Rugby-England to face Australia, US in Women's 2025 World Cup group

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - England v New Zealand - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - September 14, 2024 England's Ellie Kildunne and teammates celebrate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -Hosts and favourites England were grouped with Australia and the United States while six-times winners New Zealand will face an awkward clash with Ireland after the draw for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup was made on Thursday.

Reflecting huge growth in the women’s game, the tournament will feature an expanded format of 16 teams compared to 12 at RWC 2021 in New Zealand, with the "big four" of England, New Zealand, Canada and France seeded first in their pools.