Wales will learn who they will meet in the tournament, which will be hosted by New Zealand, when the home nation Prime Minister is joined by Rugby World Cup winners Melodie Robinson, Dr Farah Palmer and Dan Carter in drawing the balls for the ninth edition of the showcase event at Auckland’s SkyCity Theatre.
The event will be live streamed on World Rugby digital channels from 6.15pm on Thursday, 19 November. The ‘Rugby World Cup 2021 Draw Show’ will be hosted by leading rugby presenters Elma Smit and Ugo Monye.
It will be the first time the tournament finals have been staged in the southern hemisphere. The event will take place at three venues between 18 September-16 October, 2021.
For the first time the World Rugby Women’s Rankings are being used to determine the draw seedings and bands for the seven direct qualifiers in bands one to three. The five teams to emerge from the qualification process will be placed into band three and four.
Band 1– New Zealand, England, Canada
Band 2– France, Australia, USA
Band 3– Wales, Europe 1, South Africa
Band 4– Asia 1, Fiji, Final Qualifier winner
“We are honoured and delighted to announce that New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will attend the upcoming RWC 2021 Draw event alongside Rugby World Cup winners Melodie Robinson, Farah Palmer and Dan Carter, who have an impressive seven titles between them,” said World Rugby chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont.
“With one week to go, anticipation is building. The draw is the moment that Rugby World Cup truly comes alive for players, unions and of course the fans. We are looking forward to what promises to be a spectacular New Zealand 2021 that will provide the perfect platform for the world’s best players to showcase their talent, while raising the bar for women in rugby on and off the field of play.”
Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director, Michelle Hooper, believes 2021 will be a golden year for the women’s game.
“The draw will really bring the tournament to life for players and fans alike. New Zealanders are set to celebrate this momentous occasion, to come out and support the world’s best players here on our shores, to play for the biggest prize in rugby,” said Hooper.
“We have seen a surge of interest in the women’s game in New Zealand in recent years and we will use this opportunity to super-charge the women’s game globally through RWC 2021.”
