Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: A Transformative Force for Sport and Society
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 has marked a significant milestone in sports history, redefining women's rugby on a global scale. In collaboration with key stakeholders, World Rugby has released two landmark reports – the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Impact Report and the Impact Beyond 2025 Global Impact Report – that capture the monumental impact of the tournament, both locally in England and across World Rugby's 134 member unions.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Uplift
As the most successful Women's Rugby World Cup in history, the tournament achieved unprecedented attendance figures with 444,465 tickets sold, significantly tripling the turnout from the previous edition. This record-breaking event not only showcased thrilling matches but also brought an impressive economic boost, generating £294.7 million for host cities, predominantly outside of London. Cities like Brighton, Bristol, and Exeter saw increased visitor spending, highlighting the tournament's successful outreach and engagement strategies that captivated fans nationwide.
Sparking Social Change and Inspiring Future Generations
Beyond the impressive statistics, the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 served as a catalyst for social change. The 'Where We Belong' campaign promoted messages of body confidence and inclusion, emphasizing women's rightful place in rugby. An inspiring 96 per cent of spectators described the event as motivating, and a staggering 75 per cent of young women expressed increased motivation to be active after participating in the tournament. Additionally, the tournament set a new standard for participation, launching initiatives that encouraged over 35,500 teenage girls to take up rugby globally.
A Bright Future for Women’s Rugby
The Impact Beyond 2025 initiative aims to leverage the success of the tournament, ensuring that its benefits extend far beyond England. By focusing on leadership, coaching, and player welfare, World Rugby is fostering a more robust and connected women's rugby ecosystem worldwide. This initiative has already seen over 100 women from 56 countries enroll in career programs, contributing to a promising future for women's rugby leadership.
A Lasting Legacy
World Rugby's commitment to building on this momentum is evident as they prepare for future competitions. The successes of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 are not merely a fleeting moment; they represent a transformative movement in sports, amplifying the visibility and influence of women's rugby globally. As stated by Brett Robinson, Chair of World Rugby, this tournament was a defining moment for women's sport, and its legacy will inspire generations to come.
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 was not just a sports event; it was a significant step towards equality, participation, and empowerment in sports. The impact of this tournament will undoubtedly shape the future of women's rugby and inspire a new generation of athletes and fans.
