We may earn affiliate commissions for the recommended products. Learn more.

How to watch New Zealand vs Canada Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal 1


New Zealand will face Canada at Ashton Gate Stadium on September 19, 2025, in the first Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinal. Both teams are aiming to secure a spot in the final.

New Zealand has been dominant throughout the tournament, while Canada has impressed with strong performances and key players returning from injury. This clash is particularly intriguing as it pits two of the world’s top-ranked teams against each other.

With both sides looking to set the tone for the final, this promises to be a competitive and exciting match.

Kick-off times

  • United Kingdom: 7:00 PM BST
  • Central Europe: 8:00 PM CEST
  • United States (Eastern Time): 2:00 PM ET
  • United States (Pacific Time): 11:00 AM PT
  • India: 11:30 PM IST

How to watch New Zealand vs Canada for free

watch rugby online
  1. Choose a reliable VPN with servers in Ireland. NordVPN is a solid choice and currently offers a discount on plans
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device
  3. Open the VPN and connect to a server in Ireland
  4. Go to RTÉ Player in your browser
  5. Search for the New Zealand vs Canada semifinal to start streaming live

Official ways to watch New Zealand vs Canada

If you prefer to watch through official channels in your region, below are the authorized broadcasters for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

CountryStreaming serviceMonthly priceCoverage notes
UKBBC iPlayerFree (with TV licence)Will stream every match live on iPlayer or on BBC channels
USAParamount+$5.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (ad-free)All World Cup games via CBS Sports rights
AustraliaStan SportAU$15 (add-on to Stan basic from AU$12)Every match live/on demand; Nine/9Now shows Wallaroos games + Final free
CanadaTSN / TSN+TSN+ CA$8/monthCoverage includes all Canadian matches and other key fixtures
New ZealandSky SportNZ$44.99Full coverage across Sky Sport channels and Sky Go
FranceFrance TV / TF1FreeSelected matches free-to-air; full coverage across national broadcasters
IrelandRTÉ Player / RTÉ TVFreeMatches involving Ireland, plus other selected fixtures live
Traveling abroad?

If you’re outside your home country during the match, regional restrictions may block your streaming service. A reliable VPN lets you connect back home and keep watching without interruptions.

Best VPNs to watch New Zealand vs Canada

To stream the Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinal between New Zealand and Canada, consider these top VPN services. They are known for their streaming capabilities, ensuring smooth access to geo-restricted broadcasts:

All three providers deliver the speed needed for smooth HD streaming and can reliably bypass regional restrictions, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action.

New Zealand vs Canada: match preview

The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal between New Zealand and Canada is likely to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have been in excellent form, and this clash will determine who advances to the final.

New Zealand form and squad

New Zealand enter the semifinal after topping Pool C with authority. Their 36-12 win over England showcased both their clinical finishing and the depth of their squad. Star winger Portia Woodman has been in outstanding form, while captain Ruahei Demant leads a disciplined forward pack that dominates set pieces. The Black Ferns combine pace, power, and experience, making them one of the tournament favourites heading into Bristol.

Canada form and squad

Canada reached the semifinals as runners-up in Pool B, demonstrating resilience and tactical versatility. Their 46-5 victory over Australia highlighted the strength of their forwards and the creativity of their backs. Key players like Sophie de Goede provide leadership, while fresh legs returning from injury add to their attacking options. Canada’s blend of structure and adaptability will be crucial against a high-calibre New Zealand side.

Head-to-head record

New Zealand have historically dominated this fixture, winning six of the seven previous encounters with Canada. Their last meeting, in July 2025, ended 31–14 in favour of the Black Ferns. This record gives New Zealand a psychological advantage, but semifinals can always produce surprises.

What to expect

New Zealand will rely on their pace, offloading, and structured defense, while Canada will aim to leverage physicality and tactical kicking to control the tempo. Key clashes at the breakdown and on the wings could determine momentum. On current form and past results, New Zealand start as favourites, but Canada’s discipline means nothing is yet decided.