From the Last Word on Rugby department.
Bring It! That is the catch-cry of organizers of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 tournament, that begins on August 9. By this date, all 12 national sides will have settled into their bases, ready to make their claim for the main prize–the World Cup.
And with the focus on growing the game during the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC), expect this years eighth event to be the most widely broadcast and promoted yet. With the sport being played on every continent, and in every popular region, it is an ideal time to promote the games ideals and values to the world.
Meet The WRWC Teams
Hosted by Ireland, these 12 sides represent the very best in World Rugby. That ranges from former champions, to new and emerging countries. Last Word on Rugby wants you to meet to teams, and to see which Pools make up this years competition.
POOL A: Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Wales
POOL B: England, Italy, Spain and United States
POOL C: Australia, France, Ireland and Japan.
With the hosts securing a place through that key role, the results from previous tournaments influenced the rankings.
England are the current World Cup holders, winning their second title in France three years ago. They are also the top ranked team.…by only half a point to be precise. Ranked just above New Zealand, the four-time champions, who will be highly motivated to regain their crown.
Canada stand now as the third ranked side, even though they are in the same pool as the Black Ferns (NZ). That internal competition in Pool A demonstrates the importance of finishing in first place. Place second, and you may face the top seeded side.
Home Nations Will Have High Hopes
Sitting in the same pool, are Wales. The team below will be very confident, and have great support. Beside hosts Ireland and England, the home nations teams will feel they have every opportunity. France too, feeling motivated by the improvements they have seen in the women’s Six nations, will take in much hope of matching Australia.
📸 Our 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup squad. #WRWC2017 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/TLOtKyTdj9
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 29, 2017
The traditional powers are certainly highly fancied, but do not discount a Japan, a Spain or the United States. Achieving one victory for any side, comprises a chance to advance further.
The tournament comprises 12 teams in three pools of four with the pool winners plus the best runner-up, progressing to the semi-finals.
So the early rounds will be just as important as the final stages, so a good start helps. But that could be said for every team competing at the 2017 tournament. Do that, and after the 18 games of the opening three rounds are complete, teams will have wanted to collect all points on offer.
.@kelteralev, @millarmills and @safizizir share their love for the game ahead of #WRWC2017. #RugbyBuildsCharacter pic.twitter.com/KuYWYPY9gh
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 24, 2017
WRWC Fixtures and 2017 Schedule
With the tournament opening on August 9, the first round of matches begin at UCB Bowl, in Dublin. The Irish fixtures include the University College Dublin ground and Billings Park, in Dublin.
The second host city is Belfast, Northern Ireland. The two grounds here include Queens University and the Kingspan Stadium – home to the Ulster Rugby club. This mix of four grounds will all host pool games, before the knockout stages–and the Final at Kingspan, on August 27.
And while games are played in Ireland and Northern Ireland, many of the viewers of this years tournament will be online. The online and social member impact in 2017 is going to be an important element of the WRWC.
As well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, matches will be livestreamed over worldrugby.org. The Women’s Rugby World Cup website is available on mobile, tablet and desktop. The WRWC2017 site is the place to visit for all your team news, live scores and live match streaming.
Action Kicks Off in Just Nine Days
So as the countdown clock moves past ten days, every one of the female competitors will realize how close the tournament is. Some will be competing for the first time. Others their second, or even their third tournaments. And it is that international experience that is a critical factor.
The teams that perform on this stage, teams that handle the pressure and have the best recovery systems. Short turnarounds between matches is a factor, so player rotation and good management of the full squad.
All 12 coaches, captains and the players will be sure now of their goals and objectives. How those transpire from the beginning of the tournament, to the later stages, is unknown. But it all adds to the excitement, and like all pinnacle events (World Cup, Olympics or Commonwealth Games) the rewards are bigger than ever!
Look to follow all the results and progress of teams, with Last Word on Rugby. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is a primary competition, so our team are planning to make regular reports on teams, pools and ultimately; the WRWC Final.
