Scots to face England at Rugby World Cup if they beat Spain

Scotland could face holders England in the pool stage of next year's Women's Rugby World Cup in Ireland if they can win their play-off match.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont with, from left, former England international Maggie Alphonsi, Dame Mary Peters and Womens Rugby World Cup 2017 Ambassador Fiona Coghlan during the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup pool draw at Belfast City Hall. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Yesterday’s draw saw England, crowned world champions two years ago after beating Canada in Paris, grouped with the United States, Italy and a European qualifier.

The remaining European place will be filled by Scotland or Spain, who meet over two legs in Glasgow and Madrid later this month to decide the fourth Pool B team.

Host nation Ireland are in Pool C, where they will be joined by France, Australia and either Fiji, Hong Kong or Japan.

And Wales will be in Pool A alongside New Zealand and Canada, plus the Asia/Oceania qualifying section runners-up.

The tournament takes place from 9-26 August next year, with pool games being played in Dublin and the play-off rounds taking place in Belfast, where Wednesday’s draw was held.

The eighth Women’s World Cup final is scheduled for 26 August at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast.