Women's Rugby World Cup 

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Latest news on Rugby World Cup (RWC), covering the men's and women's tournaments, WRWC, RWC2025 and RWC2027, World Cup fixtures, results, pools, draw, squads, tickets, team news, the Webb Ellis Cup, World Rugby, Springboks, All Blacks, Black Ferns, Red Roses and Wallabies.

The Rugby World Cup is the global showpiece of rugby union, staged every four years for men and women under World Rugby. South Africa's Springboks have won the men's title four times, including back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2023, while New Zealand's All Blacks have won three. Australia has two titles and England one. The 2023 final in Paris was decided by a single point, 12-11.

The Women's Rugby World Cup has grown fast. England's Red Roses beat Canada 33-13 in the 2025 final at Twickenham, in front of a record crowd for a women's rugby match. New Zealand's Black Ferns remain the most successful team in the women's game with six titles, and record attendances and broadcast audiences show how far the WRWC has come.

The next men's tournament, RWC2027 in Australia, expands to 24 teams in six pools of four, with a round of 16 added for the first time. The United States is due to host the men's event in 2031 and the women's in 2033, while Australia hosts the women's tournament in 2029. Controversies and challenges include venue disputes, player welfare and head injuries, and the gap in resources between leading and emerging nations.

Few tournaments carry as much culture as the World Cup. The haka, the Pacific Islands' flair, and the fervour of Springbok, Irish and Welsh supporters give every edition its character. Stories of players, coaches and fans often matter as much as results, and underdog wins, such as Japan's famous victory over South Africa in 2015, are remembered for years.

The first men's tournament was held in 1987, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, and won by the All Blacks. South Africa's 1995 triumph, with Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy, became a symbol of national unity, and Jonny Wilkinson's late drop goal won England the 2003 final. The first women's tournament took place in 1991, with the United States as the first champions.

Our NewsNow Rugby World Cup feed brings together the latest headlines from reliable sources, from RWC news, fixtures, results and pools to squads, tickets, injuries and the road to each World Cup. Follow the men's and women's tournaments in one place and stay up to date.