Women's Rugby World Cup

The Black Ferns will play their first match of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in front of a sellout crowd at Eden Park.

"New Zealand is now officially on the record for smashing gender stereotypes and creating historical change. "Women in sport and women's rugby has a real buzz and momentum behind it right now. "Creating history for women's sport and setting new records for women's rugby, will undoubtedly elevate the women's game to new heights for generations to come.

Tickets to the opening match day of Rugby World Cup 2021 have sold out with a record-breaking crowd set to fill New Zealand's national stadium at Eden Park ...

Rugby World Cup 2021 is taking place in New Zealand from 8 October to 12 November, the first time the pinnacle event has been staged in the southern hemisphere. Free travel on Auckland Transport buses, trains and special event buses is included for ticket holders to and from Eden Park on RWC 2021 match days. “Women in sport and women’s rugby has a real buzz and momentum behind it right now. We’d like to express our gratitude to fans and to the global rugby whānau for sharing our belief. “This has been our shared vision from the outset and to see it come to light speaks volumes about the wave of change globally, celebrating wāhine toa and shining the spotlight on them. Records show the largest attendance to date in New Zealand was 16,162 for the 2008 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final between North Korea v USA at North Harbour Stadium.

The women's tournament kicks off tomorrow where the Black Ferns will be aiming to defend their sixth title.

They have made the semis seven times but have never made the final and will also need to break a 10-match losing streak to England. Yes, UK chart-topper Rita Ora has been signed up as the star attraction on opening day. England captain Sarah Hunter said: "It's special to be here. RNZ has the lowdown on who's here and how to watch this showpiece event. England are the world's No. Having three pools of four means quarter-finals will be needed.

The teams have met three times in 2022, with matches already in Tauranga, Christchurch and Adelaide. The Black Ferns beat Australia 52-5 in Christchurch but ...

In August, Smith was annoyed with the Black Ferns' finish in Christchurch despite the huge margin of victory. Kendra Reynolds scored a try in the 22-14 win in Adelaide. When Wayne Smith was involved in coaching the All Blacks there was a major emphasis on the strength of the bench. Sylvia Brunt was selected by the Black Ferns on the recommendation of Ponsonby teammates. The winger scored twice against Australia in Tauranga and Christchurch. The Black Ferns have won 32 of 34 home Tests, including all eight at Eden Park. The Wallaroos aren’t absent of attacking threats. Australian Captain Shannon Parry is a world class openside and will look to outhustle opposite Sarah Hirini who’s only played three first class matches in 2022. Black Ferns Director of Rugby Wayne Smith remarked on August 25: Sharni Williams is an Olympic, Commonwealth and World Sevens champion at second-five. In the backs the Black Ferns are awash with pace and flair though it might take time for new midfield pairing Amy du Plessis and Stacey Fluhler to settle. France begins proceedings at 2.15pm when they clash with South Africa.

Rugby World Cup 2021 will kick off this week, with the best rugby players in the world, supported by the most advanced player welfare standards ever ...

“This year alone, World Rugby has invested more than £500,000 in five research projects, specifically focused on concussion, injury-prevention and former player health. World Rugby never stands still on player welfare and this tournament is yet another example of us putting those words into action. The saliva of players will be tested to further understand how markers within the body may be impact by head impacts and concussion.

Coverage: Listen to home nations matches on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds; follow live text commentaries of selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.

[is isolating](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63123938) and will miss the opening game - with players on high alert to make sure their World Cup is not interrupted too. "The ball is in play more. Then there is the time difference for a UK audience. And rightly so: her country is set to host the biggest women's Rugby World Cup in history. "In many respects there are areas of the women's game that are leading the sport," he said. New fans for the sport are expected, with Gilpin suggesting the more open style of play in women's rugby could help sell the tournament in New Zealand. The World Cup will break attendance records on its opening day, with 20,000 the women's rugby mark to beat from the 2014 tournament in France, and it will be a record attendance for a women's sport event in New Zealand. That, in turn, should make the expansion from 12 to 16 teams for the 2025 World Cup more comfortable if money is invested to give players more time for rugby. "I genuinely think this is going to be the biggest and best World Cup there ever has been. [Listen to Rugby Union Weekly: The Ruby Tui special](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0d4ydlt) ['Fight, fight, fight' - The women who made their own World Cup](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63118254) [Kabeya to start for England against Fiji](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63150857) [Rugby World Cup: Schedule & BBC coverage](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63170905) Players say it is hard to miss that there is a World Cup in town, with teams featured on banners and buses in Auckland and street murals springing up across New Zealand celebrating women's rugby. New Zealand are five-time champions and the rugby-loving population has already embraced the tournament as it is held in the southern hemisphere for the first time.