Expanded Women’s RWC 2025

21 February 2025 |

A New Chapter for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Expansion to 16 Teams! In a historic move for the sport, it has been officially announced that starting in 2025, the Women’s Rugby World Cup will witness an expansion.

This exciting development will see the tournament grow its roster from 12 participating teams to an impressive total of 16. Women’s rugby is incredibly exciting especially this year with the Rugby World Cup coming up later in the year. So let us have a closer look at the Expanded Women’s RWC 2025.

A Significant Increase in Participation

The decision, reached by the Rugby World Cup Board earlier this year, ushers in a new era for women’s rugby. From 2025 onwards, four additional teams will grace the international stage. Thus battling it out for the coveted title of world champions. This change not only represents a larger field of competitors but also signifies a broader horizon for the sport as it continues to break barriers and reach new audiences.

The Rationale Behind the RWC Expansion

Behind this game-changing move is World Rugby’s unwavering commitment to the sport’s evolution and transformation. Their transformational women’s strategic plan, stretching from 2017 to 2025, aims to catalyze the development of the women’s game on a global scale. With a surge in interest and participation in women’s rugby, expanding the competition aligns perfectly with the plan’s core pillar. Therefore to enhance the worldwide competitiveness of women’s international rugby. It is an effort to provide opportunities for a greater number of teams. That in turn challenge each other at the highest levels of the game.

As of late, women’s rugby has seen unprecedented growth. Women and girls now make up 28% of the global playing population, a testimony to the sports growing appeal. Furthermore, the interest in hosting future Rugby World Cups has surged, with formal processes commencing as early as February 2021. This comes on the heels of recent updates regarding the evaluation, publication, and voting process for the editions slated for 2025 and 2029. This was set to be awarded concurrently with the men’s tournaments in May 2022.

Teams to Watch Out For in 2025

When the expanded Rugby World Cup rolls around in 2025, fans can expect to see a dynamic mix of veteran powerhouses and burgeoning squads take to the field. With the increase in teams, nations who have been developing their women’s high-performance programs may find themselves vying for the top spot. Therefore adding to the diversity and unpredictability of the competition.

Some of the teams to keep on your radar are England, Canada, France, Italy. As well as South Africa who are aiming to enter the Top 10 teams in the near future. South Africa are currently lying in 12th on the rankings and have made significant strides in moving forward. The investment and time in helping to develop Women’s rugby in South Africa has made a massive impact and this is only the start. Also have a look at how the SA Women qualified for the Womens RWC 2025.

Rugby Betting Sites

Rugby, such as cricket and soccer, are a religion in South Africa or even certain supporters love language! Thus you can be sure there are ample betting opportunities in SA. We have reviewed the best of the best for rugby betting needs so be sure to have a look around. Furthermore find the most suitable bookie for your liking. With online sites such as betway, Hollywoodbets, Gbets, Playa Bets and Supabets you have many to choose from:

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A Landmark Decision

In conclusion, the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, which promised a range of innovative changes designed to enhance player welfare and promote the event, established a future of women’s rugby brighter than ever. In the words of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, “Women’s rugby is the single greatest opportunity to grow the sport globally.”

This landmark decision paved the way for more inspirational journeys and aspirational goals across the unions. Thus ensuring that more athletes than ever before will have the chance to leave their mark on the world’s biggest rugby stage. Indeed, it marks a milestone moment for women’s rugby. One that celebrates the sport’s progressive strides and cements its place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Therefore the Expanded Women’s RWC 2025 is a huge achievement and very exciting to see the talent that will be bought to the forefront. With teams from across the world coming together to show strength, unity and healthy competition, we can not wait for the WRWC 2025. For the time being have a look at the ongoing rugby sevens and our very own home grown Blitzboks.

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