Red Roses World Cup bid begins against Fiji

ENGLAND Women will open their Rugby World Cup campaign next year against debutants Fiji at Eden Park in New Zealand.

With the tournament delayed a year because of Covid-19, games have been reorganised, meaning England‘s opener now no longer clashes with Wales‘ opening fixture.

The Welsh will play their opener the next day against a team who have come through qualifying.

Scotland and Ireland are still looking to qualify for the women’s showpiece.

The changes also see England’s match with France brought forward to become their second game.

The opening match of the tournament on Saturday, October 8, 2022, will see South Africa host France at Eden Park before England’s fixture with Fiji at the same venue.

The final match of the opening day at Eden Park with see hosts and fivetime champions New Zealand face Australia.

England have won the women’s Rugby World Cup twice, in 1994 and 2014, and been runners-up five times.