Scotland have been drawn in Pool B for the Rugby World Cup 2025 in England alongside Canada, Wales and Fiji.
The draw was made live on BBC TV on Thursday evening and the seventh in the world Scots will be up against the second ranked Canadians, the 10th ranked Welsh and the 17th ranked Fijians.
Two sides will go through from the group into the knock-out stages while Pool A in the 16-team event is made up of England, Australia, USA and Samoa, Pool C consists of holders New Zealand, Ireland, Japan and Spain and Pool D has France, Italy, South Africa and Brazil in it.
The tournament will run between August 22 and September 27 next year all across England. Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York will be hosting games.
This will be Scotland’s seventh Rugby World Cup following on from appearing in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2021 played in 2022.
Scotland beat both Wales and Fiji comfortably at Hive Stadium 40-14 and 59-15 respectively as recently as September while they have not played Canada since 2018 when they lost 28-25 at Scotstoun.
Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm was in The One Show studio for the draw and said: “We are pretty used to playing Wales, we have played them a huge number of times, so it’s exciting.
“None of those pools are easy, but looking at our pool we’re super excited.
“What’s evident straight away is that the four teams play different styles of rugby. Canada are definitely a force to be reckoned with, they’re probably going to be our biggest challenge, but equally we know Fiji play a very quick brand of rugby so we have to be ready for that and we know the challenge that a very physical Wales team bring so we’re excited for it.
“As players we are all super passionate about growing our game we always have been and I think right now the standard of the women’s game is the best it has ever been so this is the best time to try and get as many eyes on the game as possible.”
As well as Malcolm, England captain Marlie Packer, Wales captain Hannah Jones and Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan were in the studio as were some young fans while the skippers got to meet Jennifer Saunders and Jane Horrocks of Absolutely Fabulous fame and presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.
Kemp conducted the draw along with England legend Maggie Alphonsi and it was hosted by Gabby Logan.
What’s next…
The Rugby World Cup 2025 match schedule will be revealed on Tuesday, October 22, giving teams, host locations and fans clarity on fixtures.
It has already been confirmed that England will play their opening match in Sunderland, with their remaining two pool matches being played in Northampton and Brighton and Hove.
For more on this and ticket info, click here
Rachel Malcolm is pictured on The One Show at the draw
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