Women's Rugby Fans Surge 49% in Just Two Years

Women's rugby just proved it's not just growing. It's exploding.

World Rugby's latest Blueprint for Growth report reveals that 49% of women's rugby fans became fans within the last two years alone. That's a sports revolution happening in real time, fueled by big tournaments, streaming platforms, and athletes stepping into the spotlight.

The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup shattered every record in sight. Ticket sales jumped 196% compared to 2021. Broadcast viewing hours skyrocketed by 336%. Social media impressions climbed 118%, while sponsorship revenue soared by an incredible 330%.

The tournament also welcomed thousands of newcomers to rugby stadiums. Fifteen percent of attendees watched their first rugby match ever, while 44% attended their first women's rugby match. More than half of all ticket buyers were women.

The research, conducted across seven global markets in early 2025, found that 55% of current fans expect their interest to keep growing. Television and streaming platforms introduced 53% of fans to the sport, while 39% said seeing more athletes in the public eye drove their engagement.

The fanbase looks different from traditional rugby crowds. Twenty-nine percent of fans are under 35, and 43% are women. Major tournaments motivate 31% of fans to follow the sport, proving that big moments create lasting connections.

The Ripple Effect

This surge isn't just changing who watches rugby. It's transforming how brands think about sports investment. Seventy-three percent of women's rugby fans believe brands have an authentic role in boosting the sport's visibility. And fans are paying attention: 42% are more likely to talk about brands sponsoring women's rugby, which is 9% higher than for men's rugby sponsors.

National unions, competition organizers, and governments now have clear data showing where to invest. The report provides a roadmap for turning this momentum into participation growth, expanded audiences, and sustainable commercial revenue.

Sally Horrox, Chief of Women's Rugby at World Rugby, said the findings reflect what's happening across the global game. "A new generation of fans are discovering rugby, and that fandom is set to grow," she noted. The research confirms that women's rugby isn't just a side story anymore. It's driving the future of the entire sport.

World Rugby plans to work with unions, partners, and stakeholders to ensure this wave of enthusiasm translates into long-term growth. With nearly half of all fans joining in just the past two years, the sport's best years are clearly still ahead.