Examining the Historical Dominance of New Zealand and England in Women's Rugby World Cup Finals

As anticipation mounts for the announcement of the Black Ferns squad for the Rugby World Cup 2025, scheduled for Friday, July 25, 2025, it is timely to reflect on a compelling historical trend: every Women’s Rugby World Cup final has featured either New Zealand or England, often seeing both teams compete for the title. This article delves into the history of the Women's Rugby World Cup finals, highlighting key matches and performances that have defined this prestigious tournament.

The inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup final took place on April 14, 1991, at Cardiff Arms Park, where the United States triumphed over England with a score of 19-6. According to World Rugby (2021), this match laid the foundation for future competitions, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s rugby. The USA’s strong forward pack dominated the second half, leading to a decisive victory that would echo throughout the history of the tournament.

In the subsequent years, England and New Zealand emerged as dominant forces. England avenged their 1991 loss by defeating the USA 38-23 in the 1994 final at Raeburn Place, Scotland, with captain Karen Almond playing a pivotal role by scoring multiple points. This match solidified England's status as a competitive team on the international stage (World Rugby Hall of Fame, 2022).

The 1998 final marked a significant milestone for New Zealand, where the Black Ferns defeated the USA 44-12. This match is often remembered for Vanessa Coutts’s remarkable five-try performance, a testament to New Zealand's rugby prowess (NZ Herald, 2022). The Black Ferns continued their dominance in subsequent tournaments, securing their place as a rugby powerhouse.

Significantly, the only World Cup final that did not feature the Black Ferns took place in 2014, where England narrowly defeated Canada 21-9 at Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris. This match highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the tournament, as Canada proved to be formidable opponents (BBC Sport, 2014).

A notable pattern emerged over the years: the finals have often showcased intense rivalries, particularly between New Zealand and England. For instance, the 2006 final, where the Black Ferns edged England 25-17, is remembered for its thrilling gameplay and strategic depth. Anna Richards, a key player for New Zealand, described this match as one of the highlights of her career (World Rugby, 2022).

In recent years, the final at Eden Park on November 12, 2022, saw the Black Ferns clinch their sixth title, defeating England 34-31 in a closely contested match. The encounter underscored the resilience of both teams, as the Black Ferns overcame early challenges, including a red card for winger Lydia Thompson (New Zealand Rugby, 2022). This match not only showcased the skill and determination of the players but also reflected the growing popularity and visibility of women’s rugby worldwide.

As the Black Ferns prepare for the upcoming World Cup, this historical context serves as a reminder of the incredible journey women’s rugby has undergone. Both New Zealand and England have set a high standard, and their continued rivalry promises to deliver more thrilling encounters in the future.

The implications of this historical dominance are significant. For one, it has encouraged the development of women's rugby globally, inspiring a new generation of players. Furthermore, as the sport gains traction, the investment in women's rugby is expected to increase, leading to more competitive levels of play (World Rugby, 2023).

In conclusion, the Women's Rugby World Cup has not only been a platform for showcasing talent but has also played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in sports. The forthcoming Rugby World Cup 2025 is anticipated to be another exciting chapter in this ongoing narrative, with both New Zealand and England likely to once again be at the forefront of the competition. As the sport evolves, the legacy of these two teams will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of women’s rugby.