Why the Rugby World Cup 2025 Will Transform Women’s Rugby Forever
A Bold Promise Becomes Reality
Sue Day never lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy as a player, despite competing in three tournaments (1998, 2002, and 2006). However, her vision as the RFU’s chief operating officer helped bring the 2025 tournament to England—an achievement that could redefine women’s rugby forever.
When Day stood before World Rugby in 2019, she made an audacious promise: Stick with us. You will see something different. We will fill that stadium. Now, as tickets for the 2025 final at Twickenham sell out within hours, her prediction is proving prophetic.
Breaking Attendance Records and Shattering Expectations
Just six years ago, England’s largest Women’s Six Nations crowd was fewer than 5,000 fans. The prospect of filling an 82,000-seat stadium like Twickenham seemed laughable. And yet, demand for the 2025 Rugby World Cup final has already exceeded expectations—so much so that World Rugby believes they could have sold out multiple times over.
This isn’t just growth—it’s a seismic shift. Consider:
– In the 2022 New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup, three venues hosted matches with a total capacity of 180,000.
– In England, eight stadiums with a combined 470,000 seats will stage games, and over 375,000 tickets have already been snapped up—three times the previous tournament’s sales.
Elevating Women’s Rugby to New Heights
The 2025 Rugby World Cup isn’t just bigger—it’s better. Teams no longer share training facilities or hotels. Long-haul flights now include business-class upgrades. Mental health support ensures players are shielded from social media abuse. And media coverage has skyrocketed, with five times more journalists accredited compared to past tournaments.
Beyond logistics, there’s a cultural shift. As World Rugby’s Brett Robinson notes, There’s something special about how women celebrate this sport—their humility, personality, and joy set them apart.
A New Generation of Role Models
Players like the USA’s Ilona Maher have revolutionized women’s rugby through social media, engaging fans with wit and authenticity. Moments like England’s Abby Dow exchanging hand-drawn portraits with Spain’s Claudia Pérez highlight the sport’s unique camaraderie.
This tournament isn’t just for die-hard fans—it’s attracting younger, more diverse audiences, including families and women who’ve never watched rugby before.
Challenges Remain
Despite the progress, hurdles persist:
– Scotland’s team faces contract disputes.
– Many nations still struggle with funding gaps.
– Only three of the 16 head coaches are women.
Yet, the momentum is undeniable. As World Rugby’s Sally Horrox puts it: This event will re-engineer the future of rugby.
A Tribute to Those Who Paved the Way
When England’s team attended their welcome ceremony in Sunderland, they carried the names of past players sewn into their jackets—women like Sue Day, who once played in near-empty stadiums. The 2025 Rugby World Cup stands as a testament to their perseverance.
The Future Starts Now
With tournaments already slated for Australia (2029) and the USA (2033), the Rugby World Cup 2025 isn’t just a milestone—it’s the catalyst for a new era. The sport is reaching heights once deemed impossible, proving that women’s rugby isn’t just growing—it’s changing the game entirely.
