"Scotland vs Wales" - 5 Matches to Watch: 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup Round 1

Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 10:14

byTom Sansom

We are one day away from the start of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, as the hype continues to build around England ahead of the opening round. The Red Roses will ignite the competition tomorrow evening, as they host the USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

So, just how can you keep up with all the action from across the ever-growing rugby world? We've got all the answers for the five biggest matches of the opening weekend, as we run through all the pre-match build-up for the first round of the pool stages. We've picked out the five most compelling fixtures to keep an eye on this weekend, as the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup finally roars into life!

5 MATCHES TO WATCH - 2025 WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP ROUND 1

POOL A: England vs USA

Friday 22 August, 19:30 KO BST, Stadium of Light, Sunderland)

The wait is finally over, the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup roars into action this Friday night as England step out at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light to face the USA. The Red Roses couldn’t ask for a bigger stage to begin their journey in front of a home crowd hungry for glory.

Ranked No.1 in the world since late 2020, unbeaten since that agonising defeat to New Zealand in the 2022 final, and fresh from dismantling France 40–6 in their final warm-up, John Mitchell’s side arrive with sky-high expectations and the weight of history pushing them forward. A 27-match winning streak underlines just how relentless this England team has become, they are without a doubt the side to beat.

Standing in their way are the proud pioneers of women’s rugby, the USA. World Cup winners back in 1991, the Eagles haven’t scaled those heights in recent decades, but they carry a fearless edge. Their preparations have been mixed, with a spirited victory over Fiji tempered by a heavy loss to Canada. Yet with the charismatic Ilona Maher inspiring both on and off the field, the Americans have the kind of X-factor that could light up opening night.

How to Watch:

UK: Live on BBC One, with streaming available on BBC iPlayer - coverage begins at 18:30 BST ahead of the 19:30 kick-off.

Ireland: Stream on RTÉ Player.

USA: Available via Paramount+, the official streaming partner - some games may also air on CBS Sports Network.

POOL B: Scotland vs Wales

Saturday 23 August, 14:45 BST, Salford Community Stadium

A classic Six Nations rivalry takes centre stage in Pool B as Scotland and Wales lock horns in Salford, IN a clash brimming with history, passion, and no shortage of bragging rights between the Celtic cousins. Both sides know this could be a defining fixture in their World Cup campaigns, with precious momentum and an early edge in the battle for knockout qualification at stake, with Canada expected to top the pool.

Scotland arrive off the back of a narrow 34–29 warm-up defeat to Italy, a game that underlined their growing attacking sharpness but also exposed lapses in defence. Under head coach Bryan Easson, they’ve shown steady improvement and will fancy their chances if their powerful forward pack can dominate early exchanges.

Wales, meanwhile, remain unpredictable. Sean Lynn's team opened their preparations with a gritty 21–12 victory away in Australia, only to be overpowered in a 36–5 rematch to wrap up their tournament preparations. That inconsistency will concern Welsh fans, but their ability to raise their game in high-stakes clashes makes them dangerous. This promises to be a full-blooded contest, with the winner seizing not only points but a psychological stranglehold in Pool B’s race behind Canada.

How to Watch:

UK & Ireland: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Wales: Also available on S4C with Welsh-language commentary.

POOL B: Canada vs Fiji

Saturday 23 August, 17:30 BST, York Community Stadium

A fascinating clash of structure versus flair awaits in York, as Canada take on Fiji in Pool B. For the Canadians, this tournament represents a genuine shot at going deep for glory, and they come into the World Cup brimming with belief after a superb warm-up campaign.

A 42–10 triumph over the USA drew a record North American women’s rugby crowd, while a 47–26 win against Ireland showcased their balance of attacking firepower and defensive organisation upon the Emerald Isle. Ranked among the world’s top contenders, Kevin Rouet’s side look every inch a serious force.

Fiji, meanwhile, will bring their trademark unpredictability. With fewer opportunities to prepare, the Fijiana still made a statement in a 31–10 victory over Samoa following an abandoned first Test. Their raw physicality and dazzling offloading game mean they can punish any lapse in concentration, even against the most disciplined opposition. If Canada impose their structure and maintain control, they should dominate proceedings. But with Fiji’s spontaneity and flair, this fixture carries the potential for fireworks, and maybe even the tournament’s first shock.

How to Watch:

UK & Ireland: Live on BBC iPlayer (digital only).
Canada: Broadcast on TSN and streaming via TSN+.
Fiji: Available on FBC Sports.

POOL D: France vs Italy

Saturday 23 August, 20:15 BST, Sandy Park, Exeter

Pool D opens with a clash that could set the tone for the tournament, as France face Italy in Exeter. A meeting between two Six Nations rivals that pits raw power and precision against ambition and growing cohesion.

France arrive with a statement to make after being dismantled by England 40–6 in their final warm-up. Under Thomas Darracq, the Bleues have been building into one of the most complete sides in the competition, although recent hiccups have asked recent questions of Les Bleus preparedness against the elite of Women's rugby.

Italy, meanwhile, are quietly confident and brimming with belief. The Azzurri's narrow victory over Scotland in preparation for the trip to England showcased an improving structure, following wins over both the Scots and Wales in the 2025 Women's Six Nations.

Even if the Italians' big-stage exposure has been limited, they will look to use energy, continuity, and tactical guile to unsettle France, hoping to disrupt the rhythm of a team that thrives on control. This encounter promises to be a gripping test of precision versus aspiration, where early dominance could define the Pool D hierarchy and set the narrative for the weeks ahead.

How to Watch:

UK & Ireland: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
France: Available on France Télévisions and streaming via France.tv.
Italy: Stream via RaiPlay Sport.

POOL C: New Zealand vs Spain

Sunday 24 August, 17:30 BST, York Community Stadium

The defending champions take the field on Sunday as New Zealand kick off their title retention against an ambitious Spain side in York. The Black Ferns, six-time Women's Rugby World Cup winners and defending champions, remain overwhelming favourites, bringing a blend of experience, physicality, and near-flawless execution.

Yet their warm-ups have hinted at some new vulnerabilities for the Black Ferns. A draw with Canada and a narrow WXV defeat to Ireland back in Autumn 2024, suggest cracks that savvy opponents could well exploit throughout the knock-out stages.

Spain, by contrast, are a team on the rise. While their 97–7 warm-up loss to England exposed the gulf to the elite, six-month professional contracts have transformed the squad. Their challenge will be to apply pressure and maintain discipline against one of the world’s most feared sides, while capitalising on any rare errors the Black Ferns may offer up.

While the Black Ferns are expected to dictate the majority of play, Spain have the structure and self-belief to make this opening-round fixture a compelling watch for fans everywhere. With expectations of a walkover in favour of the Black Ferns, the Spaniards have their backs to the wall and will leave it all on the line in York's Community Stadium.

How to Watch:

UK & Ireland: Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, coverage from 16:30 BST.
New Zealand: Available on Sky Sport NZ and streaming via Sky Go.
Spain: Broadcast on Teledeporte and RTVE Play.