How Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Changed the Game Forever
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 has emerged as a landmark event, setting unprecedented records and redefining the landscape of women's rugby. Recent reports from World Rugby highlight the profound impact this tournament has had on local communities in England and the global rugby ecosystem.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Impact
With a staggering 444,465 tickets sold, the 2025 tournament became the most attended Women's Rugby World Cup in history, tripling attendance from the previous edition. The final match at Allianz Stadium drew an astonishing 81,885 fans, establishing a new world record for any women's rugby match. This surge in attendance has translated into a remarkable £294.7 million economic boost for host cities, demonstrating the potential of women's sports to energize local economies.
A Catalyst for Change
The 2025 event not only showcased world-class sport but also served as a catalyst for social change. The 'Where We Belong' campaign focused on body confidence and inclusion, promoting the message that women and girls belong in rugby and in leadership roles within the sport. Feedback from the tournament revealed that 96% of spectators found the event inspiring, significantly impacting the motivation of young women to participate in rugby and physical activities.
Global Reach and Digital Success
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 also made waves beyond the stadiums. The tournament achieved 147 million global broadcast viewing hours, representing a 336% increase compared to the previous World Cup. With more than 1 billion social media impressions, it successfully connected with a younger demographic and established numerous new stars of the sport. This digital strategy was crucial in bringing rugby into new markets and growing its global fanbase.
Building a Sustainable Future
World Rugby's Impact Beyond 2025 program aims to ensure the momentum generated by the tournament translates into tangible growth opportunities for women and girls globally. By partnering with over 134 member unions, the program has opened pathways in coaching, leadership, and mental health support for women in rugby and beyond. With more than 35,500 teenage girls taking up the sport through initiatives such as Rugby Rising Play grants, the future of women's rugby looks bright.
The success of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 signals a pivotal moment not only for the sport itself but for the broader landscape of women's sports. By continuing to invest in women's initiatives, World Rugby is setting a new standard for excellence and inclusion. As this momentum builds, the benefits will ripple through communities around the world, inspiring the next generation of players and leaders.
