Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Teams Welcome
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Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: All Teams Officially Welcomed
All 16 teams participating in the 2025 Women’s rugby World Cup have now been officially welcomed. Ceremonies were held across England,beginning with events in Sunderland,Northampton,and Exeter on Saturday,August 17th,2025. The remaining eight teams received their welcomes on Sunday in Manchester and York.
The teams welcomed on Sunday were Australia, Samoa, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Fiji, Spain, and New Zealand. World Rugby vice-Chairman Jonathan Webb addressed the teams in Manchester,while World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin spoke at a ceremony in York,where the defending champions,New Zealand,were present.
Player Reactions:
Siokapesi Palu (Australia Captain): Expressed excitement about the tournament, calling it a potentially “remarkable” and “one of the best ever.” she highlighted the event as an inspiration for growing women’s rugby back home, noting greater visibility in England. Rachel Malcolm (Scotland Captain): Described playing in the World Cup as a lifelong dream and expressed pride in being part of what she anticipates will be the biggest event in women’s rugby history.
Silvia Turani (Italy): Said the tournament now “feels real” after the travel and opening ceremonies.
Manaé Feleu (France): Praised the unique and “sacred” setting of Exeter Cathedral for their welcome ceremony, calling it an ”incredible” experience.
Resources such as video news releases (VNR), photos, and speeches from the ceremonies are available for download.