Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 - Broadcast Opening Sequence
Copyright (c) 2022 World Rugby
The 9th iteration of the women's Rugby World Cup, hosted by New Zealand, marks the first time that it is branded simply as the Rugby World Cup - with no gender designation. World Rugby had announced the change in November 2019, with both the men's and women's World Cups would be marketed under the "Rugby World Cup" title in an effort to create greater parity between both of these tournaments, and in an aim to achieve gender neutrality in rugby union.
Having held the men's Rugby World Cup twice - in 1987 (co-hosted with Australia) and 2011, this was New Zealand's first occassion to stage the women's Cup, and was played from 8 October to 12 November 2022. Initially to be played in 2021, the tournament was postponed by one year as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the event itself was still known as the "2021 Rugby World Cup" for marketing purposes, only to add a 'Playing in 2022' subtitle.
Playing as hosts, the Black Ferns also entered the tournament as reigning titleholders, having won the previous Women's Rugby World Cup in 2017. The Kiwi women still came out proudly as champions when they bagged a sixth title at their own home turf in Auckland, just after defeating England, 34-31, in the final game.