Published: 22 August 2025
The Women’s Summer of Sport is set for an exciting continuation with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, hosted in England. This event marks a significant highlight in BBC Sport’s extensive summer coverage of women’s sports, promising that “Names Will Be Made.”
Fans can anticipate comprehensive analysis, immediate reactions, and behind-the-scenes insights into the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. The event begins on 22 August, where viewers can stay connected through various BBC platforms including TV, radio, and online channels.
Opening Weekend Coverage of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Kickoff starts on Friday, 22 August, when the Six Nations champions and host nation, England, compete against the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The match can be viewed live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting at 6:30 PM, and listeners can tune in via Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
On Saturday, 23 August, fans can watch Scotland face Wales live on BBC One and iPlayer at 2:15 PM, with additional matches including Australia versus Samoa (12:00 PM) and Canada against Fiji (5:30 PM) streamed on BBC iPlayer. The day’s events conclude with France playing Italy at 8:15 PM, also available on iPlayer.
Sunday, 24 August, will feature Ireland going up against Japan at 11:45 AM, broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, followed by South Africa facing Brazil (2:45 PM) and New Zealand playing Spain (5:30 PM), both accessible on iPlayer.
Viewing Options on TV and iPlayer
BBC Sport will offer exclusive live coverage of every match throughout the tournament. All fixtures involving England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland during the group stage, as well as each knockout stage match, will be available on television.
Leading the coverage will be viewers’ favorite presenter duo, Gabby Logan and Ugo Monye, supported by a stellar commentary team including Sara Orchard, Andrew Cotter, and Claire Thomas. Pitch-side reporting will be handled by experts Sonja McLaughlan, Sarra Elgan, and Elma Smit.
Insightful commentary will come from World Cup champions like Maggie Alphonsi and Katy Daley-McLean, former England head coach Simon Middleton, and renowned commentator Brian Moore. The analysis will expand with contributions from Siwan Lillicrap, Philippa Tuttiett, and other former players following the home nations’ progress.
The inaugural match on 22 August features England against the USA at the Stadium of Light, with additional highlights including Scotland versus Wales and Ireland’s opening game against Japan.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Match Schedule
| Date | Kick-off | Match | Location | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-Aug | 7:30 PM | USA v England | Stadium of Light, Sunderland | BBC One, iPlayer |
| 23-Aug | 12:00 PM | Australia v Samoa | Salford Community Stadium | iPlayer |
| 23-Aug | 2:45 PM | Scotland v Wales | Salford Community Stadium | BBC One, iPlayer |
| 23-Aug | 5:30 PM | Canada v Fiji | York Community Stadium | iPlayer |
| 23-Aug | 8:15 PM | France v Italy | Sandy Park, Exeter | iPlayer |
| 24-Aug | 12:00 PM | Ireland v Japan | Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton | BBC Two, iPlayer |
| 24-Aug | 2:45 PM | South Africa v Brazil | Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton | iPlayer |
| 24-Aug | 5:30 PM | New Zealand v Spain | York Community Stadium | iPlayer |
Radio and BBC Sounds Coverage
Opening day coverage begins with 5 Live Breakfast’s Rachel Burden reporting from the Stadium of Light. BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds will provide live commentary for every match featuring home teams, in addition to both semi-finals and the final.
Key moments will be narrated by a skilled commentary team, including Claire Thomas, James Burridge, and Oisin Langan. Insights from World Cup champions Kat Merchant, Rachael Burford, and Giselle Mather will enrich listener experience throughout the tournament.
Alongside regular podcast editions, fans can tune into a special weekly series called Barely Rugby, hosted by comedian Harriet Kemsley, featuring discussions with England players Hannah Botterman and Meg Jones, combining sports insights with humor.
Throughout the tournament, audiences will have access to live text commentaries, match reports, and features via the BBC Sport website and app. Additional content will include exclusive interviews and highlights, alongside behind-the-scenes perspectives shared across BBC’s social media platforms.
This tournament is also part of the BBC’s Women’s Summer of Sport initiative, available at www.bbc.co.uk/womens-summer-of-sport, celebrating women’s achievements through comprehensive coverage and special features.
