New Zealand to host the first-ever WXV competition after winning the World Cup

In a bid to increase the reach and impact of the 15-a-side women’s game, the inaugural WXV tournament will be hosted by the reigning world champions, New Zealand, in October. The three-tier competition will feature 18 teams, with the top six competing in WXV1 for three weekends starting on October 21, while the next six will partake in WXV 2 in South Africa on October 14, 21, and 28. The venue for WXV 3, taking place on the same dates, will depend on the qualifying nations. The World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2023 will determine the remaining three teams in WXV 1 and one team in WXV 2. WXV 3 will incorporate two European teams and one team each from Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa. The tournament will also feature promotion and relegation, but not in the first two years leading up to the 2025 World Cup.