Brazil Makes History at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is in full swing in England, with 16 nations competing in the biggest edition of the tournament to date. The expanded format has delivered everything fans hoped for: thrilling upsets, nail-biting draws, dominant displays from traditional powerhouses, and a historic first appearance from Brazil, the only Latin American nation in the competition.

 

 

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Brazil’s Historic Debut

 

Brazil booked its ticket to the World Cup by defeating Colombia in last year’s South American qualifier, making history as the region’s first-ever representatives on this stage. 

 

Their path in England, however, has been a steep climb. Drawn in a tough pool with France, South Africa, and Italy, the “Yaras” have suffered heavy defeats (84–5 against France and 66–6 to South Africa) and will close their campaign against Italy already out of contention. But while the results sting, their presence has marked a milestone for rugby in Latin America, showing that the sport’s growth has no borders.

 

 

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The Road to the Knockouts

 

Elsewhere, the tournament has delivered some unforgettable clashes. Week two saw Australia and the United States battle to a 31–31 draw, a match that left both teams clinging to hopes of advancing.

 

 

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The Americans still have everything to play for in their final pool game against Samoa, while Australia face the daunting task of England in Brighton. With just one quarterfinal spot still available, Pool A remains the most dramatic, and all eyes will be on whether the Wallaroos or the Eagles make it through.

 

 

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The other pools are more settled. Canada and Scotland have already secured their passage from Pool B, though their direct showdown this weekend will determine who advances as top seed.

 

In Pool C, New Zealand and Ireland are through, setting up a heavyweight clash that could decide the tournament’s balance of power. And in Pool D, South Africa’s historic win over Italy ensured their first-ever knockout appearance, joining perennial contenders France in the next round.

 

 

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The expansion to 16 teams has added new layers of intrigue, with fresh faces, unpredictable scorelines, and history-making performances at every turn. While Brazil’s debut won’t extend into the knockouts, their presence on rugby’s biggest stage has already made this World Cup one for the record books. And for them, just the beginning of a longer journey.