Ireland are facing a blockbuster pool clash with either England, New Zealand, France or Canada when the draw for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place on Thursday.
Scott Bemand’s side will be among the second seeds in the draw for the global showpiece, which will take place in England between August 22 and September 27 next year.
Ireland were ranked 10th in the world last September, and were on course to be placed in the band for third seeds, but a stellar run of results – which included a third-place finish in the Six Nations and wins against Australia, New Zealand and the USA – has seen this squad surge to sixth in the global rankings, earning a higher seeding ahead of the World Cup draw.
New Zealand vs Ireland
Ireland’s Linda Djougang with Marcelle Parkes of New Zealand
Pic: INPHO/Travis Prior
That means Ireland are set to meet one of the global heavyweights such as England or New Zealand in the pool stages, but they will avoid Australia, Scotland and Italy, who are also second seeds.
After a disappointing eighth-place finish in the 2017 edition, and failing to qualify for the tournament four years later, this in-form squad will be hoping to complete some unfinished business on English soil next year.
Ireland vs New Zealand
Ireland’s Alison Miller runs in for a try
Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
The pool stage draw takes place on Thursday evening from 7.20pm, and will be broadcast live on BBC One and RugbyPass TV.
WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW BANDS (RANKING IN BRACKETS) – Band 1: England (1), Canada (2), New Zealand (3), France (4); Band 2: Australia (5), Ireland (6), Scotland (7), Italy (8); Band 3: USA (9), Wales (10), Japan (11), South Africa (12); Band 4: Spain (13), Samoa (15), Fiji (17), Brazil (42).