What's happened
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup launched in England with record-breaking attendance and viewership. England dominated the opening match against the USA in front of 42,723 fans, the largest crowd ever for a women’s World Cup game. Scotland begins its campaign against Wales, while Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit returns to rugby union after an NFL stint.
What's behind the headline?
Growing Momentum in Women’s Rugby
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup represents a pivotal moment for the sport, showcasing unprecedented commercial growth and fan engagement. Deloitte’s projection of £1.8 billion in revenue underscores the sport’s transition from niche to mainstream, fueled by record-breaking attendance and global viewership.
England’s Dominance and Legacy
England’s commanding 69-7 victory over the USA in front of a record crowd highlights their status as tournament favorites. Players like Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach delivered standout performances, reinforcing England’s depth and skill. Veteran Emily Scarratt’s historic fifth World Cup appearance adds a narrative of resilience and leadership.
Challenges and Progress in Player Support
Despite the tournament’s success, disparities in player contracts and financial support remain stark. While home nations offer contracts ranging from £18,000 to £48,000 plus match fees, teams like Samoa rely on fundraising, illustrating ongoing inequalities in women’s rugby.
Broader Impact and Future Trajectory
The tournament is reshaping perceptions of women’s rugby, promoting inclusivity and inspiring new generations. The presence of high-profile players with significant social media followings, such as USA’s Ilona Maher, amplifies the sport’s reach. The return of athletes like Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit from the NFL adds cross-sport intrigue and talent infusion.
Forecast
This World Cup will solidify women’s rugby’s place in global sports culture, driving further investment and professionalization. The increased visibility and commercial success will likely accelerate contract improvements and grassroots participation worldwide.
What the papers say
The Guardian’s Sarah Rendell provides a detailed account of England’s dominant opening match, highlighting key players like Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach and the record crowd of 42,723 (The Guardian, 23 Aug 2025). Andy Bull of The Guardian emphasizes the scale of the event, noting the crowd size surpasses the entire 2010 tournament attendance and the extravagant opening fireworks (The Guardian, 23 Aug 2025). The BBC News coverage focuses on England’s tactical strengths and areas for improvement, praising the team’s cohesion and individual performances (BBC News, 23 Aug 2025).
Nick Freer in The Scotsman contextualizes the tournament’s growth, citing Deloitte’s £1.8 billion revenue forecast and the expected 400,000 attendees, framing the event as a landmark for women’s rugby (The Scotsman, 23 Aug 2025). AP News highlights player injuries and comebacks, such as England’s Emily Scarratt’s return from neck surgery and Canada’s Sophie de Goede’s recovery from ACL injury, underscoring the physical demands and resilience in the sport (AP News, 27 Aug 2025).
The Guardian’s Sarah Rendell also exposes financial disparities among teams, revealing that half of Samoa’s squad must fundraise to cover living costs, contrasting with better-funded home nations like England and New Zealand (The Guardian, 18 Aug 2025). Meanwhile, The Japan Times and other sources touch on related rugby stories, such as Louis Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby union after an NFL stint, adding depth to the rugby narrative beyond the World Cup (The Guardian, 9 Aug 2025; The Japan Times, 20 Aug 2025).
How we got here
The Women’s Rugby World Cup has grown rapidly, with Deloitte forecasting £1.8 billion in global revenue this year following a surge since 2022. The tournament in England is expected to attract up to 400,000 attendees and 50 million viewing hours, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity and expanding fanbase.
Go deeper
- How is England performing in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup?
- What are the financial challenges faced by women’s rugby players?
- Why did Louis Rees-Zammit return to rugby union from the NFL?
Common question
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Why Did Louis Rees-Zammit Leave NFL and Return to Rugby?
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Why Did Louis Rees-Zammit Leave Rugby for NFL and Return?
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Why Is the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 So Popular?
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What Are the Highlights and Key Moments of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup?
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What Are the Highlights of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025?
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 has been making headlines with record-breaking attendance and viewership. Fans and sports enthusiasts are eager to learn about the key moments, standout players, and what this means for women's sports globally. Below, you'll find answers to the most common questions about this exciting tournament and its impact on the sport.
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