The pool allocation draw took place in Belfast City Hall earlier today, with Wales Women one of the nine teams with confirmed places at the competition. The three remaining teams taking part in the World Cup, which takes place in Dublin and Belfast from 9th-26th August, will be confirmed by the end of 2016.
“I’m excited that we’re going to be able to test ourselves against some terrific teams next year,” said Wales Women head coach, Rowland Phillips. “We’re in there with New Zealand, who will be fired up after the last World Cup, and Canada, who have emerged as one of the strongest women’s rugby nations in the world.”
“We knew by the nature of where we finished last year that we’d be drawn in a tough pool, but each pool is tough – and that’s testament to the strength of the women’s game internationally. We have set targets for ourselves and we are building confidence as a squad. We’ll be ready come August to compete to the best of our ability and show our quality as a nation.”
The Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Rugby Performance, Geraint John, commented: “As was evident from World Rugby’s incredible, well-attended event in Belfast, the Women’s Rugby Rugby World Cup is now a major event in the global game. The competition in 2017 is part of a long-term programme for Wales Women: our aim is not just to do well next year, but in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2021 World Cup and beyond that. The women’s game is going from strength to strength, both in Wales and across the world.”
Wales Women conclude their autumn series against the UK Armed Forces this Friday night at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, having defeated Scotland Women 15-0 in the capital city a fortnight ago.
To see the full World Cup draw, click here.
