All 16 participating teams have now been officially welcomed to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Following Saturday’s events in Sunderland, Northampton and Exeter, the remaining eight teams – Australia, Samoa, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Fiji, Spain and New Zealand – were welcomed on Sunday in Manchester and York.
Scotland, Australia, Samoa and Wales were welcomed at Rates Hall in Manchester.
Rachel Malcolm, the Scotland captain, said: “Playing at a World Cup on this scale is truly something we have dreamt of our entire lives and our entire careers.
“To be here and have an opportunity to be part of what is going to be the biggest event in women’s rugby so far is exciting. I’m so proud to captain my country and represent the journeys that every single one of our players has been on.”
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby CEO, said: “Welcome to Manchester and welcome to Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025.
“The stage is set…
“To you, the players and coaches, it is now your time to shine and create 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.
Enjoy every single moment. You will make new friends, win new fans and write your own chapter of history. And when you look back, we hope you feel proud, not just of what you achieve on the pitch, but of what you sparked: something bigger than a game, something lasting, something that will light the path for the next generation and inspire them to dream even bigger.”
The World Cup event runs from August 22 to September 27 and the Scotland pool matches are against Wales in Manchester on Saturday, Fiji in Manchester on August 30 and Canada in Exeter on September 6.
Scotland Women’s Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Becky Boyd, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (C), Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young.
Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden, Beth Blacklock, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills.
The Scotland squad and backroom staff are pictured at the welcome event in Manchester – thanks to World Rugby
From August 7 until September 30, GH Media will be following the Scotland World Cup journey all of the way. We will be at all of the Scotland matches down south and will be bringing you all of the interviews and news from camp as well as taking a wider look at the tournament as a whole and its impact on the women’s game. Thanks to Quirky Chocolate and other supporters for allowing this content to happen and to readers for engaging with it.