The Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2025 kicks off with a Pool A clash as hosts England take on inaugural champions USA in the opener at the Stadium of Light on Friday.
England, the 1994 and 2014 champions and currently ranked world No. 1, is the team to beat in the tournament. They enter the RWC as favorites as the most in-form side: winning 57 of their last 58 tests.
After falling short in back-to-back grand finals in 2017 and 2021 to New Zealand, the Red Roses are back stronger than ever, and this time, they have the added advantage of playing at home.
Zoe Aldcroft captains the Red Roses at home. while Emily Scarratt is on track to become the first English rugby union player with appearances in five different RWCs.
The USA, ranked No. 10 in the world, won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1991. After a year-long winless run, they broke the streak in July with a 34-21 victory over Fiji in Washington.
They head into the World Cup under the leadership of back-rower Kate Zacakary, captaining the side for the second consecutive tournament. Popular rugby star Olona Maher also returns to the country where she has made a massive impact with Bristol Bears in 2025.
The Sporting News looks at the key fixture details and how to follow the matches.
England vs. USA Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 live stream, TV channel
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: Fubo US, Paramount+
This England vs. USA Women's Rugby World Cup is available for live TV broadcast in the US on CBS Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo and Paramount+ with the latter showing every match of the tournament and offering a FREE trial to new subscribers.
Fubo carries all the top leagues and teams, plus popular shows, movies and news for the entire household. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and USA Network. Plus 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does England vs. USA Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 kick off?
The England vs. USA Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 clash takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England and kicks off on Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. local time (BST)
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Aug. 22 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Aug. 22 | 1:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Aug. 22 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Aug. 22 | 11:30 a.m. |
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 full schedule
Friday, August 22
- England vs. United States at Sunderland (2:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, August 23
- Australia vs. Samoa at Salford (7:00 a.m. ET)
- Scotland vs. Wales at Salford (9:45 a.m. ET)
- Canada vs. Fiji at York (12:30 p.m. ET)
- France vs. Italy at Exeter (3:15 p.m. ET)
Sunday, August 24
- Ireland vs. Japan at Northampton (7:00 a.m. ET)
- South Africa vs. Brazil at Northampton (9:45 a.m. ET)
- New Zealand vs. Spain at York (12:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, August 30
- Canada vs. Wales at Salford (7:00 a.m. ET)
- Scotland vs. Fiji at Salford (9:45 a.m. ET)
- England vs. Samoa at Northampton (12:00 p.m. ET)
- United States vs. Australia at York (2:30 p.m. ET)
Sunday, August 31
- Ireland vs. Spain at Northampton (7:00 a.m. ET)
- New Zealand vs. Japan at Exeter (9:00 a.m. ET)
- Italy vs. South Africa at York (10:30 a.m. ET)
- France vs. Brazil at Exeter (11:45 a.m. ET)
Saturday, September 6
- United States vs. Samoa at York (8:30 a.m. ET)
- Canada vs. Scotland at Exeter (7:00 a.m. ET)
- Wales vs. Fiji at Exeter (9:45 a.m. ET)
- England vs. Australia at Brighton (12:00 p.m. ET)
Sunday, September 7
- Japan vs. Spain at York (7:00 a.m. ET)
- New Zealand vs. Ireland at Brighton (9:45 a.m. ET)
- Italy vs. Brazil at Northampton (9:00 a.m. ET)
- France vs. South Africa at Northampton (11:45 a.m. ET)