Can Women's Home Nations Take Charge of the Autumn Games?

England's triumph over formidable competitors like the United States, New Zealand, and Canada to clinch the WXV1 title in Vancouver last year has set the stage for significant changes in the women's rugby landscape. The introduction of the WXV Global Series, starting in 2026 and running through 2028, promises to reshape the international calendar and enhance the competitiveness of the sport.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The WXV Global Series will feature the top 12 women's rugby teams worldwide from 2026 to 2028.
• National federations can select their home and away fixtures, providing greater control over scheduling.
• Teams ranked 13-18 will play in a centralised location, funded by World Rugby.
• Over £9 million will be invested in the series to ensure robust competition and sustainability.
• All participating teams will receive equal financial support, irrespective of the number of Tests played.

What is the WXV Global Series?

The WXV Global Series is a new competition set to replace the previous WXV format, aiming to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of women's rugby on a global scale. This series will take place over three years and will include the world's top 12 ranked teams. The aim is to provide a structured international calendar that allows for consistent and competitive fixtures, significantly aiding the growth of women's rugby.

The Importance of the Changes

The shift to the WXV Global Series is a pivotal moment for women's rugby. It not only offers national federations and unions more autonomy in scheduling but also aligns with the increasing popularity of women's sports following the successful 2023 Women's Rugby World Cup hosted in England. World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin emphasised the need for certainty for players, federations, and fans, highlighting that this new framework will foster long-term planning and development.

Structure and Funding of the WXV Global Series

Starting from 2026, the WXV Global Series will include Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States alongside the home nations of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Each of these teams is guaranteed participation until the next Rugby World Cup in 2029.

World Rugby plans to invest £9 million into the series, ensuring that all participating teams receive equal financial backing, regardless of the number of matches they choose to play in a year. This approach aims to level the playing field, allowing all nations to compete without financial disadvantage.

Future Fixtures and Competition

The national unions will announce their fixtures following the World Cup, which is expected to lead to more engaging and locally supported matches. The flexibility in scheduling is designed to encourage more fans to attend games, which has been a challenge historically. For instance, last year's WXV struggled with attendance, with just under 4,000 spectators at the opening triple-header day.

The Role of Lower-Ranked Teams

Teams ranked 13-18, such as Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, Samoa, and Spain, will not be included in the WXV Global Series. Instead, they will compete in a centralised format in 2026 and 2028, funded by World Rugby. This model aims to address the financial challenges faced by these nations while still providing them with competitive opportunities.

The Impact of the Women's Rugby World Cup

The 2023 Women's Rugby World Cup in England was a landmark event, showcasing the potential of women's rugby to attract large audiences. The final at Twickenham sold out, and the tournament saw record viewing figures. This success has prompted World Rugby to continue investing in the women's game, ensuring that the momentum gained from the World Cup is not lost.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive changes, challenges remain. Some nations, like Scotland, have limited resources and may opt for the least expensive scheduling options. Additionally, in Australia, many players still juggle professional commitments outside rugby, which could limit their availability for national duties. The real success of the WXV Global Series will depend on whether all participating nations are willing to invest in their women's teams and engage fully with the new structure.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Women's Rugby

The introduction of the WXV Global Series marks a new chapter for women's rugby, promising increased visibility, competition, and sustainability for the sport. As national federations take charge of their fixtures, the emphasis will be on fostering a vibrant rugby culture that can sustain itself commercially. The upcoming fixtures and the way teams engage with this new opportunity will be critical in shaping the future of women's rugby.

FAQs

What is the WXV Global Series?

The WXV Global Series is a competition starting in 2026, featuring the top 12 women's rugby teams globally, aimed at enhancing competitiveness and visibility.

How will funding work for the WXV Global Series?

World Rugby will invest £9 million into the series, ensuring equal financial support for all participating teams, regardless of the number of matches they play.

What happens to lower-ranked teams?

Teams ranked 13-18 will compete in a centralised format in 2026 and 2028, funded by World Rugby, to address their financial challenges while still providing competitive opportunities.

When will the fixtures for the WXV Global Series be announced?

Fixtures will be announced by each national union following the conclusion of the World Cup, providing a structured calendar for upcoming matches.

What are the benefits of the WXV Global Series?

The series offers greater control to national federations, promotes sustainable competition, and aims to raise the profile of women's rugby globally.