Six matches to take place in West Northants as Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule confirmed

22 October 2024

World Rugby has announced that six matches will take place at the cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens in Northampton as the match schedule for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is revealed, setting the stage for six weekends of compelling competition in what promises to be the largest celebration of women’s rugby.

Brazil, who became the first team from South America to qualify for a Women’s Rugby World Cup earlier this year, will make their tournament debut against South Africa at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday, 24 August 2025.

The Pool stage matches at Franklin’s Gardens will also include:

• Sunday 24 August: Ireland v Japan (kick-off 12 noon)
• Sunday 24 August: South Africa v Brazil (kick-off 2.45pm)
• Saturday 30 August: England v Samoa (kick-off 5pm)
• Sunday 31 August: Ireland v Spain (kick-off 12 noon)
• Sunday 7 September: Italy v Brazil (kick-off 2pm)
• Sunday 7 September: France v South Africa (kick-off 4.45pm)

The match schedule has been developed with team and fan experience at heart, with exciting matchups in each of the eight host locations, family friendly kick-off times and optimised team travel. Aligned with World Rugby standards, each team will also benefit from a minimum of six rest days between pool matches enabling the world’s top teams to prepare and perform at their best. 

View the full match schedule on the World Rugby website.

"We are incredibly excited to be hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 here in West Northamptonshire and to see six matches take place at Northampton’s Franklin's Gardens Stadium including four of the world’s top 10 ranking teams!”

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our area on the global stage, celebrate the excellence of women’s rugby, and welcome fans from around the world. Franklin's Gardens is an iconic venue, and we’re looking forward to seeing it filled with energy and excitement as we become a key part of this historic tournament. Hosting these matches will not only promote rugby and women’s sport but also provide a significant boost to our local economy, and we can’t wait to be a part of the action."Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council

Five double header fixtures will take place during the pool stages, generating a festival atmosphere in the host locations and creating a day-out for families and local communities. With child prices available at all matches including the opening and knock-out matches and a vast majority of kick-off times in the afternoon, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be the family event of the year inspiring the next generation of players in England. 

The pool stage will culminate in a huge weekend of matches across four venues, with the two best teams on competition points in each pool qualifying for the quarter-finals and the knockout phase.

“The confirmation of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule brings a wave of excitement as fans in the host nation and around the globe can now mark their calendars for this era-defining tournament.

With thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments guaranteed across the length and breadth of the country, the stage is set for the world’s top teams to showcase the very best of women’s rugby. Whether you’re a rugby fan or a newcomer, join us and be part of this unstoppable energy and historic moment!”Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey

With 95 per cent of the population in England within two hours of a match venue, fans will have an unprecedented opportunity to see rugby’s biggest stars in action, while host cities are getting ready to welcome international travelling fans with iconic and vibrant local experiences.

With excitement building, fans will have the opportunity to apply for tickets for all matches from 11am (GMT) on Tuesday 5 November until 11am (GMT) on Tuesday 19 November. Ballots will be used for any price categories which are oversubscribed. Fans can register to be the first to hear about ticket news here.

Prior to the two-week ticket application phase, Worldwide Partner Mastercard is offering its cardholders access to a 48-hour priority sale for all matches from 11am (GMT+1) today until 11am (GMT+1) on Thursday 24 October at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Only Mastercard payments will be accepted during this priority window.