What's happened
The ongoing Women’s Rugby World Cup features many lopsided scores but remains widely enjoyed. England’s dominance, standout young players, and the tournament’s spirited atmosphere highlight the sport’s growth and appeal despite uneven matchups, challenging traditional notions of sports excitement today.
What's behind the headline?
The surprising enjoyment of lopsided matches reveals a shift in sports spectatorship. Unlike traditional fan expectations for close contests, viewers are captivated by the athleticism and flair on display, regardless of score margins. This suggests that the appeal of women’s rugby now extends beyond competitive balance, emphasizing spectacle and skill.
The tournament’s success challenges the assumption that only tightly contested games generate excitement. England’s dominance provides a stable backdrop, allowing fans to relax and appreciate individual brilliance, such as New Zealand’s Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Spain’s spirited late try against the Black Ferns.
The broader cultural context indicates a growing acceptance and enjoyment of women’s sports, even when the competition is uneven. This counters the narrative that sports must be close to be engaging, highlighting a potential future where athletic display and entertainment take precedence over score margins.
The tournament’s positive atmosphere and broadcasting choices, like signing Ruby Tui, have amplified its appeal, suggesting that strategic media decisions can elevate women’s sports regardless of competitive disparities. This could accelerate the sport’s growth and audience engagement in the coming years.
What the papers say
The Guardian’s Emma John highlights how the Women’s Rugby World Cup, despite its many lopsided scores, remains widely enjoyed due to the athleticism and flair on display, emphasizing the tournament’s festive atmosphere and broadcasting success. Conversely, some traditional sports fans might expect close contests to be more exciting, but the current event demonstrates that spectacle and skill can captivate audiences even when the results are uneven. The coverage underscores a cultural shift in how women’s sports are perceived and appreciated, with the tournament serving as a catalyst for broader acceptance and growth in the sport.
How we got here
This year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup has seen many one-sided matches, with over half decided by more than 40 points. Industry insiders predicted the tournament would boost women’s rugby, especially after recent successes like the Lionesses’ campaign. The event’s popularity is driven by engaging play and strong broadcasting, even amid uneven competition.
Go deeper
More on these topics