The boldest hopes and bravest dreams of 12 nations are set to roar in Dublin and Belfast this summer as the island of Ireland hosts the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017.
The biggest prize in the women’s game gets underway on 9 August in Dublin with a series of pool matches, before moving to Belfast for the play-offs and final later in the month. The pool games will take place in two venues in University College Dublin (UCD), The UCD Bowl and UCD Billings Park, on August 9, 13 and 17.
The competition will culminate with semi-finals day on 22 August at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, followed by the concluding matches on 26 August that will feature the third and fourth-place play-off, one ranking game and the final – all at the same venue, the home of Ulster Rugby.
England and New Zealand start as favourites and will be difficult to topple. However, Ireland will be aiming to use the raucous home support to their advantage in their bid to upset the odds.
Expect an army of green jerseys cheering for the host country – and then those fans will join and support all the other teams represented with the warmth and friendliness which Ireland is renowned for. The atmosphere will be so welcoming, you’ll never want to leave.
Dublin traditionally buzzes with excitement when rugby – and its fans – come to town. The pubs, cafés and restaurants fill with rugby chatter and banter. Between games exploring the city will be a joy.