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Who won the last Women's Rugby World Cup? How New Zealand triumphed on home turf in 2021? | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 12:53 GMT by Sporting News
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New Zealand Triumphs in the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup – A Historic Victory on Home Soil

When the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup was finally held, it was no ordinary tournament. The pandemic‑induced postponement to 2022 and the decision to stage the entire competition in New Zealand gave the Black Ferns a chance to showcase their talent on home turf, and they delivered a win that will resonate for generations. New Zealand – the Black Ferns – claimed their first ever Women’s Rugby World Cup title, defeating England 52‑21 in a dramatic final at Eden Park on 20 October 2022.

A Tournament Re‑imagined

The original schedule had the 10th edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup set for 2021 in New Zealand, but COVID‑19 forced a one‑year delay. The organisers, in collaboration with Rugby New Zealand and World Rugby, announced the revised dates in early 2022. The venue, Eden Park – home of the All Blacks – became a fitting backdrop for the historic contest. The Black Ferns’ victory would mark the first time a women’s world cup was held and won in New Zealand.

The tournament ran from 7 October to 20 October, featuring 12 national teams split into three pools of four. The Black Ferns topped Pool A with four straight wins, including a 35‑5 triumph over the United States and a 38‑7 victory over Fiji. Their dominant pool play earned them a place in the quarter‑finals against the United States.

The Knock‑out Path to Glory

Quarter‑final – New Zealand vs. United States

The Black Ferns were not to be underestimated. In a high‑tempo match, New Zealand’s attack was relentless. Portia Woodman, the team’s skipper and a seasoned campaigner in three previous world cups, finished the game with a try and was pivotal in the midfield play. New Zealand secured a 45‑19 win, sending them into the semi‑finals.

Semi‑final – New Zealand vs. Canada

Canada had been the surprise package of the tournament, dispatching the United States and Australia in the pool stage. However, the Black Ferns’ defense was unyielding. The match was a defensive showcase, with New Zealand limiting Canada to only a single try. The final score was 23‑5, a comfortable win that propelled the Black Ferns into the final.

Final – New Zealand vs. England

England, a strong contender and the previous world champion from 2017, were the favorites heading into the final. Yet New Zealand played with an almost mythic level of confidence. The final began with a swift 10‑0 lead for the Black Ferns, courtesy of a try from Portia Woodman. England pulled close, but New Zealand’s counter‑attacks were brutal. A series of 13‑point bursts – including a spectacular 30‑point surge in the second half – saw New Zealand up 52‑21. Woodman’s performance, highlighted by a try and several key tackles, earned her the player‑of‑the‑match accolade.

The final match drew a record crowd to Eden Park, a testament to the growing popularity of women’s rugby in New Zealand. The atmosphere was electric, and the win was hailed as a triumph for New Zealand’s rugby development programs and for women’s sport more broadly.

Why This Win Matters

• First World Cup Title – The Black Ferns’ victory marked the first time New Zealand had won a Women’s Rugby World Cup, a milestone that cements their legacy in the sport.

• Home Advantage – Hosting and winning the tournament added an extra layer of pride for the nation. The decision to play the final at Eden Park showcased the country's capacity to stage world‑class rugby events.

• Inspiration for the Next Generation – Portia Woodman, who began her international career in 2010, was a role model for aspiring young players. Her journey underscores the impact of youth development and the value of sustained support for women’s rugby.

• Boost for Women’s Rugby – The match’s high attendance and media coverage underscored the growing interest in women’s rugby. The success of the 2021 World Cup has spurred discussions about more professional contracts and investment in women’s leagues.

Additional Context and Resources

The tournament’s official website (World Rugby Women’s Rugby World Cup) offers in‑depth statistics, player profiles, and match footage. Rugby New Zealand’s site contains interviews with the Black Ferns’ coaching staff and players, providing insight into the team’s preparation and strategy.

The Black Ferns’ 2022 World Cup campaign was chronicled in several press releases and match reports by Rugby New Zealand and the World Rugby website. For readers interested in the journey of the tournament, the “World Rugby Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021” page offers a comprehensive overview, including group results and the knockout brackets.

Looking Forward

The Black Ferns’ victory will no doubt influence the next iteration of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. With the competition set to return in 2025, New Zealand will already have a winning formula to replicate, and the sport will continue to grow in visibility and support. The triumph also serves as a reminder that resilience, preparation, and community backing can lead to historic achievements, even in the face of unprecedented global challenges.

As New Zealand celebrates the 52‑21 triumph over England, the story of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be remembered not only for its on‑field drama but also for its message of perseverance and the rising prominence of women’s sport worldwide.