Raffle tickets to record gates: The story of every Women’s Rugby World Cup final – in pictures

USA 19-6 England

14 April 1991, Cardiff The tournament did not yet have official status, no International Rugby Board sanction, no live TV, and no guarantees it would even go ahead. But the players showed up anyway. They played for a £500 trophy and made history in a tournament that would only later be recognised as the first Women’s Rugby World Cup. In front of just 3,000 in Cardiff, the US mounted a second-half comeback to win.

England 38-23 USA

24 April 1994, Edinburgh At the final whistle, Gill Burns dropped to her knees. “I was completely spent,” the No 8 said. “The crowd flooded the pitch … it was chaotic but wonderful.” England had done it. Their first title built on passion, raffle tickets and borrowed kits.

England players and staff (including Gill Burns – front row third left) celebrate their victory.

New Zealand 44-12 USA

16 May 1998, Amsterdam The Black Ferns were unleashed in Amsterdam, overwhelming the US with speed and skill. Vanessa Cootes (left) scored five tries in a performance that left the crowd of 4,000 stunned. With Farah Palmer (right), Regina Sheck and Louisa Wall also crossing, New Zealand steamrollered to the trophy.

New Zealand 19-9 England

25 May 2002, Barcelona Barcelona marked another milestone as New Zealand defended their title. The 2002 tournament signalled the game’s growing global reach with Japan and Samoa joining the lineup. The atmosphere for the final was electric, and the 8,000 spectators, double that of 1998, reflected the sport’s momentum.

The New Zealand team celebrate with the trophy, again.

New Zealand 25-17 England

17 Sep 2006, Edmonton New Zealand clinched a historic three-peat, edging England in their closest final yet. The tournament marked the first time the World Cup ventured to North America, the final drawing over 5,000 fans.

The New Zealand Black Ferns perform the Haka after their victory.

New Zealand 13-10 England

5 Sep 2010, London The Stoop hosted the most intense 80 minutes women’s rugby had ever seen as New Zealand pipped the hosts. A record crowd of 13,000 and half a million worldwide watched England battle the Black Ferns, who were chasing a fourth consecutive title. The home fans got their biggest final yet but the trophy slipped away.

The final whistle of the 2010 Rugby World Cup final brings joy for the New Zealand players and despair for the England players.

England’s Maggie Alphonsi (second right) is consoled by a coach.

Meanwhile the New Zealand players celebrate yet another final victory.

England 21-9 Canada

14 August 2014, Paris “There are so many great legends that have gone before and haven’t won in an England shirt,” said captain Katy McLean (seen here leading out her team). “This is all about the England rugby family.” After three consecutive final defeats, they finally lifted the trophy in Paris. Emily Scarratt starred with 16 points, including a brilliant late try. Off the field, the IRB made amends by officially recognising the 1991 and 1994 tournaments.

England’s Emily Scarratt charges forward.

The England supporters in Paris celebrate their team’s victory during the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand 41-32 England

26 August 2017, Belfast After a rare slip in 2014, New Zealand were back to their best. Prop Toka Natua stole the show with a hat-trick and a lively crowd of 17,000 cheered as the Black Ferns pulled away in the second half to claim their fifth title.

Lydia Thompson of England attempts to stop Portia Woodman of New Zealand

Lesley Ketu and Kristina Sue celebrate the Black Ferns’ triumph.

The celebrations continue in the dressing room.

New Zealand 34-31 England

12 Nov 2022, Auckland Playing at home, the Black Ferns drew a record 42,579 fans, the biggest ever for a women’s rugby match. Despite England’s strong start, a pivotal red card for Lydia Thompson shifted the momentum. New Zealand’s skill and resilience saw them come from behind to win by three points.

England’s Alex Matthews wins a line-out.

New Zealand supporters celebrate one of the Black Ferns six tries.

England players console each other after their loss to New Zealand. It was sixth time the Red Roses have tasted defeat in a World Cup final.

The Black Ferns celebrate their sixth tournament triumph.