The first eight teams for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 have attended three Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Welcome Ceremonies held in Sunderland, Exeter and Northampton, with the Japanese national women’s side among four teams to be welcomed at the latter.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images – Japan’s Iroha Nagata and head coach Lesley McKenzie pose for a photograph after receiving their Women’s Rugby World Cup participation caps during the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremony at Northampton Guildhall on August 16, 2025, in Northampton, England.
Teams Attend Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Welcome Ceremonies As Start Inches Closer
Eight of the 16 participating teams were officially welcomed to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, and the welcome ceremony in Northampton saw all four of South Africa, Ireland, Brazil and Japan attend the ceremony at Northampton’s Guildhall ahead of a double-header on Sunday, 24 August.
The Sakura 15 are in their opening match host city, getting ready for their match against Ireland at Franklin Gardens in and South Africa face tournament debutants Brazil afterwards.
The Japanese team will be involved in some community activities, including at Tour Delapré Abbey on Monday, 18th August. The Sakura 15 team announcement for the opening game is expected to be held on 22 August.
Photo Credit – JRFU – Sakura 15 training in Northampton
Springbok Women utility forward Nomsai Mokwai said, “The final push starts now. We all have to be the best teammate, the best opponent and the best player we can be. It is not about the individual here; this is a team representing all of South Africa, and that is where the focus will be. I am happy to be all those at the 2025 World Cup.”
Elsewhere, World Rugby, England 20,25 and local dignitaries welcomed the host nation and favourites for the tournament, the Red Roses, as well as the USA at Sunderland’s City Hall ahead of their match on Friday, 22 August, which will get the RWC 2025 underway with more than 40,000 tickets sold.
England captain Zoe Aldcroft commented, ““It’s just so special to be able to come up here to the north-east, where I’m from – I’m from Scarborough [in North Yorkshire]. It’s amazing that we’re getting to reach all areas of England. I think that’s super special in creating that momentum and hopefully the whole country can get behind us during the World Cup.”
Former England full-back and current World Rugby Vice-Chairman Jonathan Webb addressed the two teams and local dignitaries in Sunderland, saying:
“This tournament is smashing records, challenging convention, and creating history….To you, the players and coaches – it is now your time to shine and create those unforgettable moments. Your personality, your platform, and your presence are blazing a trail for rugby, for women and for sport. Through your authenticity and relevance, you are connecting with new audiences, breaking down barriers, and showing the true power of personality in sport to change the game. We thank you for everything that you do.”
At Exeter Cathedral, France and Italy were welcomed ahead of their match at Sandy Park on Saturday, 23 August. That is the venue for Japan’s second match against the reigning champions, New Zealand.
Photo Credit – JRFU
On 17th August 2025, the remaining eight nations will take part in similar ceremonies with Australia, Samoa, Scotland and Wales at Manchester’s Rates Hall, and Canada, Fiji, New Zealand and Spain welcomed as Tempest Anderson Hall in York’s Museum Gardens.
In total, 350,000 tickets have been sold for the expanded WRWC 2025 format of 16 nations playing across eight host locations.
Editor’s Note – Rugby Asia 247 is due to be at all three Japan pool games, but we have already had trains cancelled despite booking well in advance for the Exeter match on 31st August. We hope to still be there, but we assume other fans will also be impacted. This was always a concern for the England RWC as the railways had and have a poor reputation.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 News