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World Rugby unveils expansion of women’s World Cup to 16 teams from 2025

New Zealand's players celebrate their victory on the pitch after the Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 final (Photo credit: PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images).

The women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025 will be the first to feature 16 teams, World Rugby has announced, as it continues its push to develop the women’s game internationally.

The World Cup has comprised 12 teams since the first tournament in 1991, but will grow by a third for its tenth edition, with an expanded qualification process allowing a greater number of countries to be involved. 

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