The WXV concluded in dramatic fashion as England successfully defended their title, solidifying their dominance in the top division of the three-tier competition. The Red Roses faced a strong challenge from Canada in the final weekend’s title decider, but the reigning champions ultimately proved their mettle, continuing an incredible run that has seen them win 50 out of their last 51 matches. The lone blemish on this record remains the heartbreaking loss in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.
However, this year's competition was more than just another chapter in England's dominance. It also signaled a resurgence for Ireland, who, after a surprising run that saw them defeat both New Zealand and the USA, finished second in WXV1. Their impressive showing marks a turning point for a team that failed to even qualify for the last Rugby World Cup but now looks poised to challenge the world's best in the 2025 tournament.
Red Roses’ Dominance Continues
England entered the WXV as the heavy favorites, and despite a fierce contest in the final, they once again rose to the occasion. Canada, who had also enjoyed a strong tournament, pushed the Red Roses to the brink, but it was not enough to topple the champions. With a mix of experience and youthful talent, England’s squad continues to be a juggernaut in women’s rugby.
One of the standout performers for England was fullback Ellie Kildunne, who earned the prestigious honor of being named the tournament’s Player of the Tournament. Kildunne was unstoppable throughout the competition, finishing as the joint top try-scorer alongside her teammate Jess Breach and New Zealand’s Katelyn Vaha’akolo. In a tournament where every match demanded excellence, Kildunne delivered, scoring four tries and leading the field in metres gained with a staggering 346. Her ability to evade defenders was unmatched, with a tackle evasion rate of 50%, second only to one other player among those who faced 10 or more tackles in WXV1.
Alongside Kildunne, Jess Breach proved to be another key figure for England, with her devastating pace and finishing ability accounting for four tries in the tournament. Breach was particularly dangerous against New Zealand, where England’s back-three, including Kildunne and Claudia MacDonald, combined for a remarkable seven tries. Breach’s 90% gainline success rate on her carries was the highest of any player to make 15 or more carries in WXV1, making her one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the competition.
Ireland’s Revival Takes Center Stage
Ireland's surprising surge in WXV1 has been one of the feel-good stories of the tournament. After years of underperformance, including the failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, the Irish team demonstrated they are back on track. Key wins against New Zealand and the USA secured their second-place finish, signaling a potential new era for Irish rugby. This tournament has rekindled hope for the team, who now look like a legitimate contender heading into the 2025 World Cup.
WXV2 and WXV3 Champions: Australia and Spain
While WXV1 captured the majority of the headlines, the lower tiers also produced some memorable performances. Australia emerged victorious in WXV2, maintaining a perfect record by defeating Wales, South Africa, and Scotland. Led by Faitala Moleka, who was a standout performer, scoring a competition-high 27 points, the Wallaroos showed they have the talent to rise through the ranks of international women’s rugby. Moleka’s leadership and kicking accuracy (71% success rate) were vital to Australia’s undefeated run, and her consistency will be crucial as they look to build on this success.
In WXV3, Spain made history by winning the title and securing their place in the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Their qualification is a massive achievement for a country where rugby is still developing, and their success could inspire a new generation of players to take up the sport. Spain’s triumph in WXV3 is also significant in highlighting the growing competitiveness of women’s rugby across Europe.
Best XV of the Tournament: The Stats Behind the Selections
Using Opta’s advanced player-performance index, which objectively scores players based on their impact throughout the tournament, we’ve selected the best XV of WXV, showcasing the players who made the biggest difference for their teams. Ellie Kildunne (England) headlines the team as the Player of the Tournament, but there are notable contributions from players across all three tiers.
In the backs, Jess Breach (England) and Alev Kelter (USA) were key figures. Breach’s ability to consistently break the gainline and score tries made her invaluable to England’s attack, while Kelter led the USA with her powerful running and a tournament-high 20 defenders beaten. New Zealand’s Ruahei Demant also earned her place in the team thanks to her creativity, leading the competition in line-break assists and offloads.
Australia's Desiree Miller was another standout in WXV2, leading all players in metres gained and proving to be a constant threat with ball in hand. Faitala Moleka, also from Australia, was the top scorer of the lower tiers and earned her place as the fly-half in this best XV.
Conclusion: A Tournament of Progress and Promise
The second edition of the WXV has provided fans with a glimpse of the future of women’s rugby. From England’s continued dominance to Ireland’s revival and Spain’s emergence as a World Cup contender, this tournament has shown that the global game is growing stronger and more competitive.
As the countdown to the 2025 Rugby World Cup begins, teams like Ireland and Spain will look to build on their success, while perennial powerhouses like England and New Zealand will seek to maintain their edge. For now, the Red Roses remain the team to beat, but the gap is closing, and the future of women’s rugby looks brighter than ever.
