The six teams involved are: Colombia (ranked 25th), Fiji (19th), Ireland (11th), Kazakhstan (18th), Kenya (23rd) and Spain (13th).
As with WXV2, five continents are represented here, another feather in World Rugby cap. But there is a chasm-like disparity in experience, both at World Cup and general test level.
Though Ireland and Kazakhstan both date back to the second RWC of 1994, since then their fortunes have moved in different directions. Forget for a moment Ireland’s troubling woes of the last few years; they at least have been able to indulge in a regular diet of test matches. In stark contrast, since they last appeared at the 2014 RWC, Kazakhstan have been consigned to a backwater.
Spain are the other nation to have suffered setbacks, ever since dropping out of the 6N. But they have the numbers and the organisation to return to their former days of prosperity.
Kenya represent the leading hopes for increased competition from Africa. Though they find the Boks too hot to handle at the moment, they and other nations like Madagascar and Morocco must be long-term contenders for providing a real presence from the continent.
Fiji share with Samoa a lack of frequent international competition. They were very upset at losing the clincher that allowed Samoa Manusina the key to WXV2, but this tournament will provide them with the incentive to continue raising their standards.
Both they and the other leading nations of Oceania, like Tonga and Cook Islands, would be a real threat on the world front if only they could be assured of the facilities and ease of assembly that some tier-one nations enjoy.
South America is represented by Colombia, who proved just good enough to overcme Brazil in a double-pronged qualifier. But beyond them lie a host of other nations who could hope to follow in their footsteps. We have only to think of the success of Argentina’s men’s team to see what is possible for the women’s team.
Prospects
WXV is essentially a long-term project. So while Ireland can be pretty confident of gaining promotion at the earliest opportunity, the other nations will be hoping to follow in their wake. That element of promotion-relegation is another vital element in WXV’s structure. The side finishing sixth will face a play-off against the next nation in ranking order, for the right to take part in next year’s tournament.
So countries not represented here can set their sights on joining in soon. This has the benefit of bucking up the ideas of national boards that have not yet shown 100% support for the women’s game.
We can look forward to surprises and delights right across the programme.
First Round (all matches played at Sevens Stadium, Dubai)
13 October: Fiji v Colombia
13 October: Ireland v Kazakhstan
14 October: Kenya v Spain
