Bristol prepares to host both Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals this weekend with tickets still available

Preparations are well underway in Bristol as the city prepares to host both eagerly anticipated Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals at Ashton Gate this weekend.

The city hosted two quarter-finals last weekend, with Canada beating Australia 46-5 and hosts England cruising past old rivals Scotland 40-8. Now the focus is on the semi-finals, where The Red Roses will play France and New Zealand will come up against Canada for a place in the final.

The tournament, which kickstarted on August 22nd, has already been seen as a generational moment for women’s rugby, with it expected to become the most viewed women’s rugby event of all time.

It has already smashed records as the fastest-selling edition of the tournament ever, with more than 400,000 tickets sold, and tickets are still available for the first semi-final in the city this Friday.

Semi-finals

• Friday 19th September: Canada vs New Zealand (19:00 kick-off)
• Saturday 20th September: England vs France (15:30 kick-off)

Fans attending the opening semi-final between Canada and New Zealand can expect non-stop entertainment and high-intensity rugby. Canada, ranked second in the world rankings, have so far cruised through the tournament, with one of their key players, Sophie de Goede, proving a formidable force in the quarter-final against Australia.

However, against New Zealand – the current world champions who are ranked third globally – nothing is guaranteed. The Black Fearns have a reputation for growing into tournaments, whilst they have a plethora of key players to rely on. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, became New Zealand's outright record try-scorer earlier this tournament, with her experience helping them cruise past South Africa in the quarter-finals.

It’s set to be a spectacle like no other with inspiring personalities that will resonate with a wide demographic, whilst the tournament continues to play a central role in shaping positive perceptions of women’s sport at all levels of the game, championing gender equity, and enriching local communities.

While the second semi-final between England and France is currently sold-out, tickets for Canada’s match against New Zealand are still available, starting from £15, continuing to showcase that this is the most accessible Rugby World Cup ever.

To make sure you don’t miss out, visit tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. For the latest tournament updates and fixture details, visit rugbyworldcup.com/2025.