England confirmed as hosts for 2025 women’s World Cup

ENGLAND have been confirmed as hosts for the 2025 women’s World Cup as World Rugby mapped out all destination countries for its global events until 2033.

Australia is to stage the 2027 men’s competition as well as the 2029 women’s event, it was agreed at a council meeting in Dublin yesterday morning.

In a first for the sport, the United States has been approved for the 2031 men’s and 2033 women’s tournaments in the hope of growing interest in America.

RFU chief operating officer Sue Day said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2025 women’s World Cup - it’s going to be incredible.

“Working closely with Government, UK Sport, Sport England and World Rugby, we will create a lasting legacy for women’s rugby in England, the UK and across the world, both in terms of attracting more people to play and attracting new fans.

“As we have seen from other home World Cups in cricket, hockey and netball, a World Cup will further advance all women’s sport.

“The tournament will also deliver significant economic benefits right across the country.”

» London Irish hooker Agustin Creevy has received a one-week ban after he was cited for pulling an opposition player’s hair.

Citing commissioner Eugene Ryan lodged a complaint against Creevy after he pulled Toulon lock Eben Etzebeth’s hair during a European Challenge Cup quarter-final tie last weekend. Former Argentina captain Creevy accepted the charge during an independent disciplinary hearing, and he will be unavailable for next week’s Premiership Rugby Cup final between Irish and Worcester.