The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 came properly alive at semi-final stage and has created a huge sense of anticipation for the Finals. Not just because Canada has pitched up as a genuine contender, but because the competitive nature of the Tournament, so badly needed in any sport, had finally arrived. I applauded the wonderful win by South Africa over Italy as further evidence of their growth and then their heroic and competitive performance for long periods against the Black Ferns. Most of the other results were expected but this is all about the growth of the sport and it is happening There may be a speck of disappointment in the Red Roses squad that they do not get a chance to reverse the heartbreak of Auckland but that won’t last. Their own history beckons. It was clear during the competition that the  Black Ferns were fading as a force. Canada reinforced that and stamped their own mark of pace and power into the mix. 

For France, they say that no-one remembers a losing semi-finalist. Well people should this time, because an oft misfiring outfit suffering from injury and suspension plus an appalling record against the Red Roses almost upset the odds and with some style. However it always felt that an infusion of power from the home side would be just enough and so it proved. Meg Jones was heroic and hugely influential in the eventual outcome, she is truly inspirational. As for Ellie Kildunne, superlatives are not enough and she has that X-factor which so few possess at the top of sport. You can argue that these two were the difference, and Canada will have taken note. The fascination will be whether the rest of the squad can deliver a team performance to get over the line and counter the Canadian challenge which will be significant.

As one of my former team mates from our attempt to win the 1991 world Cup rightly said, this is about winning which for all the highlight reels we failed to do and it still hurts after all this time. It honestly won’t matter how the victory comes either to the squad or the sell out crowd as long as it does. The atmosphere will be so different, excitable and engaged which has not always been the case at the home of rugby.

The tournament in general and the Red Roses in particular have already blazed a trail for the Women’s game and for a new band of supporters. Bank it and grow again. However this trend and other challenges in the rest of our game can wait for the moment. An historic day awaits a special group of players and I fervently wish that they make the most of it for themselves, their families and their country. A first ever home win in a Rugby World Cup Final will be treasured forever, I hope they can do it.

Hallers