The Irish women’s rugby team has learnt that they will play Japan in their opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year. Scott Bemand’s side will face New Zealand, Japan, and Spain throughout the tournament.
It was revealed this week that Japan and Ireland will clash first in Northampton on Sunday, 24 August.
Ireland will then go head-to-head with Spain in their second outing at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday, 31 August, before concluding Pool C against the Black Ferns at Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium on Sunday, 7 September.
The top two teams from each pool will progress to the quarterfinals.
Our Match Schedule for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is locked in! âś…
We’ll get our Pool C campaign underway against Japan at Franklin’s Gardens next August.#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 22, 2024
Ireland is familiar with all three sides, with New Zealand being the most recent opponent. In the opening game of the WXV1 tournament, Ireland edged out the Black Ferns in Vancouver. The year before, Ireland defeated Spain in the WXV3 decider.
The tournament will conclude on 27 September.
Fans will have the opportunity to apply for tickets for all matches from 11:00 (GMT +1) on Tuesday, 5 November, until 11:00 (GMT +1) on Tuesday, 19 November. Ballots will be used for any price categories that are oversubscribed. Fans can register to be the first to hear about ticket news here
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025—Ireland Fixtures:
- Sunday, 24 August: Ireland vs. Japan, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, 12pm
- Sunday, 31 August: Ireland vs. Spain, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, 12pm
- Sunday, 7 September: Ireland vs. New Zealand, Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton, 2.45pm.