It is close now. So close that Ilona Maher, Hope Rogers et al now know they are confirmed participants in the biggest women’s rugby celebration of all time.
Here is your round-up of that big announcement plus a whole lot more:
1. USA first nation to name RWC 2025 squad
It’s official; 32 players have booked their tickets to England to be part of the greatest women’s rugby show ever.
On a night packed full of glitz and glamour, the USA revealed their chosen few for RWC 2025.
Kate Zackary will take charge for the second RWC campaign in a row, with fellow veteran forward Hope Rogers stepping up for her fourth appearance at the showpiece event. While Ilona Maher is the standout name among the 14 backs.
The team known as the USA Eagles celebrated the announcement in fine style with a 31-24 win over Fiji in front of a packed Audi Field stadium in Washington DC.
Next up, a final warm-up match against Canada on 1 August and then it will be time to set sail for England and the opening RWC 2025 match versus the hosts on 22 August.
Book your tickets to see them in action now.
2. From Hollywood to full contact training for Ilona Maher
It has been a mighty week for one of rugby’s biggest names.
First up, Ilona Maher stepped up in Hollywood to receive the ESPY award for Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. Stealing the show, the two-time Olympian delivered a brilliantly powerful speech.
Then she hopped on a plane, celebrated being picked for her first Rugby World Cup with her teammates and then jumped in to a full training session. All within 24 hours.
3. Star Australia names face frantic fitness race
Australia fans will be crossing their fingers and toes, after both regular captain Siokapesi Palu and sevens legend Charlotte Caslick had surgery last week to correct foot and ankle injuries respectively.
Injured during a hard-fought 37-12 loss to New Zealand on 12 July, the pair are hoping to be back to full fitness during the RWC 2025 pool stage.
They will definitely miss the up-coming two tests against Wales (26 July and 1 August) but are eying up Pool A fixtures v Samoa on 23 August, USA on 30 August and against hosts England on 6 September.
4. RWC 2025 final hurrah for Scotland head honcho
Long-time Scotland head coach Bryan Easson has announced RWC 2025 will be his international swansong.
In charge since 2020, Easson will be looking to go out with a bang, as his world No.7 ranked side goes up against Wales (23 August) Fiji (30 August) and Canada (6 September) in a wide-open Pool B.
5. Harriet Millar-Mills’ guide to Manchester
If you are lucky enough to be heading to Manchester for one of four thrilling-looking Pool stage matches, then check out England legend Harriet Millar-Mills’ lowdown on how to make the very most of your stay.
From how to celebrate to where to eat, via a plethora of superb local rugby clubs waiting to welcome you, the locally-born Millar-Mills has revealed all.
And if the 2017 RWC finalist’s recommendations sound appealing, do not forget you can still find tickets here.
6. Sustainability front and centre at RWC 2025
World Rugby has announced that all eight RWC 2025 host venues will have a bespoke environmental sustainability programme.
Venue-specific initiatives include EV charging at Northampton, biodiversity projects in Brighton, and LED upgrades in Exeter and Sunderland.
Efforts will continue post tournament too with carbon reporting and alignment to the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework.
7. Player spotlight: New Zealand’s irrepressible Jorja Miller
Even in a squad packed full of star attractions, Jorja Miller is starting to stand out.
Just 21, the winger was crowned the world’s best female HSBC SVNS Series player in May and has since gone on to seemingly nail down a spot in the Black Ferns squad in typical style.
Keep a close eye on Miller, she may just emerge as one of the icons of RWC 2025.
8. Team spotlight: hungry hosts England
It has been 11 years since England last lifted the women’s Rugby World Cup but wow do the current squad look ready to put that right.
The numbers are mighty impressive. Undefeated in a staggering 25 games since losing the last RWC final to New Zealand, the Red Roses are WXV champions, Grand Slam winners four-times in a row and the undisputed World No.1s.
With a seemingly well-balanced squad featuring plenty of star-power – looking at you Abbey Dow and Ellie Kildunne – and hungry youngsters, is this the time for the host nation to rediscover that ultimate winning feeling…
9. Rugby World Cup Replay: 10 of the best tries ever
It’s late July, there’s just one month to go until the big show kicks off in Sunderland, so here, as a special treat, is not one but 10 of the greatest tries in women’s Rugby World Cup history.
Enjoy!