WXV Global Series: Rugby Canada & World Rugby Partnership
- Here's a breakdown of the critically important data from the provided text:
- * A new international women's rugby competition designed to transform the global calendar and build momentum towards the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.
- * 18 national teams: The top 18 women's rugby teams in the world.
Key Takeaways from the WXV global Series Declaration:
Here’s a breakdown of the critically important data from the provided text:
What is the WXV Global Series?
* A new international women’s rugby competition designed to transform the global calendar and build momentum towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
* It’s a central part of the qualification pathway for the 2029 World Cup in Australia.
who is involved?
* 18 national teams: The top 18 women’s rugby teams in the world.
* World Rugby: Organizing and funding aspects of the series.
* National Unions: Responsible for hosting home matches (for the top 12 teams) and benefiting from commercial rights.
* international rugby Players Association: Partner in the launch.
How will it work?
* Two tiers:
* Top 12 Teams (Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, New zealand, scotland, South Africa, USA, Wales): Will compete in a home-and-away touring model (cross-regional) during a September-October international window. They retain commercial rights to home fixtures.
* Teams 13-18 (Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong China, Netherlands, Samoa, Spain): Will play all their fixtures at a single, centrally funded destination (by World Rugby) in 2026 and 2028.
* Rankings: Team positions are fixed for the 2026-28 cycle, based on rankings at the end of WXV 2024.
* 2027 Season: Will include additional fixtures for teams not involved in the British and Irish Lions Women’s Tour to New Zealand.
Why is this important?
* Increased Competition: Provides more meaningful and consistent competition for all participating teams.
* Growth & Sustainability: Aims to fuel fan engagement, commercial growth, and long-term sustainability of the women’s game.
* Advancement: Supports developing nations (teams 13-18) through funding and a centralized competition format.
* Fan Growth: Builds on the already growing popularity of women’s rugby (record attendance at Women’s Six Nations, high viewership of RWC 2025).
* Commercial Opportunities: Allows Unions to capitalize on the growing interest in women’s rugby through home fixture commercial rights.
Key Dates/Timeline:
* 2026-2028: The WXV Global Series will run with over 100 matches.
* 2029: Women’s Rugby World Cup in australia – the WXV series is a key qualification pathway.