SportwayNews

Red Roses start WXV1 title defence against USA

The Red Roses, who clinched the inaugural WXV1 trophy in 2023, are set to face New Zealand in their second fixture and will take on hosts Canada in their final pool match.

Ireland will make their WXV1 debut against reigning world champions New Zealand.

The WXV competition, now in its second year, offers consistent annual fixtures for 18 test sides outside of World Cup years.

In 2024, WXV1 will be hosted by Canada in Vancouver, WXV2 by South Africa in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and WXV3 by Dubai.

Canada, riding high as hosts and recent winners of the Pacific Four Series title, will aim to leverage their momentum in the competition.

Scotland, defending their WXV2 title from 2023, will start their campaign against Six Nations rivals Italy, whom they narrowly defeated for the trophy last year, followed by matches against Japan and Australia.

Wales qualified for WXV2 by defeating Spain in a play-off in June. They will open against Australia, face Italy next, and conclude the tournament against Japan.