#RWC 2025: The dynasty
SPOTLIGHT: In the penultimate instalment of getting to know the 2025 World Cup pools, Rugby365 takes a look at Pool C.
When it comes to Pool C, it’s all about World Cup dynasty, as the group features the most successful team in women’s rugby: New Zealand.
The other teams in the group are Ireland, Japan, and Spain.
While one cannot disregard the other three countries, who have shown tremendous growth in recent years, New Zealand looks set to dominate the pool.
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Known as the Black Ferns, New Zealand have made eight World Cup appearances and won six titles (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021).
They boast an 82 percent winning record in Test matches and are frequently ranked in the top three in the World Rugby Rankings.
The side benefits from effective development pathways like the Next ‘Ferns’ Programme and Black Ferns XV, which contribute immensely to their ongoing success.
Aside from World Cup triumphs, the Black Ferns have also claimed multiple Pacific Four Championship titles, including the most recent in 2024 and 2025, overcoming USA, Canada, and Australia for the trophy.
Meanwhile, Ireland have gradually grown from underdogs to serious contenders as the World Cup draws closer.
They made their World Cup debut in 1994, achieving their best result in 2014 by finishing fourth, highlighted by a stunning upset win over New Zealand, a feat they may repeat 11 years later.
The last time the two teams met, Ireland pulled off an incredible 29–27 victory over reigning world champions New Zealand in the WXV 1 opener in Vancouver (2024).
Coached by Scott Bemand, who took over in July 2023, Ireland rose from 10th in the world to 6th by late 2024, and is currently ranked fifth.
Ireland will open their campaign against Japan.
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The Sakura Fifteen are tricky opponents with the potential to shake up the group.
This will be their sixth World Cup appearance.
They secured a spot after claiming their seventh Asia Women’s Championship title.
They are coached by Lesley McKenzie, who represented Canada at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
Currently ranked 11th, 2025 has been a positive year for Japan, with a three-match winning streak, including a shock 39-33 win over the USA.
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Spain will kick off their campaign with a challenging outing against New Zealand.
Nicknamed Las Leonas (The Lionesses), Spain have appeared in six World Cups since 1991.
They earned their 2025 World Cup spot by finishing top of their WXV 3 group in late 2024, sweeping all three matches to qualify.
It is a challenging draw for Spain, who are currently ranked 13th in the world.
However, they will certainly not back down from the challenge.
Spain clinched their seventh consecutive Rugby Europe Championship title in 2024, finishing with an undefeated campaign.
In 2025, they continued the streak – capturing an eighth straight title, defeating strong opposition like the Netherlands, bringing their total European titles to twelve.
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Pool C Fixtures:
Sunday, August 24
Ireland vs Japan
New Zealand vs Spain
Sunday, August 31
Ireland vs Spain
New Zealand vs Japan
Sunday, September 7
Japan vs Spain
New Zealand vs Ireland
