Brighton Set To Welcome Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and England’s Red Roses

Rugby players and fans from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and England will descend on the city next September as they bid to become The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 champions.

The teams are set to thrill crowds at Brighton & Hove Community Stadium, as they face each other in two of the competition pool games.

Matches at the stadium will include the current world cup title holders New Zealand as well as England’s Red Roses who have gone into the tournament as the highest ranking – men’s or women’s – team in history.

Brighton & Hove is one of eight host cities chosen to host 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup matches and today the tournament match schedule has been confirmed by World Rugby.

The two matches scheduled for Brighton & Hove Community Stadium are:

• Saturday 6 September: England v Australia (kick-off 5pm)
• Sunday 7 September: New Zealand v Ireland (kick-off 2.45pm)

Council leader Bella Sankey said:

“What a fantastic result for Brighton & Hove!   England, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland – we couldn’t have wished for a better line-up.

“We have some incredibly talented athletes coming to the city next year and I hope these strong, positive role models will inspire many more women and girls to get involved with sport.

“The tournament is a golden opportunity to showcase our city to a worldwide audience and give all teams and fans a very, Brighton & Hove, warm welcome”.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s chief operating officer Paul Mullen added:

“We are thrilled to be hosting the two matches, four of the world’s best international rugby teams and some of the world’s elite female athletes at the stadium.

“It’s a huge honour for the club, the stadium and the city – and just as we saw with the football at the Euros here in 2022, the city of Brighton & Hove has a great passion for these iconic sporting events, and the people will come out to support all the teams, not least the home nation England.”

The city is already gearing up for next year’s tournament, which aims to raise the profile of women’s rugby and inspire the next generation of players.

Last week, hundreds of primary school children enjoyed a Festival of Rugby at Hove Rugby Club, learning new skills and playing tag rugby.

Residents and fans can also look forward to an exciting programme of events in the run- up to, and during the tournament including a Fan Zone over the match weekend.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be the biggest ever celebration of women’s rugby and will kick-off with hosts England facing USA in the opening match at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on 22 August 2025.

Reigning champions New Zealand will begin their title defence against Spain at York Community Stadium on Sunday, 24 August 2025.

Fans will have the opportunity to apply for tickets for all matches from 5 - 19 November.

Ballots will be used for any price categories which are oversubscribed.

With child prices available at all matches including the opening and knock-out matches and a vast majority of kick-off times in the afternoon, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be the family event of the year inspiring the next generation of players in England.

Fans can register to be the first to hear about ticket news here.

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey, said:

“The confirmation of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule brings a wave of excitement as fans in the host nation and around the globe can now mark their calendars for this era-defining tournament.

“With thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments guaranteed across the length and breadth of the country, the stage is set for the world’s top teams to showcase the very best of women’s rugby.

"Whether you’re a rugby fan or a newcomer, join us and be part of this unstoppable energy and historic moment!”