Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, h2h, odds - The Red Rose hope to open their World Cup campaign with a statement win

Ilona Maher has been picked by the United States as part of their squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Maher, who is the most followed active rugby player on Instagram, has gained huge popularity across social media and was part of the bronze medal winning US rugby sevens team at the 2024 Olympics.

Here’s The Independent’ s player-by-player guide to the squad: A powerful ball carrier, Botterman is now firmly established as England’s first-choice loosehead, who combines set-piece solidity with real prowess over the ball. A high-energy figure on and off the pitch.

One decision not to kick for goal, one stolen lineout, one more lost final - England are preparing to win Women's Rugby World Cup again.

As excitement builds for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – which commences on Friday 22nd August and will be hosted on home turf in England – Official Partner O2 is offering fans a new way to get behind the Red Roses; delivering a world-first, AI generated team talk of support.

But when the call came to represent the Red Roses, Shekells didn’t hesitate because she believes this home World Cup is a massive moment for women’s rugby in England. “I’m excited to see where the women’s game will go,” Shekells told Standard Sport. “It’s already on the rise, and I think a home World Cup will make it explode.

Sarah Hunter, the Red Roses defence coach, believes this month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup will attract more women into coaching roles.

Four nations taking part in the Women's Rugby World Cup have been welcomed to England with a ceremony in a town. The teams of Brazil, Ireland, Japan and South Africa attended an official welcome ceremony at Northampton's Guildhall on Saturday, ahead of the tournament, which begins on Friday.