The Rugby World Cup Draw 2021

20 Nov

Written By W RUGBY

Who’s in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 Draw?

Reigning champions New Zealand to face Australia, Wales and the Final Qualification Tournament Winner in Pool A
Canada to face USA, Europe 1 and Asia 1 in Pool B
England drawn in Pool C alongside France, South Africa and Fiji

The pools have been confirmed for Rugby World Cup 2021 with less than 10 months until the ninth edition of the tournament kicks off in Auckland on 18 September, 2021.

For the first time ever, the World Cup will be held in the Southern Hemisphere where reigning champions New Zealand look to retain the World Cup in their own backyard.

At the showcase event in Auckland, Prime Minister Jacida Arden opened up proceedings in front of 400 people at the event. “This is an opportunity to grow the game here but also internationally, an opportunity to showcase our elite athletes and provide inspiration for girls, and boys. An opportunity to break down gender discrimination in sport. And finally, an opportunity to extend the manaakitanga that New Zealand is famous for. We are committed to a spectacular Rugby World Cup 2021 and we can’t wait to welcome all 12 teams to Aotearoa New Zealand.”

See it, be it, play it

The mantra set out by Sir Bill Beaumont who believes that an exciting event, coupled with the Olympics, will provide a moving antidote to the global pandemic. “The growth we’ve experienced in women’s rugby is proof of the ‘see it, be it, play it’ mantra, which is at the heart of our ambitious 2017-25 Women in Rugby plan to inspire participation and audience engagement across all age groups.”

Beaumont also believes that increasing standards on the field, coupled with the central role that the stars of the game play on social and digital media, will enable the tournament to smash all engagement records and importantly grow the sport’s fanbase around the world.

“What we have seen in recent years is the closing of the competition gap and more teams making a statement at test level. It is our role to tell the world that story, to let people see the speed, skill and success of the women’s game played at its best, by the world’s best.

What were the reactions of the draw itself?

NEW ZEALAND

Captain Eloise Blackwell, On the tension of watching the draw

“Sitting there next to Fiao'o Fa'amausili, a legend of the game, and it was pretty nerve-racking watching those balls being picked out. It’s interesting how the pools have come out; we’ve got an Australasian pool, a North American pool and a European pool. Across the pools, there is some quality teams.”

On being drawn with Australia

“In my time. I’ve never been in a pool with Australia but every time we come up against each other, it’s a massive battle, and no doubt next year won’t be any different.”

AUSTRALIA

Lori Cramer

On what the rivalry is like and what it means

“It doesn’t matter what sort of game, it’s always competitive between us, it doesn’t matter which sport either. But, I think in a World Cup it’s gonna be huge. I think by that point of the year we’ll just be excited to see any kind of fresh faces from any kind of other countries. So, we’re really excited.”

WALES

Women's National Skills Coach Rachel Taylor

A day after she was unveiled as Wales' Women's National Skills coach, Rachel believes the hype will be massive.

“Yeah, it’s been a bit of whirlwind last few days to say the least. But, just to be part of this, I have to say it’s a fantastic effort and display for the draw. It really adds some hype to it, and excitement, and to get some southern hemisphere teams in there is a real privilege for us because we don’t cross paths very often. So, a massive, massive amount of excitement coming from Wales for those games.”

On being part of Wales' new coaching team with Warren Abrahams, their game plan and what people can expect from Wales

“I probably won’t go out on a game plan this early! But, he’s a great guy. I’ve had the pleasure of trying to catch up with him this week and I think it’s a real statement from the Welsh Rugby Union, it’s a real diverse coaching team and I think that’s where we’ve got to take rugby in Wales now. I think we need to show the world that we’re ready to step into that light and really up our game, and hopefully his experience and his style as a coach will really help us to do that.”