1 week ago Women’s Rugby World Cup ticket sales triple that of 2022 tournament

Final set to be most attended women’s matchPeak of 3.1 million watched England’s semi-final on BBCTicket sales for the Women’s Rugby World Cup are more than triple the previous tournament in New Zealand. England, the host side, will face Canada in the final on Saturday at a long sold-out Twickenham and figures released on Monday showed more than 440,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament.“That is 100,000 more than our original objective,” said the tournament’s managing director, Sarah Massey. “It is three times the number that was sold for the last women’s Rugby World Cup. It is an extraordinary milestone that even surpasses our best expectations.” Continue reading...

Sport

1 week ago South Africa marks World Rhino Day as poaching slows but one still killed daily

Conservationists mark world rhino day on Monday while they are still in a constant battle against poaching

Events

2 w. ago England v France live: Red Roses battle past bitter rivals in Women’s World Cup semi

Canada await in the final as France seek a first win over the Red Roses in 16 attempts

Events

2 w. ago England v France live: Red Roses battle bitter rivals in epic Women’s World Cup semi

Canada await in the final as France seek a first win over the Red Roses in 16 attempts

Events

2 w. ago England v France live: Red Roses battle closest rivals in Women’s World Cup semi

Canada await in the final as France seek a first win over the Red Roses in 16 attempts

Events

2 w. ago How to watch England vs France: TV channel and live stream for Women's Rugby World Cup semi

Can the Red Roses book their place in the final?

Sport

2 w. ago Clinical Canada end Black Ferns’ reign and book place in Rugby World Cup final

Semi-final: New Zealand 19-34 CanadaSix-times champions out after consecutive title winsCanada always had a good chance of beating New Zealand in their Rugby World Cup semi-final no one anticipated them dominating the defending champions and playing them off of the park at times. This was a masterclass by Kévin Rouet’s team who used pace, patience and instincts to knock the Blacks Ferns out and book their spot in the final for just the second time.The match had already been picked out as one that would go down in history but the result certified that. Sophie de Goede excelled once again for Canada. Whether through breakdown turnovers, conversions or splicing through defence she was the linchpin in a fluid game from 1-15. The trust the team have in each other when they have front-foot ball allowed them to play with pure freedom that downed New Zealand and set up a final against England or France next Saturday. This is the first time since 2014 New Zealand will not be in the final, th...

Sport

2 w. ago New Zealand vs Canada live: Black Ferns chasing epic comeback in Women’s World Cup semi

Can Canada upset the defending champions in a semi-final that promises plenty?

Politics

2 w. ago New Zealand vs Canada live: Canada make bright start and lead Women’s World Cup semi

Can Canada upset the defending champions in a semi-final that promises plenty?

Politics

2 w. ago New Zealand vs Canada live: Defending champions face rivals in Women’s World Cup semi

Can Canada upset the defending champions in a semi-final that promises plenty?

Politics

2 w. ago ‘Roll over or come back fighting’: Mo Hunt on England pain that left a scar

Scrum-half is savouring every moment of this Women’s World Cup after being cut on the eve of the last oneIt is a quiet midweek afternoon on the outskirts of Bristol and, up to now, Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt has been her normal upbeat self. England’s scrum-half has been discussing any number of topics, from her love of rugby’s tactical nuances to her croissant-loving fans, with the easy confidence of someone relishing every second of this women’s Rugby World Cup.Her sparkly eyed positivity is such that it’s easy to forget she has had to escape the heart of darkness to be here. Three years ago, on the eve of the last World Cup, Hunt was axed from the Red Roses squad and big knockout games such as Saturday’s semi-final against France now mean that little bit more. “When you get hurt that bad it’s never going to go away,” she says softly. “You’re always going to have a little scar.” Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago The lesson England must learn as France rivalry reignites at Women’s World Cup

France have not beaten the Red Roses in their last 16 attempts but gave England a real fright at Twickenham earlier this year

Politics

2 w. ago Giants New Zealand must be wary of bogey team Canada in semi

Canucks have gone under the radar at Women’s Rugby World Cup but underdogs can upset world No 1 sideFor anyone who might be thinking champions New Zealand are a shoo-in to make the Rugby World Cup final, Canada have three key attributes to suggest they can knock out the Black Ferns in their semi-final on Friday evening: Belief, fast ruck speed and Sophie de Goede.Canada are the world No 2 side and came close to beating England at the 2024 WXV 1, yet have gone under the radar in the buildup to this tournament and during its early stages, with much of the attention focused on the potential for a rematch of the 2022 final between New Zealand and hosts England. Against the Black Ferns in the last four at Ashton Gate, Canada will still be viewed as underdogs in some circles, something the team have spoken about a lot, according to the wing Alysha Corrigan. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Giants New Zealand must be wary of bogey team Canada in World Cup semi

Maple Leafs have gone under the radar at Women’s Rugby World Cup but underdogs can upset the championsFor anyone who might be thinking champions New Zealand are a shoo-in to make the Rugby World Cup final, Canada have three key attributes to suggest they can knock out the Black Ferns in their semi-final on Friday evening: Belief, fast ruck speed and Sophie de Goede.Canada are the world No 2 side and came close to beating England at the 2024 WXV 1, yet have gone under the radar in the buildup to this tournament and during its early stages, with much of the attention focused on the potential for a rematch of the 2022 final between New Zealand and hosts England. Against the Black Ferns in the last four at Ashton Gate, Canada will still be viewed as underdogs in some circles, something the team have spoken about a lot, according to the wing Alysha Corrigan. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Zoe Harrison gets fly half nod as Ellie Kildunne returns for England’s Women’s World Cup semi

Harrison edges out Holly Aitchison to start at 10 against France with England given a double fitness boost

Politics

2 w. ago How Canada can end New Zealand’s reign in Women’s World Cup semi

After recording their first win over the Black Ferns last year, Canada have understandable belief that they can end the world champions’ reign

Politics

2 w. ago New Zealand suffer injury blow as rising star Jorja Miller ruled out of Women’s World Cup semi

Flanker Miller has enjoyed a standout tournament

Events

2 w. ago Berthoumieu banned for biting Wafer in blow to France before England clash

France flanker handed 12-match suspensionManaé Feleu also banned owing to a high tackleThe France flanker Axelle Berthou­mieu has been banned for biting the ­Ireland back-row Aoife Wafer in their ­Women’s Rugby World Cup ­quarter‑final and the flanker will miss the semi‑final against England on Saturday.Manaé Feleu, the France captain, will also miss the England clash as she has been banned for a high tackle in the Ireland game. Both players are appealing against the sanctions. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago New Zealand survive scare against South Africa to progress to Women’s World Cup semi

New Zealand 46-17 South Africa: The Women’s Springboks impressed in Exeter but the class of the Black Ferns eventually told

Events