Rugby World Cup Weekly 15

After months of speculation, team meetings, selection headaches, big hits, long passes and outrageous dummies, we have arrived into the month that Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off!

Here is your round-up of what's been happening in our as everyone gears up for rugby's big summer celebration:

1. Canada and Ireland among winners as preparations reach fever pitch

Over the weekend, various teams were sharpening preparations with their final warm-up matches before Rugby World Cup 2025 gets underway.

A strong second-half showing from Canada saw them shake off the United States, while Ireland were able to outlast Six Nations rivals Scotland in Cork.

There was also a big win for England over Spain in Leicester, and South Africa beat New Zealand's Black Ferns XV in Cape Town for a major boost to their lead-up.

There's also a big one next week as the Red Roses head to France for their final warm-up game before kicking the Rugby World Cup off against the United States in Sunderland on 22 August.

2. Emily Tuttosi's RWC 2025 Guide to Exeter

Canada international and Exeter Chiefs legend Emily Tuttosi got in touch to walk World Rugby through what she loves about Exeter - including the "spine-tingling" experience of playing at Sandy Park.

The front-row forward cannot wait for Canada's Pool B match against Scotland in her home-away-from-home - one of five Pool stage matches in the iconic stadium - describing the fans as "immensely passionate" and always having the players' backs.

Read all about it here, and don't forget you can still get tickets for all Exeter matches by clicking here.

3. Brazil announces squad for historic debut

Brazil have announced their squad of 32 players who have the honour of being the first Brazilians to take part in a Rugby World Cup.

Their first game is against South Africa at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton on 24 August. Among the selections is Sevens star Raquel Kochhann, who was the flag bearer for Team Brazil at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"It’s hard to put into words what this call-up and World Cup participation mean," Kochhann said. "Everything we’ve achieved proves that Brazilian rugby deserves more attention. It will be a huge challenge for us."

4. Australia legend Shannon Parry hosts coaching masterclass

With anticipation building for #RWC2025, Rugby Victoria and ChildFund Rugby hosted a Grassroots to Global Forum in Melbourne, Australia which brought together female leaders from the local rugby community.

Shannon Parry, former captain of the Wallaroos squad and now head coach of the Australia A women's sevens team, was joined by more than 20 girls, women and youth leaders actively involved in strengthening and developing the women’s game.

"It has been a real privilege to come down to Melbourne University Rugby Club to coach and inspire a fantastic group of young women, who I hope are now motivated to be the rugby leaders of the future," Parry said.

5. Canada's philanthropic initiative celebrated

Last week the Canadian team was hosted at a special event at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa to formally unveil their squad and celebrate the team’s accomplishments ahead of the final home game against the USA.

Joining the team were Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Rugby Canada Chair Kathleen McGinn. The players were lauded for the 'Mission: Win Rugby World Cup initiative', which helped fund the team’s World Cup preparations through philanthropy and community-driven support.

6. World Cup Rewind: Fiji beat South Africa to make history

Despite dominating a tense match, Fiji’s victory against South Africa at Rugby World Cup 2021 looked in jeopardy when Libbie Janse van Rensburg put South Africa in front for the first time in the 79th minute.

But Fiji kept their nerve from the restart and made their way up the field before Karalaini Naisewa dramatically scored under the posts to secure an emotional victory.

It was an historic moment as it gave Fiji their first ever World Cup victory!

7. Women's sport taskforce to meet at RWC2025

Following the Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory, the UK Government has revealed a new Women’s Sport Taskforce will bring together leaders from across sport and academia to ensure the progress seen in football is seen in other areas of women's sport.

The taskforce will meet for the first time at this summer's Rugby World Cup, putting a focus on finding solutions to the challenges facing women and girls in sport, from female athlete health to building a more diverse and dynamic workforce.

Read more about it here.

8. Team in focus: Wales impress against Wallaroos

Wales have completed their tour of Australia, during which they recorded their first win under head coach Sean Lynn with a famous victory in Brisbane.

The Welsh were unable to register a win during this year's Six Nations, so to knock over one of the World Cup's highly fancied teams is a timely boost for Lynn and his players!

9. Player in focus - Helena Rowland

England have an enviable amount of depth in their squad, and they have versatility in spades as well.

Helena Rowland can play fly-half, centre and full-back, and on Saturday she was picked on the wing for the first time for England. Showing that there's little that can stop her, Rowland crossed for a hat-trick of tries against Spain at Welford Road.

"Helena is 'Miss Versatility' – full-back, wing, centre, 10 and probably fourth nine as well," said head coach John Mitchell, who is also expecting Rowland to provide cover at scrum-half. "She has that skillset to play that role.

"Helena is probably the most valuable person on the team. She's an outstanding rugby player. I'm always thinking where I can fit her."

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