Rugby World Cup Daily - Thursday, 21 August

Just one more sleep until the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 finally kicks-off. Here are the latest news and views from around the tournament:

1. England unchanged as Maher headlines USA line-up

Tournament hosts and world No.1 ranked England open up RWC 2025 with a settled side, having named the same starting XV that defeated France 40-6 in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up game.

Meanwhile, the USA have gone for a blend of experience - typified by loose-head prop Hope Rogers winning a record-extending 56th cap - and youthful energy, with 11 starters making their World Cup debuts. One of those is Olympic bronze medal winning Ilona Maher, who grabs her spot in the centres alongside fellow former sevens stars Alev Kelter.

Get all the information you need here, including kick-off details, a link to last-minute tickets plus details on how to watch on TV and what the coaches and captains are saying.

The match carries particular significance for England star winger Abby Dow, whose family hails from Sunderland, with her 98-year-old grandad all set to watch from the stands.

2. Chambers fights through pain to deliver opening match whistle

Eight ultramarathons down, two to go for the extraordinary Lexi Chambers, as she looks to complete her 322-mile journey from Allianz Stadium, Twickenham to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, in time for the RWC 2025 opening match.

Pain and joy have been hand-in-hand for the army veteran and former nurse who is using a non-sport wheelchair, after undergoing more than 20 surgeries, including a leg amputation due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Support her remarkable efforts by donating to ChildFund Rugby UK.

3. New Zealand haka through the ages

The two-time reigning RWC champions New Zealand, have been talking about their recipe for success, with squad cohesion and downtime of particular importance.

The Black Ferns will kickoff their campaign to win a seventh title in the past eight tournaments versus Spain at 17:30 BST on Sunday, 24 August at York Community Stadium. That means just three days until the first haka of RWC 2025.

If you can't wait that long, enjoy this look at the ceremonial Maori war dance through the ages - the 2022 edition in front of their home support is particularly spine-tingling!

4. Fun times for Fiji ahead of Canada test

Immaculate vibes at the team Fiji hotel as the Pacific Islanders keep it loose before their opening Pool B match against world No.2 ranked Canada on Saturday at York Community Stadium (KO 17:30).

Shoutout to head coach Ioan Cunningham, who was only appointed in February, and along with new captain Alfreda Fisher has clearly instigated the feel-good factor.

Talking of feeling good, Fisher - at 21 the youngest captain at RWC 2025 - has been opening up on England’s culinary offering, her commitment to the Fijian way, and her ascent to captaincy in her World Cup Diary.

5. Latest RWC 2025 podcast episode drops

Get ready for kickoff by checking out the final RWC 2025 podcast episode before Friday night's opening match:

6. Watch new rugby film Where We Belong

To celebrate the long-awaited kickoff of RWC 2025, World Rugby have released a short film, titled Where we Belong.

Directed by the dynamic young duo of Pip + Lib, who have previously worked with Nike, Lego, Chelsea FC, and England women's football team, the Lionesses, the film illustrates the diversity and friendship enjoyed at grassroots rugby clubs in England and Wales.

World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox says of the film: "We have a powerful opportunity to showcase what makes rugby so unique: the incredible spectacle of the tournament, powerful players’ personalities, and communities at the heart of our game."

7. ' We want mothers to stay in sport'

To celebrate motherhood, rugby, and the Women's World Cup, Annette Bevan has produced a podcast series highlighting the players, referees, and coaches who are taking time away from their children to compete in this tournament.

The third episode out now features Jocelyn Barrieau, head coach of Canada women’s sevens side and a new mother. Other guests include England defence coach and RWC 2014 winner Sarah Hunter, and frontline referee Holly Wood. Well worth a listen.

Click here to read article