New Zealand began its defence of the Women's Rugby World Cup by scratching a 54-8 win over Spain in York on Sunday. The Black Ferns were comfortable eight-try winners — with only 13 players for the last quarter — but at the possible cost of flanker Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who suffered a right leg injury and was carried off the field in tears.

The opening match saw England take on the USA at Sunderland's City of Light stadium. And it was a good night for the hosts as they stormed to a 69-7 victory.

Reports and reaction from the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup pool stages and knockout phases in England... Canada full-back Julia Schell scored six tries in 22 second-half minutes to lead a 65–7 rout of Fiji in York, becoming only the second player to do so in a Women’s World Cup match.