11 years ago today, the Red Roses hoisted the World Cup trophy in France, beating the then-champions the Black Ferns. Today, the Red Roses are ranked number one in the world, and on the precipice of beginning their home World Cup campaign in just five days. But will they be able to repeat their 2014 feat, and who else is in contention for the win?
Who are the Red Roses?
The Red Roses currently hold two World Cup titles, having lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2014. However, they are currently at the top of their game, ranked number one in the world and currently on a streak of 27 consecutive unbeaten matches.
They proved their international dominance at the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, where they came away with a grand slam win. Their performance during the friendly matches in the run up to the start of the World Cup repeats this story, battering both Scotland and France 97 - 7 and 40 - 6 respectively.
Their ranks include the legendary Ellie Kildunne, who won World Women’s Player of the Year in 2024 and is a crucial and brutal element of England’s devastating back three. Centre Emily Scarratt is set to become the first player to take part in five World Cup campaigns, bringing expertise from England’s last World Cup win in 2014.
As well as veterans of the game, England have also injected their squad with youth and vigour, bringing eight athletes to their first World Cup. Amongst these fresh faces is Emma Sing, renowned for her unfalteringly powerful kicks and try scoring ability at her home club Gloucester-Hartpury, three time PWR winners.
The Red Roses’ current trajectory, as well as their careful consideration of experience and youth within their squad, means that they are firm fan favourites to win the World Cup this year, especially as they will be bolstered by the spirits of a home crowd. They will face Australia, the USA and Samoa in Pool A.
Who else is tipped to win the World Cup?
New Zealand
The Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, have had the most World Cup success by far and away. Boasting an incredible six titles of the possible nine, New Zealand are the current reigning champions since the 2017 tournament, having defended their crown again at the 2022 World Cup.
In the warm-up matches they have consistently shown that they are at the same calibre that they were three years ago, with their first team beating Australia 37 - 12 and their second team (the Black Ferns XV) beating South Africa 34 - 26.
Currently ranked third in the world, behind England and Canada, the 2025 Black Ferns feature 16 names from the 2022 winning squad. However, the newcomers are sure to be just as dangerous as the rest of the team, as they include names like Jorja Miller, who recently won World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of Year and outer back Braxton Sorensen-McGee who will be going to her first World Cup at just 18 years old.
New Zealand are sure to make it far in the competition, especially given that they are the highest ranked in their Pool C, which includes Ireland, Japan and Spain.
Canada
Completing the top three teams in the world currently is Canada, ranked second. Although they have never emerged victorious from a World Cup campaign, their current approach is seeming increasingly dangerous.
The Maple Leafs were defeated by England in the 2014 World Cup finals and will be looking to enact revenge in England this time around. In the warm-up matches, they have consistently established themselves a team to fear, beating South Africa 33 - 5, the USA 42 - 10 and Ireland 47 - 26.
However, Canada have suffered a blow before the competition has even started, as wing Pamphinette Buisa was removed from the squad after being injured in their final warm-up match against Ireland. However, the team is still awash with big names, like captain Alexandra Tessier, who was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2024, and Emily Tuttosi, who was Canada’s top try scorer in the last World Cup.
Canada will face Fiji, Wales and Scotland during their group stage in Pool C and are firmly tipped to easily progress to the knockout rounds, given their evident strength and prowess.
When does the Women's Rugby World Cup start?
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, August 22 as England face the USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. All matches will be available on BBC and the England Rugby YouTube.
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