your Guide to the Women’s Rugby World (2025 and Beyond)
The roar of the crowd, the intensity of the tackles, the sheer skill on display, the 2025 Rugby World Cup has been a magnificent spectacle, and you’ve been a part of it. If you’ve just discovered women’s rugby and are wondering what happens now that your favorite team’s journey has ended, we have great news: the action never stops.
The global rugby calendar is more vibrant than ever, and there are countless opportunities to follow the game and get to know the stars you’ve just seen on the world stage. Here’s what’s coming up.
The Action Starts Now: Upcoming Domestic and Regional Competitions
The best way to stay connected to the game is to follow your favorite players as they return to their domestic clubs. Many leagues are just kicking off their new seasons, offering a chance to see your World Cup heroes compete every week.
- Club Rugby (USA): The grassroots of American rugby is already in full swing, with teams competing in regional divisions across the country. The season will culminate in the national championships next summer, where the best of the best face off for the title.
- Dr. Farah Palmer Cup (NZL): The provincial competition in New Zealand, the Farah Palmer Cup, is a breeding ground for Black Ferns stars and a great way to follow local rivalries. The season is already underway.
- Arnold Clark Premiership (SCO): Scotland’s top domestic league has also already begun its new season, showcasing the talent that will build towards future Six Nations campaigns.
- Welsh Premiership (WAL): The Welsh Premiership kicks off on September 14. The league does struggle with teams being able to fulfill matches, as most of their top players compete in England’s PWR, but the WRU has recently released a plan to revitalize women’s rugby in the area and build a more sustainable pathway.
- Energia All Ireland League (AIL) (IRE): The AIL showcases the talent that feeds Ireland’s national team and is set to begin its new season on September 27.
- Iberdrola League (ESP): Spain’s premier competition begins on September 27.
- Hong Kong Premiership (HKG): Hong Kong’s top division starts on October 4.
- Serie A Elite (ITA): Italy’s top league is set to begin on October 11.
- Elite 1 (FRA): The top division in France, known for its high-level, physical rugby, starts on October 11.
- Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) (ENG): Widely regarded as the strongest domestic league in the world, the PWR starts its season on October 24. It’s home to many of the World Cup players from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as international stars from around the globe.
- Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) (USA): The new premier women’s rugby competition in the USA is set to kick off its second season in April 2026. This league will feature some of the top American players and is a must-watch for fans in the States.
- Super W (AUS) & Super Rugby Aupiki (NZL): These two premier southern hemisphere competitions are a breeding ground for future international stars. Both leagues are expected to begin their seasons in Spring 2026.
International Rugby on the Horizon
Beyond the World Cup, a new global competition structure has been designed to provide more meaningful international matches every year.
- HSBC SVNS Series: The thrilling, seven-a-side version of the game, rugby sevens, is a global circuit that runs from November 2025 through June 2026. This series features many of the same players from the 15s game and is a constant source of action.
- Celtic Challenge (Various): A cross-border competition featuring teams from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the Celtic Challenge is scheduled to begin on December 20.
- Guinness Women’s Six Nations: The biggest annual women’s tournament in Europe, the Six Nations, will kick off in April 2026.
- Pacific Four Series (PAC4): The PAC4 is an annual international tournament featuring the top teams from North America and Oceania: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. The competition provides crucial high-level test match experience and is set to take place in Summer 2026.
- WXV: This is the premier annual international women’s rugby tournament. The competition will return in Fall 2026 and its results will directly impact team rankings and qualification for future World Cups.
The Future is Bright: Upcoming Major Tournaments
Don’t wait years for the next World Cup! Mark your calendars for these pinnacle events on the women’s rugby schedule.
- The Olympics (Rugby Sevens): The explosive sevens game will be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia.
- Rugby World Cup: The next 15s World Cup will be hosted by Australia in 2029 and then by the USA in 2033.
For a detailed look at the future Rugby World Cup and Olympic calendar, read our companion article: The Pinnacle Events: A Roadmap to the Rugby World Cups and Olympics (2026-2036).
Whether you follow a player’s journey from their domestic club to the international stage or simply dive into a new league, there is always rugby to watch. The RWC may be ending, but the game is just getting started.
