Bill Beaumont Women's Rugby World Cup World Rugby

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont expects ‘record-breaking’ Women’s Rugby World Cup

August 9, 2017

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont believes that the Women’s Rugby World Cup has the potential to be a “record-breaking” tournament.

Twelve nations are set to compete for the trophy, including defending champions England, who are the only professional outfit involved.

Pool matches in Dublin are already sold out, with the semi-finals and final taking place at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

“The excitement across Ireland and beyond is phenomenal,” Beaumont told the BBC. “It all points to what will be a defining, record-breaking Rugby World Cup.”

World Rugby, the game’s governing body, has hinted this year’s competition could be “the most competitive, best attended, most watched, and most socially engaged women’s rugby event to date”.

England start the defence of their crown against Spain Wednesday 9 August. The reigning champions also share Pool B with Italy and USA.

Hosts Ireland, who were semi-finalists in 2014, kick off against Australia in their first Pool C match before facing France and Japan.

Wales have been handed a difficult draw and will face New Zealand, Canada and debutants Hong Kong.

READ MORE: World Rugby announces record broadcast and social media coverage schedule for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017

Bill Beaumont Women's Rugby World Cup World Rugby