Sport has always been a proxy battleground, a place where gains can be celebrated even as losses mount elsewhere
England’s resilience rewarded as they lift Rugby World Cup
Red Roses produce dominant performance to sweep aside Canada and become world champions for third time
Effective England vs confident Canada sets up spectacular final
Red Roses’s brutal pack and squad depth will have to contend against a pacy, controlled Canadian side
Ellie Kildunne moves England one step from glory
Red Roses battle past spirited France to seal a place in the World Cup final
Wales face big changes while Canada continue perfect tournament
Fiji’s first victory over European opposition ended a sobering campaign for Sean Lynn’s side
From touchline to tryline, Brighton’s Breach continues winning streak
27-year-old likes to be beside the seaside as England seal record-equalling 30th win in a row
World Rugby to use mouthguard data to advise coaches on player availability
International rugby governing body will use data to create guidelines for each position
Top of their game? Red Roses must keep rising to claim ultimate prize
It was a case of job done in the first match, but tougher tests will face tournament hosts
England 92 Samoa 3: Bern and Muir push props into the spotlight
Another huge win for England shows value of front-rowers who don’t normally get the plaudits
England 69-7 USA: Red Roses kick off World Cup in style
Ellie Kildunne’s footballing brilliance gets tournament off to near perfect start
Canada aim to spoil England’s party
Reigning champions New Zealand are in action as the Women’s Rugby World Cup gathers pace
Download: 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup wallchart
Keep up to date with the Rugby World Cup by following The Observer’s coverage
World Rugby’s aim to educate players on pelvic floor health
There is increased awareness about the issue among unions and doctors, writes World Rugby's science and medical manager
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe: ‘How can you be the GOAT if you’re still learning?’
The New Zealand great shows no sign of bowing out of international rugby ahead of World Cup
Ellie Kildunne: ‘I was just a girl with a passion’
With her dazzling feet and magnetic aura, England’s Ellie Kildunne has come a long way to stand on the brink of super-stardom
‘In the end, the final was lost by one dropped ball’
As they head into another championship season, the Red Roses’ 2022 loss to New Zealand still feels fresh. In this excerpt from her book about the team, Jessica Hayden recounts that emotional day
How will Ireland, Scotland and Wales fare at Rugby World Cup?
Although underdogs, the three national teams could yet be contenders for the championship
Rugby must step up its game on concussion
The biggest Women’s World Cup in history will bring increased scrutiny, with research showing bigger dangers for female players
Time to bloom: Red Roses mustn’t miss this chance
Upcoming World Cup on home soil is an opportunity to put women’s rugby at the heart of the national sporting conversation
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