Mark your calendars, because York Community Stadium is the place to be on Saturday 23rd August 2025.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to be the biggest ever global celebration of women’s rugby, with matches played in front of record-breaking crowds. Already, more than 330,000 tickets have been sold – making it the fastest-selling Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. Now, it’s York’s turn to join the action.
York is one of eight iconic locations hosting matches across a six-week schedule. The city’s first fixture sees Canada line up against Fiji in a thrilling display of elite sporting action. With world-class talent, food trucks, a fan plaza and family fun, this is your ticket to a summer evening like no other.
Whether you’re a rugby fanatic or you just love a good day out, here are five reasons to book now and be part of the buzz.
Canada are ranked second in the world – but their road to York wasn’t easy
Credit: Rich Lam – World Rugby via Getty Images
Canada’s squad arrive in Yorkshire ranked second in the world, riding high after historic wins – including their first-ever victory against title holders New Zealand. But getting here wasn’t easy. With limited funding, a major fundraising campaign was launched to equip the team with necessary resources to get to the World Cup.
The most surprising bit? They’ve achieved their number two ranking despite being a non-professional team. Team Canada finished as runners-up last time England won the tournament in 2014 – can their underdog story reach its fairytale ending in 2025? Their campaign begins here in York.
Expect big names and even bigger performances
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The fixture serves up the chance to see some of the biggest stars in women’s rugby, live and in full flight. Canada’s captain and 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, Alexandra Tessier, brings a wealth of elite experience, while two-time World Cup Rugby Dream Team selectee Sophie de Goede returns after a long layoff through injury.
Fiji will be led by Captain Alfreda Fisher Maria, supported by a core group of senior players who featured in the last Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The squad also features two sets of sisters – Keleni Marawa and Karalaini Naisewa, and Adi Salaseini “Sala” Railumu and Setaita Railumu – underlining the strong family bonds that run through Fijian rugby.
The electric atmosphere will be unrivalled
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Watching an international tournament is an electrifying experience. Expect non-stop energy, passionate fans and chants echoing through the stands, with the buzz of a summer Saturday night in the air. And while the game will be gripping, there’s plenty going on away from the pitch too.
You’ll find live entertainment, food trucks and kids’ activities dotted around the stadium, alongside an interactive fan plaza. In other words, it’s a full-on festival of rugby. So grab a drink and a bite to eat and settle in for a thrilling evening – it’s one you’ll remember long after the final whistle.
It’s a chance to display local pride
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Yorkshire is a county with a rich rugby pedigree, and now we’re in the spotlight on a global scale. With York hosting one of the most-anticipated clashes of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, it’s your chance to show the world how we do things in God’s Own County.
Whether you’re travelling in from York, Leeds, Harrogate or Hull, this is your moment to attend a world-class event in your own backyard. Rep your city, fly your colours and make some noise for the love of rugby – and Yorkshire.
Make a day of it
Credit: Hannah Lunn and World Rugby
A day in York is always an experience, and the teatime kick off means you’ve got plenty of time to explore the historic city before the gates open at 4pm. Wander the Shambles, grab lunch by the riverside or shop the quirky indies, before heading to the stadium for an evening of high-stakes rugby.
With fast, easy travel links across the region, getting there couldn’t be easier. Just hop on a train to York Station, then you can jump on the shuttle bus for the journey out to the stadium. After the final whistle, York’s nightlife awaits – if you’re not tired out after 80 minutes of cheering!
Tickets are selling fast – don’t miss out!
Don’t miss your chance to witness Canada take on Fiji in the first Women’s Rugby World Cup Fixture at York Community Stadium. The match takes place at 5:30pm on Saturday 23rd August 2025, with adult tickets from £10 and kids’ tickets from £5. They’re selling fast, so grab yours now and be a part of the action.
