Women's Rugby World Cup Pumps £32M Into Exeter Economy

When almost 60,000 rugby fans descended on Exeter's Sandy Park last year, they brought more than just cheers. They delivered a £31.7 million economic windfall to the city and sparked a movement that's getting girls across the globe onto the pitch.

The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup has officially become the most successful tournament in the competition's history. As one of eight host cities, Exeter played a starring role in an event that sold 444,465 tickets—triple the attendance of the previous tournament.

New impact reports from World Rugby reveal the tournament's reach extended far beyond the stadiums. The final at Twickenham drew a record 81,885 fans, setting a new world record for a women's rugby match. Meanwhile, broadcast coverage generated 147 million viewing hours globally, a 336 percent jump from 2021.

For Exeter specifically, the numbers tell a powerful story. The media coverage alone brought £7.2 million in future tourism value, showcasing the city to audiences worldwide. Local hotels, restaurants, and businesses thrived as international visitors explored the region between matches.

The Ripple Effect

The tournament's impact reaches far beyond economics. Ninety-six percent of spectators called the event inspiring, while 75 percent of teenage girls and young women reported feeling more motivated to be active after engaging with the competition.

Of attendees new to women's rugby—44 percent of the crowd—an overwhelming 94 percent said they plan to keep following the sport. Exeter Chiefs Women's games have already seen increased attendance, with fans eager to watch World Cup players compete week after week.

The global picture looks equally bright. Through the Impact Beyond 2025 programme, more than 35,500 teenage girls across 42 countries picked up rugby for the first time. Female coaching representation doubled from 15 percent in 2021 to 32 percent at this tournament.

Councillor Duncan Wood praised how the event encouraged sports participation, particularly among women and girls. "Exeter was a very proud host city," he said, noting the boost justified every hour of planning.

Host cities outside London captured more than 80 percent of the tournament's total £294.7 million economic impact, proving major sporting events can drive regional growth nationwide.

The numbers prove what many already suspected: when women's sports get proper investment and promotion, everyone wins.