WXV 1

World Rugby has launched a new three-tier, annual elite women’s rugby 15s international competition. WXV 1 is the inaugural top-tier WXV tournament being hosted in New Zealand in three cities including Auckland in October and November 2023. The tournament will feature the top six teams in the world: New Zealand, Canada, Australia, England, France and Wales.

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  • Words by Auckland NZ
  • Last updated 30 May 2025

World Rugby has launched a new three-tier, annual elite women’s rugby 15s international competition. WXV is a great addition to the global calendar for women’s rugby and will undoubtedly help grow the game for women and girls in New Zealand and overseas, building on the momentum and energy of Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022).

WXV 1 is the inaugural top-tier WXV tournament being hosted in New Zealand in 2023. Participating teams include the top three teams from the Women’s Six Nations (England, France, Wales) and the top three teams from the World Rugby Pacific Four Series (New Zealand, Canada, Australia).

WXV 1 will be played in a cross-pool format, with each team playing three matches over three weekends in October and November 2023. The tournament begins at Sky Stadium in Wellington (20/21 October), moves to Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin (27/28 October) and will end at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland (3/4 November).

Location Te wāhi
Go Media Stadium
Go Media Stadium
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

Go Media Stadium is a 10-15 minute walk from Penrose train station which is on the Onehunga and Southern Line. It’s easily accessible from the motorway and is about 15 minutes drive from the central city.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

When big events are on at the stadium, the surrounding streets can become heavy with traffic. If you’re arranging to be picked up or dropped off, it’s best to identify a meeting point a few blocks away from the main entrances.