This article is an unfaithful translation of my article WXV: Un Nuovo Capitolo per il Rugby Femminile Internazionale.
The WXV is a newly created tournament, inaugurated by World Rugby in 2023, and it represents one of the most significant innovations in women’s rugby. With the growing interest and development of the sport, World Rugby decided to create an international-level tournament that not only increases competitiveness among national teams but also prepares them for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Additionally, this tournament aims to consolidate the growth of women’s rugby by offering national teams more opportunities to compete in high-level matches.
Since its first edition, the WXV has drawn attention for the quality of the matches and the high level of preparation of the participating teams.
WXV provides, for the first time, a competitive springboard towards the expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025 in England. We are trying to lift the game.
All tides, all boats lift together and we are trying to give those greater opportunities for those 18 countries around the world. WXV is the annual tournament that gives us that visibility and allows our fans to watch those amazing players.
It gives those players more competition and experience as there are not enough competition opportunities globally for our amazing women to play.”
Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby
Sir Bill Beaumont, President of World Rugby, also emphasized how the WXV represents a crucial step toward the growth of women’s rugby, offering high-level playing opportunities and inspiring a new generation of players.
Birth and Purpose of the Tournament
The tournament was created to provide women’s national teams with something that had been missing in women’s rugby: a more structured and competitive match calendar. Before the WXV, many tier 2 teams struggled to play high-level matches, limiting their growth and preparation for global tournaments like the Rugby World Cup. The WXV was designed to address this need, guaranteeing an annual competition involving teams from all over the world, divided into three distinct levels based on their ranking. Furthermore, the tournament plays a key role in qualifying for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with some spots reserved for the best WXV teams.
World Rugby’s long-term goal is to increase the visibility of women’s sport and create a solid development pathway for players. The investments and resources have been considerable, with over £6.4 million allocated to support this ambitious project.
Three Levels Based on Ranking: WXV1, WXV2, and WXV3
The WXV is structured into three distinct competition levels, designed to ensure balance between the participating teams and to create a system of promotion and relegation that incentivizes the development and growth of the nations involved. Each level is distinguished by the skill level of the teams and their international ranking, guaranteeing balanced and competitive matches. This system, which is repeated annually, not only improves the quality of women’s rugby but also allows emerging teams to earn the right to face higher-ranked opponents.
WXV1: The Highest Level
WXV1 represents the elite of women’s rugby, including the top six teams in the world. The participants are selected based on the results of the Six Nations and the Pacific Four Series, the two most important regional tournaments. The top three finishers in the Six Nations (Europe) and the Pacific Four (Pacific regions) form the group for WXV1.
Starting in 2026, the team that finishes last in WXV1 will lose its regional spot in favor of the WXV2 champion, promoting relegation and competition.
WXV2: The Second Tier
WXV2 includes teams that are seeking to build greater competitiveness to challenge the rugby elite. WXV2 teams include the fourth-place finishers of the Six Nations and the Pacific Four Series, along with the winners of the regional women’s championships in Oceania, Asia, and Africa.
In the 2024 edition, the last-placed team in WXV2 from 2023 will be relegated to WXV3 and replaced by the winner of WXV3 2023.
WXV3: The Tier for Emerging Teams
WXV3 is reserved for developing teams looking to improve their competitive level through more structured international experience. WXV3 participants include the sixth-place finisher in the Six Nations, the losing finalist of the European playoffs, and other teams from regional playoffs in Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
In the 2024 edition, the winner of WXV3 2023 will move up to WXV2, while the last-placed team in WXV3 2023 will face the highest-ranked non-participating team, and if defeated, will lose their spot in the tournament.
Tournament Structure
The tournament adopted a “cross-pool” system: each level consists of six teams divided into two groups of three, primarily based on regional divisions. Each team plays three matches against teams from the other group. The WXV3 was originally scheduled as a round-robin tournament but ultimately adopted the “cross-pool” format for its lower level as well.
The “cross-pool” system aims to create more variety in the matchups, offering teams the opportunity to challenge high-level opponents from different geographical areas, making the tournament more competitive and exciting.
First Edition of WXV (2023)
The first edition of the WXV took place from October 14 to November 4, 2023. This new tournament featured 18 teams divided into three tiers, held in separate venues for each level.
WXV1 (New Zealand)
The top tier, WXV1, was held in New Zealand, home to the world champions, the Black Ferns. This setting raised expectations for high-level performances, and the tournament delivered. Participating teams included the top three from the 2023 Six Nations (England, France, and Wales) and three from the Pacific Four Series (New Zealand, Canada, USA).
WXV1 Standings
- 1st Place – England
England dominated the WXV1, affirming their status as a world powerhouse in women’s rugby. - 2nd Place – Canada
The Canucks secured second place, showing steady growth under coach Kevin Rouet. - 3rd Place – Australia
The Wallaroos, led by coach Jay Tregonning, earned third place, highlighting significant progress in Australian women’s rugby.
WXV2 (South Africa)
The WXV2 was held in South Africa, featuring competitive second-tier teams: Italy, Wales, South Africa, Japan, Scotland, and Argentina.
The WXV2 also showcased balanced and tactically interesting matches, with teams like South Africa and Argentina ready to surprise.
WXV2 Standings
- 1st Place – Scotland
Scotland won the WXV2, earning promotion to WXV1 for the 2024 edition. Under the leadership of Bryan Easson, the team displayed cohesion and determination. Players like captain and flanker Rachel Malcolm and talented halfback Helen Nelson led the team with great leadership and skill. Scotland has significantly improved its game in recent seasons, becoming a team to watch. - 2nd Place – Italy
Italy secured a prestigious second place in WXV2. The Azzurre demonstrated excellent tactical ability, particularly in ball possession management and solid defense, which allowed them to compete at the highest level. - 3rd Place – South Africa
The Springbok Women, coached by Stanley Raubenheimer, finished third. The South African team showed constant improvement, thanks to the emergence of talented players like Zintle Mpupha and Lusanda Dumke. South Africa is establishing itself as a team capable of competing with the best through a combination of physical strength and tactical acumen.
WXV3 (Dubai)
The WXV3, held in Dubai, offered a platform for emerging teams seeking to improve their international rankings. Participants included Spain (having lost the playoff against Italy), Fiji, Samoa, Hong Kong, Madagascar, and Colombia (winner of the playoff against Brazil). This level of the tournament emphasized the importance of giving visibility to lesser-known national teams with great potential.
WXV3 Standings
- 1st Place – Ireland
Ireland won the WXV3 and earned promotion to WXV2. Under coach Niamh Briggs, the team regained the form that once made them competitive on the international stage. - 2nd Place – Fiji
The Fijian team, known for their fast and unpredictable style of play, secured second place in WXV3. Coached by Senirusi Seruvakula, the Fijiana impressed with their physicality and counterattack abilities. Players like Rusila Nagasau and Sereima Leweniqila played pivotal roles in the team’s success. - 3rd Place – Spain
The Spanish Leonas, under coach José Antonio Barrio, finished third in WXV3. Spain has a long tradition in women’s rugby and continues to develop as one of Europe’s top teams. Players like powerful back-rower Iera Echebarria and back Patricia García were key to the team’s success.
Second Edition of WXV (2024)
The second edition of the WXV will take place from September 27 to October 13, 2024. This edition promises to build on the success of the inaugural tournament, offering a high-level platform for global women’s rugby.
Tournament Venues
The 2024 WXV venues are spread across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, to increase exposure for women’s rugby on a global scale
- WXV1: The highest-level competition will be held in Canada. The tournament will take place between BC Place in Vancouver and Langley Events Centre in Langley.
- WXV2: The WXV2 matches will once again be hosted in South Africa. This year, the games will all take place in Cape Town, starting at the DHL Stadium and later at Athlone Stadium. South Africa was chosen due to the positive experience of the first WXV edition and the presence of modern, well-equipped infrastructures capable of handling international events.
- WXV3 – Dubai: As in the first edition, WXV3 will be held in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Dubai, where the Sevens Stadium will host emerging teams. Dubai continues to be a reference point for expanding women’s rugby, offering a neutral context and modern facilities.
The Participating Teams
WXV1 includes the six best teams in the world, selected from the main regional tournaments. Below is a brief overview of the participating teams in WXV1 in 2024
- New Zealand (Black Ferns) – The most successful women’s team in history, with five World Cup titles.
“Looking back on the England game, we had some opportunities that we didn’t take, particularly early on, so our ability to get that ball to the space [needs to improve], and defensively, we’re really happy with our physicality, but we just let them off the hook with a couple of misreads and some individual tackles, so just small margins for us.”
Tony Christie – Black Ferns assistant coach - England (Red Roses) – A European powerhouse, with two World Cups and twenty Six Nations titles.
Here you can find my analysis of the English national team. - France (Les Bleues) – Always competitive, France is one of the most dynamic teams in Europe.
Here you can find my analysis of the French national team. - Canada (Canuck) – A North American team that consistently makes it to the final stages of the World Cup.
“Our preparation time was short but efficient. This will be a strong team. All the players have worked very hard over the last couple of weeks to prepare for WXV, and we are excited for these next three matches and for the chance to play on home soil here in Vancouver against the best rugby teams in the world. France, Ireland, and England will each challenge us in different ways, but it’s another opportunity to test ourselves and another step in our journey to the Rugby World Cup next year”
Kevin Rouet – Head coach of the Canadian women’s rugby team - USA – Winners of the first Women’s Rugby World Cup, they are aiming to reclaim their former glory.
“The squad was selected on the basis that WXV is a performance tournament for us, and we wanted to select the strongest squad we had available. The players selected from their Pacific Four Series and Japan form have demonstrated development in their physical, technical, and tactical ability, and we are excited to test them in WXV1.”
Sione Fukofuka – Head coach of the USA women’s rugby team
Head Coach: Sione Fukofuka.
Here you can find the players called up for the USA national team. - Ireland – A national team with a very solid growth plan.
Here you can find my analysis of the Irish national team.
WXV2: Competitive Growing Teams
WXV2 features teams that compete just below the world elite, with a high level of competition. The participating teams in 2024 include:
- Italy – We’ll talk about the Azzurre in the next section…
- Scotland – A solid and combative team that has recently shown significant progress.
Here you can find my analysis of the Scottish national team. - South Africa – In a rebuilding phase, they are striving to establish themselves among the best teams in the world.
- Australia (Wallaroos) – A team aspiring to return to top-level competitiveness.
- Wales – One of the traditional Six Nations teams, always competitive.
Here you can find my analysis of the Welsh national team. - Japan – An emerging team in Asian women’s rugby, continuously evolving.
WXV3: Emerging Teams
WXV3 is designed for emerging and developing teams, giving them the opportunity to compete on the international stage. The participating teams include:
- Spain – A team with a long tradition in European women’s rugby, but still seeking stability at the international level.
- Fiji – Fiji is emerging with a spectacular playing style but still needs to establish itself at the international level.
- Head Coach: Senirusi Seruvakula.
- Here you can find the players called up for the Fijian national team.
- Samoa – A physically powerful team, typical of the Pacific Islands, seeking greater success on the international stage.
- Head Coach: Ramsey Tomokino.
- Here you can find the players called up for the Samoan national team.
- Hong Kong China – An emerging team in Asia, with a strong desire to establish itself internationally.
- Coaches: Royce Chan (Head of Women’s Performance) and Andrew Douglas (Head of Technical Rugby & Head Coach).
- Here you can find the players called up for the Hong Kong national team.
- Madagascar – A young and dynamic team from the African continent, with interesting potential for the future.
- Head Coach: Alain Randriamihaja.
- It is really difficult to find the players called up for the tournament with the Madagascar national team. However, here is the list of Madagascar national team players
- Netherlands – The Netherlands has a long tradition in women’s rugby, with a constantly improving team. They qualified for WXV3 this year by beating Colombia 33-11 in March (here’s a recap of the match).
- Head Coach: Sylke Haverkorn.
- In the photo below, you can find the players called up for the Dutch national team.
The Italian Women’s Rugby National Team and Participation in WXV2
The Italian Women’s Rugby National Team is ready to participate in the second edition of WXV2. This event represents a great opportunity for the Italian players, who aim to confirm the progress made in recent years and strive for ambitious results.
Status of the National Team
The Italian Women’s National Team is considered a growing squad, with a good mix of young talent and more experienced players. However, its performance has been quite inconsistent. In the WXV, the team secured 3 wins out of 3, all with bonus points, finishing second with a points-for/against difference of just two points (Scotland 55, Italy 53). However, during the 2024 Six Nations (W6N), the team suffered a drastic decline, losing 4 out of 5 matches, two of which were close (against England and France), and one at home against Scotland. The only win came in the second round against Ireland.
This rollercoaster of results has many causes. We can’t analyze them all here as it’s not the main topic of this article, but I must highlight one factor. Many other national teams (particularly the Celtic ones) are investing money in the development of the game. In contrast, Italy seems reluctant to plan a proper strategy for the growth of women’s rugby. In this regard, it’s not so much that Italy is getting worse, but rather that other national teams are improving.
This is not to undermine the hard work that many people are putting into developing the sport! In fact, I can already tell you that in a few weeks, we’ll be talking about the Latin Cup and women’s franchises again. However, what’s missing is a well-rounded plan aimed at developing women’s rugby in the short, medium, and long term, and the willingness to invest money without expecting an immediate return (even in the latest FIR elections, for example, none of the candidates presented a project for the development of women’s rugby. You can find the interviews at these links: Innocenti, Duodo, and Giovannelli).
Coach: Giovanni Raineri
Since 2023, the national team has been coached by Giovanni Raineri (here’s more on him), a former rugby player with great experience. Raineri replaced Andrea Di Giandomenico, who had led the team for over a decade, helping to build a solid foundation. Under Raineri’s leadership, the team has continued to evolve, focusing on a balanced game that emphasizes defensive solidity and the ability to seize offensive opportunities.
Raineri has introduced new ideas and worked to strengthen both the scrum and open play, with the aim of making Italy increasingly competitive on the international stage.
The Squad for WXV2
The squad selected for the 2024 WXV2 is a mix of experienced athletes and promising young players, with some standouts from the past seasons.
| Player | Position | Caps | Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilaria Arrighetti | Flanker | 61 | Stade Rennais Rugby |
| Beatrice Capomaggi | Fullback | 16 | Villorba Rugby |
| Chiara Cheli | Prop | debut | Rugby Colorno |
| Sofia Catellani | Wing | 2 | Rugby Colorno |
| Giordana Duca | Lock | 50 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Francesca Granzotto | Scrum-half | 13 | Unione Rugby Capitolina |
| Elena Errichiello | Number 8 | 1 | Unione Rugby Capitolina |
| Veronica Madia | Fly-half | 50 | Rugby Colorno |
| Valeria Fedrighi | Lock | 41 | Rugby Colorno |
| Sara Mannini | Centre | 1 | Rugby Colorno |
| Alessandra Frangipani | Lock | 9 | Villorba Rugby |
| Nicole Mastrangelo | Scrum-half | 1 | Unione Rugby Capitolina |
| Elisa Giordano | Number 8 | 67 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Aura Muzzo | Wing | 46 | Villorba Rugby |
| Laura Gurioli | Hooker | 11 | Villorba Rugby |
| Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi | Fullback | 34 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Gaia Maris | Prop | 30 | ASM Romagnat Rugby |
| Beatrice Rigoni | Centre | 76 | Sale Sharks |
| Alissa Ranuccini | Flanker | 7 | Rugby Colorno |
| Michela Sillari | Centre | 84 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Sara Seye | Prop/Hooker | 24 | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Sofia Stefan | Scrum-half | 88 | Sale Sharks |
| Francesca Sgorbini | Flanker | 25 | ASM Romagnat Rugby |
| Emma Stevanin | Fly-half | 16 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Emanuela Stecca | Prop | 11 | Villorba Rugby |
| Sara Tounesi | Lock | 41 | Montpellier Herault Rugby |
| Silvia Turani | Prop | 24 | Harlequins |
| Vittoria Vecchini | Hooker | 28 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Beatrice Veronese | Flanker | 19 | Valsugana Rugby Padova |
| Vittoria Zanette | Prop | debut | Villorba Rugby |
For the 2023 WXV, the Italian national team called up two debutants: Chiara Cheli and Vittoria Zanette, who joined Nicole Mastrangelo, Elena Errichiello, Sara Mannini, and Sofia Catellani, who impressed this summer by winning against Scotland, Ireland, and Wales during the U20 Summer Series. However, there are key players missing due to injuries: Giulia Cavina (AC Bobigny 93), Alyssa D’Incà (Villorba Rugby), Giada Franco (Rugby Colorno), Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Colorno), and Alessia Pilani (Rugby Colorno).
What to Expect from the Azzurre
Undoubtedly, the absence of key players like D’Incà and Locatelli is concerning. Nevertheless, the team remains well-balanced and determined to demonstrate its competitiveness and continue the growth path it started in recent years. The new additions are also of high quality, and the WXV will certainly be an important opportunity for them to develop. But the tournament will undoubtedly be a great chance for all the Italian players to test themselves against quality opponents and improve their performances, aiming for ambitious results.
(Six Nations Rugby)
What to Expect… From the Other Participating Teams
As WXV 2024 brings together some of the best rugby nations in the world, expectations are high for competitive performances in all three divisions. England, the world number one, is known for its disciplined and powerful game, especially in set pieces. They are clearly the favourites. New Zealand is the reigning world champion and brings its fast and expansive style to the tournament. Despite having excellent players, such as team leader Ruahei Demant, the Black Ferns are in a very difficult period in which results are struggling. France, a team that is always strong, is expected to take on three very formidable opponents (Canada, the USA, and New Zealand), while relying on its tactical kicking and control of the breakdown. Canada is always a formidable opponent, thanks to a strong pack and a well-prepared back line.
In WXV 2, we have teams like Japan, Italy, and Scotland. Japan, although less prominent in the world rankings, has shown rapid improvement and offers a structured and fast game. It will look to upset more established teams like Italy. Scotland, likewise, will aim to consolidate its growing reputation, with recent improvements in set-piece execution and defensive discipline making it a potential dark horse. Wales is another team to watch in this division; renowned for their fighting spirit and traditional strengths, they seek to re-establish themselves as a force in women’s rugby. Australia, known for their dynamic style and attacking flair, also enters the competition with high aspirations, keen to leverage their depth of talent. Meanwhile, South Africa, with its robust and physical approach, has been steadily improving and poses a significant challenge to any opponent they face, potentially shaking up the competition’s dynamics.
Finally, WXV 3 features debutants Hong Kong China, Madagascar, and the Netherlands, joining teams with a more solid history such as Spain, Samoa, and Fiji. Hong Kong China enters the competition with a tight defence and will be encouraged by its recent success in the Asia Rugby Championship. Madagascar, a passionate and unpredictable team, has captured the hearts of rugby fans with its strong performances at home in front of record crowds; however, it is unfortunately still far from the quality of play of the WXV3’s top teams. The Netherlands, led by captain Linde van der Velden, is another team to watch closely as they continue to grow internationally and aim for World Cup qualification. Samoa, representing the Pacific island nations, will bring physicality and flair to the tournament, but they could struggle against more refined teams, such as Spain, who look set to be the real front-runners in their tier, now ready for the leap of faith! The Fijian team, known for their explosive speed and skillful play, adds an exciting element to the competition, as they blend traditional Pacific rugby flair with modern strategies. Their ability to surprise opponents could be crucial in determining the outcomes in WXV 3, making them a team to keep an eye on.
WXV 2024 – First Two Rounds Summary
WXV1:
The first two rounds of WXV1 saw some thrilling matchups. In Round 1, England defeated the USA 61-21, while Canada stunned France with a 46-24 victory. Ireland also made a huge statement, defeating New Zealand 29-27. Round 2 saw England edge out New Zealand 49-31, Canada defeating Ireland 21-8, and France bouncing back to beat the USA 22-14.
WXV2:
The WXV2 competition began with Round 1 featuring South Africa’s 31-24 victory over Japan, Australia’s dominant 37-5 win over Wales, and Scotland’s 19-0 triumph over Italy. In Round 2, Italy edged Wales 8-5, Scotland beat Japan 19-13, and Australia won a tough match against South Africa 33-27.
WXV3:
The WXV3 action kicked off with Spain demolishing Madagascar 83-0, Fiji beating Hong Kong China 38-3, and a tight 8-8 draw between the Netherlands and Samoa in Round 1. Round 2 saw Hong Kong China respond with a 38-7 win over Madagascar, Samoa beating Fiji 45-17, and Spain defeating the Netherlands 20-0.
Provisional Standings
WXV1
| P | W | D | L | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| Canada | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| Ireland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| France | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| USA | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
WXV2
| P | W | D | L | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| Scotland | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Italy | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Japan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Wales | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
WXV3
| P | W | D | L | BP | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| Samoa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 |
| Fiji | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Hong Kong China | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Netherlands | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Madagascar | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Prospects and the Future of the Tournament
The WXV is set to grow further in the coming years, becoming a regular fixture for women’s national teams. The structure of the tournament and the media attention it receives are crucial elements for attracting new sponsors and increasing the visibility of women’s rugby. With the 2025 World Cup approaching, the WXV represents a key test for teams aspiring to compete at the highest levels.
Conclusions
The WXV is proving to be a crucial step in the global development of women’s rugby. The tournament not only offers high-level competition but also prepares teams for the long term, promoting the development of players and coaches. For Italy, the WXV represents a unique opportunity to grow and improve, solidifying its place among the world’s best teams. With continued support from World Rugby and the enthusiasm of the participating nations, the future of the WXV looks bright and full of promise.
carborugby.com 
