Brighton: 2,600 Women Try Rugby After World Cup Legacy Push

When Brighton hosted two Women's Rugby World Cup matches in front of sold-out crowds, city leaders saw more than just an exciting sporting event. They saw a chance to change lives.

Brighton & Hove City Council launched an ambitious legacy program to turn tournament excitement into genuine, long-term participation. The strategy worked beyond expectations.

Over 2,600 women and girls aged 16 and older joined rugby activities throughout the legacy project. More than 20 local clubs, community groups, and organizations partnered to make it happen.

The program removed traditional barriers that keep women from trying contact sports. Rugby-inspired warmups at parkrun events introduced the sport in familiar, low-pressure settings. Pop-up activities during the tournament let curious spectators try the game themselves.

Walking rugby sessions proved especially popular. The council partnered with Hove Rugby Club and community organizations like the Hangleton and Knoll Project's multicultural women's group to launch weekly, women-only sessions that welcomed absolute beginners.

Nearly 100 women joined rugby-themed exercise classes through the council's Active for Life program. Hundreds of local schoolgirls experienced their first rugby through girls-only festivals designed to build confidence and skills.

The Ripple Effect

The numbers tell a powerful story of sustained change. By the end of the recent rugby season, more than 300 women and girls were playing rugby weekly across Brighton. That includes over 60 girls now playing at Hove Rugby Club alone.

The momentum keeps building. Hove Rugby Club just launched Hove Tigers, a new weekly session for girls. Interest in walking rugby continues to climb across the city.

Councillor Bella Sankey explained the broader vision: "When girls see women competing in elite sport, it inspires them to get active. The legacy isn't just about finding the next England star. It's about showing women and girls here in Brighton & Hove that sport is for them."

The benefits extend beyond physical fitness. Participants report improved mental health, reduced isolation, and stronger community connections. Some discover resilience they didn't know they had. Others find friendship and belonging.

Brighton aims to become the UK capital for women and girls in sport, and the rugby legacy program proves that goal is achievable. What started with two matches has grown into a thriving community of players who never imagined themselves in rugby boots.