Ireland to open 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup campaign against Japan

Ireland will open their Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign at Franklin's Gardens against Japan next August.

It was confirmed at last week's draw that Scott Bemand's side will also take on defending champions New Zealand and Spain in the tournament, having recently shocked the Black Ferns in a WXV1 clash in Vancouver.

The top two teams in each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament, with Ireland returning to the game's biggest international competition having failed to qualify for the 2021 edition.

The four quarter-finals will be split between Ashton Gate, Bristol and Exeter's Sandy Park, with Ashton Gate also staging both semi-finals before Twickenham hosts the final on Saturday, 27 September.

All games takes place across six weekends, with the majority having afternoon kick-off times, and teams will have a minimum of six days between fixtures to optimise player welfare and team performance.

"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," Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 managing director Sarah Massey said.

"With thrilling match-ups 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."

Supporters will be able to get their hands on tickets from next month, with sales beginning on 5 November.

Ireland's Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Fixtures:

Sunday, 24 August: Ireland v Japan, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, 12pm
Sunday, 31 August: Ireland v Spain, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, 12pm
Sunday, 7 September: Ireland v New Zealand, Brighton