Women's Rugby World Cup Smashes Records, Inspires Millions

Over 444,000 fans packed stadiums across eight English cities last year to watch women's rugby reach new heights, proving that investing in women's sports pays off in every possible way.

The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup didn't just break records. It demolished them. The final at Twickenham drew 81,885 fans, setting a world record for women's rugby and becoming the second most-attended Rugby World Cup final ever, including men's events.

World Rugby just released impact reports showing the tournament tripled attendance compared to the previous World Cup in New Zealand. Even more impressive, 92% of all available tickets sold out across the tournament, with more than 80% of the economic impact happening outside London.

The numbers tell an incredible story of growth. Broadcast viewing hours jumped 336% to reach 147 million globally, while the event generated over one billion social media impressions. Sponsorship revenue increased by 330%, and four out of five major partners extended their commitment to women's rugby after seeing the response.

The Ripple Effect

The tournament reached far beyond the pitch. Among fans who had never attended a women's rugby match before, 94% said they plan to watch women's rugby in the future. That's not just audience growth; that's a movement taking root.

Young women and girls felt the impact most powerfully. Three-quarters of women aged 13 to 25 reported feeling more motivated to be active after engaging with the tournament. The event scored a Net Promoter Score of +84, placing it above many other major global sporting events.

World Rugby's "Impact Beyond 2025" program is now working with 134 unions globally to build on this momentum. The initiative focuses on participation, leadership pathways, coaching, and player welfare, creating opportunities for women and girls worldwide to pick up a rugby ball for the first time or step into leadership roles.

Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, captured what makes this special: "What makes me most proud is how the tournament changed perceptions of women's rugby. It inspired new audiences, set new benchmarks for excellence, and proved what our game can deliver when we invest boldly in women's sport."

The tournament showed what happens when women's sports get the investment and platform they deserve.