The Wallaroos have been dealt a difficult draw as the pools were confirmed for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Jo Yapp’s side were drawn against hosts England, USA and Samoa in Pool A ahead of next year’s hallmark event in one of the tougher, if not the toughest groups.
It sets up a potential blockbuster opening game of the tournament for the Aussies against the WXV 1 champions Red Roses on home soil.
The two sides faced off in the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals as England raced away for a 41-5 victory.
The English have not lost since the World Cup final, sitting comfortably clear at the top of the world rankings.
On top of this, they have drawn ninth-ranked USA, who fell into the third band late on account of their winless run in WXV 1.
The Americans defeated Australia 32-25 in Melbourne in May and are expected to welcome a host of Sevens stars into their squad, headlined by Ilona Maher.
Samoa rounds out the group, who have not faced Australia since 2009, who defeated them 87-0 in Apia.
Most recently, the Samoans narrowly defeated Australia A 20-17 in September after a last minute penalty.
Pool B looms as the other fierce group to watch, with Pacific Four champions Canada taking on WXV 2 runners up Scotland, Wales and Fiji.
Defending champions New Zealand are in Pool C alongside Ireland, Spain and Japan.
France rounds out the pools in Pool D, having drawn Italy, South Africa and Brazil.
“With anticipation building amongst fans and teams for next year’s showpiece event, today marks an important step forward to what will be an unmissable tournament,” Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey, said in a statement
“Next week will see the tournament celebrate another exciting milestone, as we unveil the match schedule, allowing fans, host locations and teams to start preparing their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 experience in earnest.”
