The ‘auld enemy’ may lie in wait for champs

HOLDERS England could face Scotland in the pool stage of next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.

England, crowned world champions two years ago after beating Canada in Paris, have been grouped with the United States, Italy and a European qualifier.

The remaining European place will be filled by Scotland or Spain, who meet over two legs in Glasgow and Madrid later this month to decide the fourth Pool B team.

Host nation Ireland are in Pool C, where they will be joined by France, Australia and either Fiji, Hong Kong or Japan.

And Wales will be in Pool A alongside New Zealand and Canada, plus the Asia/Oceania qualifying section runners-up.

The tournament takes place from August 9-26 next year.

The pool games will be played in Dublin with the play-off rounds taking place in Belfast, where Wednesday’s draw was made.

The eighth Women’s World Cup final is scheduled for August 26 at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast, formerly Ravenhill.

Reflecting on the pool composition, England women’s head coach Simon Middleton said:

“Every game needs to be treated on its merits, and delivering to the high standards we set ourselves will be our objective from the outset.

“This is a World Cup, and we anticipate an outstanding level of competition.

“We expect tough games and will continue to prepare for the World Cup with a single focus of retaining the title.”

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont added: “The last Women’s Rugby World Cup in France was a watershed moment for the women’s game, with record crowds and massive TV audiences watching across the world.

“There are some fantastic matches in store in August, and, with more than two million women and girls currently playing the sport, I have no doubt that next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup will be a fantastic event.

“It will encourage many more women and girls to get involved with the sport.”