Women’s Rugby World Cup: History, Champions, Finals and Icons of the Game
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is the premier international competition in women’s rugby union, organized by World Rugby. First played in 1991, not all editions were initially recognized, but today every champion is officially part of the sport’s history.
Held every four years, the tournament features the top national teams in the world. The rapid growth of the women’s game has driven increased investment, wider coverage and continuous expansion of the event.
Women’s Rugby World Cup Editions
These are all editions played to date:
- 1991 – Wales
- 1994 – Scotland
- 1998 – Netherlands
- 2002 – Spain
- 2006 – Canada
- 2010 – England
- 2014 – France
- 2017 – Ireland
- 2021* – New Zealand
- 2025 – England (upcoming)
- 2029 – Australia (future host)
- 2033 – United States (future host)
* Played in 2022 due to the pandemic but marketed as the 2021 tournament.
Beginning in 2025, the competition expands from 12 to 16 teams, marking an important step in global development.
Women’s Rugby World Cup Champions
Only three nations have been crowned world champions:
| Team | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 6 | 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021 |
| 🏴 England | 3 | 1994, 2014, 2025 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 1 | 1991 |
New Zealand’s Black Ferns are the most dominant team in tournament history.
Women’s Rugby World Cup Finals
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | United States | 19–6 | England |
| 1994 | England | 38–23 | United States |
| 1998 | New Zealand | 44–12 | United States |
| 2002 | New Zealand | 19–9 | England |
| 2006 | New Zealand | 25–17 | England |
| 2010 | New Zealand | 13–10 | England |
| 2014 | England | 21–9 | Canada |
| 2017 | New Zealand | 41–32 | England |
| 2021 | New Zealand | 34–31 | England |
| 2025 | England | 33–13 | Canada |
Greatest Women’s Rugby World Cup Players
The tournament has produced unforgettable stars who have shaped the women’s game:
| Player | Nation | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Portia Woodman-Wickliffe | New Zealand | Most tries in World Cup history (20) |
| Emily Scarratt | England | Record for career World Cup points (175) |
| Kendra Cocksedge | New Zealand | All-time conversions leader |
| Magali Harvey | Canada | Most points in a single match (41) |
| Farah Palmer | New Zealand | Three-time world champion captain |
| Sarah Hunter | England | Inspirational leader and one of England’s most-capped players |
Every World Cup introduces new role models, inspiring generations of future players.