A Groundbreaking Leap for Women’s Rugby: The Ripple Effects of RWC 2025
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has made a remarkable impact, not just in England but across the globe, redefining women's rugby with its unprecedented success. In partnership with stakeholders and key partners, World Rugby has released two significant publications detailing how the tournament has reshaped the sport for women locally and globally, ultimately setting new benchmarks for excellence and visibility.
Historic Attendance and Economic Impact
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 broke records by attracting an astonishing total of 444,465 ticket sales, making it the most attended Women's Rugby World Cup in history. The final match set a new world record with 81,885 fans at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. This surge in attendance translated into a staggering £294.7 million economic impact for the host cities, demonstrating the tournament's ability to mobilize communities and generate substantial growth outside traditional rugby areas.
Empowering Women and Girls
Beyond the numbers, the tournament has left a profound social legacy. Through the ‘Where We Belong’ campaign, it promoted body confidence, inclusion, and empowerment for women and girls in rugby. A remarkable 75% of women aged 13-25 reported feeling more motivated to engage in sports after the tournament. Such statistics highlight how the event inspired new audiences and fostered a sense of belonging among women and girls in rugby.
Global Reach and Broadcast Success
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 managed to reach new international audiences, generating 147 million global broadcast viewing hours—a 336% increase from the previous event. The robust digital strategy, which included social media engagements and innovative content sharing, attracted over one billion social media impressions, turning rugby players into global icons and expanding the sport's footprint considerably.
A Lasting Legacy and Future Growth
As documented in the Impact Beyond 2025 programme, the momentum from RWC 2025 is set to influence women's rugby for years to come. Over 35,500 teenage girls engaged in rugby through newly available programs, and significant investments in leadership training resulted in increased opportunities for women in coaching roles. This initiative illustrates a commitment to a more inclusive sport, positioning women's rugby for sustained growth.
As World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, reflected, "Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 was a phenomenal celebration of our sport," emphasizing how it inspired new paradigms for women in rugby. The tournament was not just an isolated event but a pivotal moment in a larger movement towards gender equality in sports.
Clearly, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has paved the way for a new era in women's rugby, illustrating that with the right investment and strategy, the sport can thrive and inspire a generation. The results signal a promising future, and the lessons learned will guide the development and success of women's rugby far beyond 2025.
