World Rugby Launches Landmark WXV Global Series to Enhance Women's Rugby Competitions

Strategic Insights -

The WXV Global Series, a revolutionary new international fixture series, has been launched by World Rugby, along with 18 national unions, to transform the global women's rugby calendar and serve as the central pillar of the qualification pathway to Women's Rugby World Cup Australia 2029. The series will feature the top 18 national teams, delivering certainty, increased meaningful competition, and calendar harmony, driving long-term performance and commercial sustainability in the women's game.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WXV Global Series will comprise two competitions, featuring the top 18 national teams, with the top 12 teams competing in a home-and-away, cross-regional touring model, and teams 13-18 playing in a single destination, funded by World Rugby.
  • The new structure will provide greater opportunities for unions to host home matches, fuel fan and commercial growth, and offer a clear qualification pathway to Women's Rugby World Cup Australia 2029.
  • Teams will retain domestic commercial rights to their home fixtures, with unions receiving financial support from World Rugby to cover expenses.
  • The series will have a total of over 100 matches between 2026-28, with rankings determining positions in the series.
  • The WXV Global Series is fully aligned with the Women's Rugby World Cup 2029 qualification pathway, offering clear progression opportunities for teams across both levels and all six of World Rugby's regions.

Statistics:

  • 18 national teams will participate in the WXV Global Series.
  • The top 12 teams will compete in a home-and-away, cross-regional touring model.
  • Teams 13-18 will compete in a single destination, funded by World Rugby.
  • Over 100 international matches will be played across the three-year cycle.
  • The WXV Global Series will feature between four and six fixtures annually for each team within a newly aligned September-October test window.
  • Cross-over fixtures will take place in 2027 around the British and Irish Lions Women's Tour.
  • The series will offer integrated commercial and fan growth opportunities, supporting reinvestment in player pathways and national programs.
  • Over 300,000 fans attended Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, with over 435 million video views across World Rugby channels.

Sources:

  • World Rugby (2025, September 18). WXV Global Series Launches to Promote Women's Rugby Competitions. International press release.
  • World Rugby (2024, end of WXV). WXV 2024 Rankings. Official rankings of the WXV 2024 competition.