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The draw has been made and the pools are set for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Belfast and Dublin will be host cities for the tournament that takes place in August, with 12 teams placed in three pools for the 8th edition of the biggest event in women’s rugby.
Defending champions England are in Pool B with the USA, Italy, and another European team yet to qualify. Runners-up Canada have landed in a tough Pool A with New Zealand and Wales also in and one Pacific team to be added. Pool C is comprised of France, Ireland, Australia, and a second Pacific team.
Spain are the only team currently in the top 10 of the official World Rugby Rankings yet to quality. They are favorites to win the final European spot, with Samoa expected to take one of the Pacific allotments.
WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS
| RANK | COUNTRY | POINTS |
| 1 | New Zealand | 91.94 |
| 2 | Canada | 87.04 |
| 3 | England | 86.44 |
| 4 | France | 84.23 |
| 5 | Ireland | 82.89 |
| 6 | Australia | 79.88 |
| 7 | USA | 77.96 |
| 8 | Italy | 77.72 |
| 9 | Spain | 76.60 |
| 10 | Wales | 74.64 |
| 11 | Samoa | 68.72 |
| 12 | South Africa | 68.51 |
