World Rugby Launches New WXV Global Series for Women’s Rugby

World Rugby has announced the launch of the new WXV Global Series, a significant development aimed at enhancing the women’s rugby landscape. This initiative will feature the top 12 teams globally, including Scotland, competing in home and away matches from September to October between 2026 and 2028. The competition replaces the previous three-tier WXV format that was in place until the ongoing 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The new structure guarantees teams a minimum of nine and up to 15 international matches each year. In a bid to bolster the women’s game, World Rugby is investing an additional £9 million into this series. Furthermore, the governing body is transferring commercial rights for the competition to the host unions for each fixture, aiming to strengthen financial stability within women’s rugby.

Focus on Player Welfare and Future Investments

This announcement follows Scotland’s final match in the World Cup and coincides with the retirement of three players, reducing the number of contracted athletes in Scotland from 32 to 15. Sally Horrox, Director of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, emphasized the necessity of player involvement in future planning.

“Players have to be at the heart of our plans when we talk about player welfare. We are aware of the important conversations happening globally,” said Horrox. She noted that the transition from amateur to professional status remains a pressing topic across unions.

Horrox underscored the need for conversations with chief executives to ensure financial stability, stating, “We seek to secure future investments not just in players but in raising the overall standards of the game. The certainty of increased fixtures will help to build a stronger platform for growth.”

Potential Challenges and Market Dynamics

While the WXV Global Series aims to attract and retain players, interest in alternative competitions, such as the breakaway circuit R360, is also on the rise. Female players are reportedly in discussions with this new initiative, which is backed by former rugby star Mike Tindall. World Rugby remains optimistic that the WXV Global Series will provide a compelling option for those considering alternatives.

Set to commence in October 2026, the series will operate outside the official rugby calendar, presenting unique challenges for scheduling.

Ticket sales for upcoming matches have already seen significant interest, with more than 400,000 tickets sold. Prices start at just £5 for children and £10 for adults, encouraging fans to secure their spots via the official ticket platform.

World Rugby’s commitment to enhancing women’s rugby through the WXV Global Series represents a pivotal moment for the sport. As the landscape evolves, the focus remains on cultivating a sustainable and competitive environment that benefits players and fans alike.