The knockout stages of the tournament also saw matches played at the CNR in Marcoussis, with the semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final taking place at Stade Jean-Bouin in the French capital – home of Stade Français.

The announcement was also significant because, for the first time, the IRB included the "unofficial" 1991 and 1994 World Cups in their official list of previous tournaments.

The top three teams from the 2010 tournament, New Zealand, England, and Australia, also qualified automatically.

Canada and the United States qualified due to there being no interest from other North or South American unions.

In April 2014 the IRB announced a panel of 14 match officials for the tournament, including eight referees and six assistant.

New Zealand provided two of the referees in the form of Jess Beard and Nicky Inwood, while there will be one each from United States, England, South Africa, Ireland, Australia and Canada.

England provided two assistant referees with the others coming from Italy, France, Scotland and Spain.

Nicky Inwood, Sherry Trumbull and Clare Daniels were selected for 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup, which took place in England.

[8] In August 2014, it was announced that Australian referee Amy Perrett would adjudicate the final.