Talking to World Rugby’s Sally Horrox is to sense energy and momentum as England prepare to host the tournament

“Where sisterhood meets rivalry,” is the snappy tag line ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup being staged in England next August and September. Take a look at the newly released tournament match schedule, with a blockbuster opening of England facing the US and 16 teams spread around eight cities, and it already feels more ambitious and potentially gamechanging than any of its predecessors.

Listen up, too, to the informed opinion of Sally Horrox, World Rugby’s director of the women’s game. “I think it’s an opportunity to reposition rugby,” she suggests. “Not just women’s rugby. Rugby. We need to make sure the impact of this tournament is felt around the world.” There is a priceless opportunity, certainly, for female rugby union players to leave their male counterparts in the shade.