The Women’s Rugby World Cup is finally on the horizon, and 16 international squads are gearing up for the initial group stages that begin on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The New Zealand Black Ferns enter the competition as the reigning champions, taking home the World Cup title in 2021 as the host country. They are also the winningest team, seeing victory in six of the nine total Women’s World Cup finals.
The Black Ferns are undefeated in 2025 so far, taking a win over Australia and the USA while earning a draw against Canada. They are currently ranked No. 3 in the world behind Canada in second and England in first, two teams that New Zealand will not face in the first round of group stages.
Here’s everything to know about the Black Ferns heading into the Women’s World Cup this week.
When Is The Women’s Rugby World Cup?
The Women’s Rugby World Cup will begin on August 22 with the group stages and run through September 27 when a champion is crowned following finals.
How To Watch The Black Ferns At The World Cup
Fans can tune into every match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the US on Paramount+ and CBS Sports.
New Zealand Black Ferns World Cup Schedule
- Sunday, August 24 – 12:30 p.m. ET – New Zealand vs. Spain
- Sunday, August 31 – 9:00 a.m. ET – New Zealand vs. Japan
- Sunday, September 7 – 9:45 a.m. ET – New Zealand vs. Ireland
New Zealand Black Ferns SquadForwards
- Kate Henwood
- Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
- Chryss Viliko
- Atlanta Lolohea
- Vici-Rose Green
- Georgia Ponsonby
- Tanya Kalounivale
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Amy Rule
- Laura Bayfield
- Alana Bremner
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos
- Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
- Jorja Miller
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker
- Layla Sae
- Kennedy Tukuafu
Backs
- Iritana Hohaia
- Maia Joseph
- Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
- Kelly Brazier
- Ruahei Demant
- Logo-i-pulotu Lemapu-atai’i Sylvia Brunt
- Amy Du Plessis
- Theresa Setefano
- Stacey Waaka
- Renee Holmes
- Ayesha Leti-i’iga
- Braxton Sorensen-Mcgee
- Katelyn Vahaakolo
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Women’s World Cup Full Schedule
Scheduling for quarterfinals, semifinals, and final knockout rounds will be updated following group stages.
- Friday, August 22 – 2:30 p.m. ET – USA vs. England
- Saturday, August 23 – 7:00 a.m. ET – Australia vs. Samoa
- Saturday, August 23 – 9:45 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Wales
- Saturday, August 23 – 12:30 p.m. ET – Canada vs. Fiji
- Saturday, August 23 – 3:15 p.m. ET – France vs. Italy
- Sunday, August 24 – 7:00 a.m. ET – Ireland vs. Japan
- Sunday, August 24 – 9:45 a.m. ET – South Africa vs. Brazil
- Sunday, August 24 – 12:30 p.m. ET – New Zealand vs. Spain
- Saturday, August 30 – 7:00 a.m. ET – Canada vs. Wales
- Saturday, August 30 – 9:45 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Fiji
- Saturday, August 30 – 12:00 p.m. ET – England vs. Samoa
- Saturday, August 30 – 2:30 p.m. ET – USA vs. Australia
- Sunday, August 31 – 7:00 a.m. ET – Ireland vs. Spain
- Sunday, August 31 – 9:00 a.m. ET – New Zealand vs. Japan
- Sunday, August 31 – 10:30 a.m. ET – Italy vs. South Africa
- Sunday, August 31 – 11:45 a.m. ET – France vs. Brazil
- Saturday, September 6 – 7:00 a.m. ET – Canada vs. Scotland
- Saturday, September 6 – 8:30 a.m. ET – USA vs. Samoa
- Saturday, September 6 – 9:45 a.m. ET – Wales vs. Fiji
- Saturday, September 6 – 12:00 p.m. ET – England vs. Australia
- Sunday, September 7 – 7:00 a.m. ET – Japan vs. Spain
- Sunday, September 7 – 9:00 a.m. ET – Italy vs. Brazil
- Sunday, September 7 – 9:45 a.m. ET – New Zealand vs. Ireland
- Sunday, September 7 – 11:45 a.m. ET – France vs. South Africa
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.
Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social