What Is 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup final

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup final was held on August 26, 2017, at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, where New Zealand defeated England 41–32 in a thrilling comeback to win their fifth title. This was the first final not won by England or New Zealand since 1994.

Key Facts

Final held on August 26, 2017, at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
New Zealand defeated England 41–32 in the final
New Zealand won their fifth Women's Rugby World Cup title
England led 22–17 at halftime before New Zealand's second-half surge
Record attendance of 13,250 fans watched the final live

Overview

The 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup final marked a historic moment in women's rugby, showcasing exceptional skill and dramatic momentum shifts. Held on August 26, 2017, at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the match featured a fierce clash between New Zealand and England.

The tournament, hosted by Ireland and Northern Ireland, was the eighth edition of the Women's Rugby World Cup and featured 12 teams competing across five weeks. New Zealand’s victory in the final marked their first title since 1998, ending a 19-year drought and signaling a resurgence in their dominance.

New Zealand won 41–32 after trailing at halftime, marking the largest comeback in a Women’s Rugby World Cup final since 1994.
13,250 fans attended the final, setting a new attendance record for any Women’s Rugby World Cup match at the time.
Portia Woodman scored three tries for New Zealand, becoming the first player to achieve a hat-trick in a Women’s World Cup final.
England led 22–17 at halftime thanks to strong performances from Emily Scarratt, who kicked 15 points.
The final was refereed by Alhambra Nievas, making her the first woman to officiate a Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Match Highlights and Turning Points

The final was defined by pivotal moments that shifted momentum between the two powerhouses. New Zealand’s second-half transformation showcased their tactical resilience and depth, overcoming early errors.

First Half: England dominated early with aggressive defense and accurate kicking, building a 22–17 lead by halftime through tries by Scarratt and Sarah Hunter.
Second Half Surge: New Zealand scored 24 unanswered points in the second half, led by dynamic backline movements and sustained pressure on England’s defense.
Portia Woodman’s Hat-Trick: Woodman scored in the 49th, 63rd, and 78th minutes, becoming the standout performer and earning Player of the Match honors.
England’s Fatigue: After a grueling semi-final against France, England showed signs of fatigue in the final 20 minutes, unable to match New Zealand’s pace.
Conversion Success: New Zealand converted 5 of 6 tries, while England managed only 2 of 5, highlighting the All Blacks’ superior execution under pressure.
Final Scoreline: The 41–32 result marked the highest combined score in Women’s Rugby World Cup final history, surpassing the previous record of 40 points.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 final to previous Women's Rugby World Cup finals reveals key differences in scoring, attendance, and team performance.

h Runner-Up

Final Year	Winner	Score	Attendance	Key Performer
2017	New Zealand	England	41–32	13,250	Portia Woodman (3 tries)
2014	England	Canada	21–9	8,260	Emily Scarratt (12 points)
2010	New Zealand	England	13–10	7,456	Monique Hirovanaa (try)
2006	New Zealand	England	25–6	4,754	Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (try)
2002	New Zealand	England	19–9	3,500	Bernadette Robertson (2 tries)

The 2017 final stood out not only for its high score but also for its growing fan engagement and broadcast reach. It was televised in over 30 countries, reflecting increased global interest in women’s rugby, and marked a turning point in the sport’s visibility and professionalism.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup final had a lasting impact on the development of women’s rugby worldwide, influencing investment, media coverage, and grassroots participation. It demonstrated that women’s rugby could deliver high-stakes drama and elite performance on par with men’s competitions.

Increased Funding: Following the tournament, World Rugby announced a 300% increase in funding for women’s programs over the next four years.
Media Rights Growth: Broadcasters like Sky Sports and NBC significantly expanded coverage of women’s rugby after the 2017 final’s success.
Professional Contracts: In 2018, New Zealand Rugby introduced professional contracts for 30 women players, a direct result of the team’s visibility.
Grassroots Surge: Registrations in women’s rugby rose by 27% globally between 2017 and 2018, according to World Rugby statistics.
Legacy Events: The success inspired the creation of the WXV tournament in 2023, aimed at providing consistent high-level competition.
Gender Equality: The final became a symbol in the push for equal pay and conditions, with players advocating for parity in subsequent years.

The 2017 final was more than a championship match—it was a catalyst for transformation in women’s sports, proving that elite female athletes deserve equal platforms, recognition, and investment.