Rugby

LONDON (AP) — Former champions England and the United States will meet in the opening match of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Sunderland. The Aug. 22 opener launches a 24-match pool phase in eight England venues.

TORONTO — Wearing the Maple Leaf is a labour of love for the Canada Wolverines. It also comes with a cost, with players paying their own way for a camp and international rugby league test match against Jamaica in Toronto.

Canada has been drawn with Scotland, Wales and Fiji in Pool B at next year's Women's Rugby World Cup in England. The Canadian women, who finished fourth at the last World Cup, are currently ranked second in the world while Scotland is No.

PARIS (AP) — French authorities are joining forces with players to oppose plans by World Rugby to introduce a 20-minute red card , claiming it poses a health risk.

VANCOUVER — Canada's women's rugby team appeared poised to do the impossible Saturday — beat England. Midway through the second half of their WXV matchup, Canada's Alex Tessier slipped through England's line, darted up the field and slid in to touch.

NARBONNE, France (AP) — An international arrest warrant has been issued for former Australia captain Rocky Elsom after a French court found him guilty of misusing corporate assets while he was president of French rugby club Narbonne.

It is a mouth-watering finale to the WXV women's rugby tournament — No. 2 Canada against No. 1 England. The matchup of two unbeaten sides will decide the championship of the six-team round-robin tournament.

SYDNEY (AP) — The Penrith Panthers claimed their fourth straight premiership with a 14-6 win over the Melbourne Storm in Australia's National Rugby League grand final on Sunday.

LANGLEY, B.C. — The Canadian women's rugby team started quickly and then dug in defensively to beat Ireland 21-8 in WXV international tournament play on Saturday at Langley Events Centre.

Fresh from a comprehensive 46-24 victory over France to open the WXV women's rugby tournament, Canada faces an Irish side riding high after upsetting reigning World Cup champion New Zealand 29-27.