Where to watch the second weekend of the Women's Rugby World Cup

The Women’s Rugby World Cup got off to a flyer last weekend and the second round of games will have huge bearings on who makes it to the quarter-finals.

The Red Roses got up and running by beating the USA and now head to Northampton to face Samoa, with the USA up against Australia in the same group in a match that may well decide who reaches the last eight.

Elsewhere on Saturday, there is a double header in Manchester were Wales face world’s number two side Canada before Scotland look to kick on against Fiji.

Then on Sunday, Ireland will try to make it two from two against Spain and the Black Ferns continue their charge against Japan.

And in Pool D, Italy’s meeting with South Africa has the potential to be the game of the round before Brazil get their second taste of World Cup rugby when they take on France.

SATURDAY

The action kicks off on Saturday at midday when Canada, ranked second in the world, take on Wales in Salford.

Shown live on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, iPlayer and the red button, Trailfinders’ Julia Schell will look to build on her six-try showing against Fiji, with Exeter Chiefs’ Alex Tessier captaining the Canadians once more.

Wales have rung the changes following their defeat to Scotland, with Gloucester Hartpury tighthead Sisilia Tuipulotu coming into the side, while club colleague Bethan Lewis takes over the captaincy.

In the second game of the double header, Scotland could potentially book their place in the quarter-finals by beating Fiji. Bryan Easson’s side earned a record win over Wales in their first game and can make it back-to-back wins at a World Cup for the first time since 2006 in the 2.45pm kick-off.

The game will be on BBC Two, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with Scotland captained by Rachel Malcolm of Trailfinders.

Back to it 🌹

John Mitchell has named his Red Roses to face Samoa in our second game of #RWC2025 👇#WearTheRose | #RedRoses

— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) August 28, 2025

Attention will then turn to Northampton where the Red Roses take on Samoa, as Marlie Packer regains the captain’s armband.

John Mitchell has made 13 changes for the 5pm kick-off, including a start for Gloucester Hartpury sharp shooter Emma Sing at full-back, while Loughborough Lightning’s Helena Rowland takes on fly-half duties. The game will be on BBC Two, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Last but not least, the USA face Australia in York in a game that may serve as a knockout game in the race for the quarter-finals.

Kate Zackary, of Trailfinders, captains the USA in the 7.30pm kick-off with Ilona Maher starting at outside centre once again for the game that will be live on iPlayer, the BBC red button and the BBC Sport website.

SUNDAY

There are four more matches on Sunday, starting in Northampton where Ireland will hope to secure a second win in as many games against Spain.

Kicking off at midday, Gloucester Hartpury’s Sam Monaghan leads Ireland in a game shown on BBC Two, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, while Harlequins’ Claudia Peña will be one to watch for Spain.

After that comes a double header in Exeter where New Zealand take on Japan and France face Brazil back-to-back.

The Black Ferns have a pair of future Trailfinders starting, including co-captain Alana Bremner for the 2pm start, with the game on iPlayer, the red button and the BBC Sport website.

Lineups locked and loaded 🔒@BlackFerns 🇳🇿 🆚 🇯🇵 @JRFURugby
📍Sandy Park, Exeter
🗓️ Sunday 31 August
⏰ KO: 14:00 BST#RWC2025 | #NZLvJPN pic.twitter.com/cP20orhtNQ

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 29, 2025

In between the two Sandy Park games, is one of the games of the pool stages as Italy take on South Africa in York.

After their opening defeat to France, Le Azzurre need to win the game that starts at 3.30pm and is live on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Sale Sharks pair Sofia Stefan and Beatrice Rigoni are both named in the starting back line for Italy against Springboks Women, who can clinch a spot in the last eight with a win.