The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has rewritten the record books, delivering a surge in attendance, viewership, and playing standards that underscores the sport’s global momentum.
A Landmark in Ticket Sales
Tournament organisers confirmed that over 440,000 tickets have been sold — more than triple the total from the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, and 100,000 above initial targets. With Twickenham long sold out for Saturday’s final between hosts England and Canada, more than 80,000 fans are expected, making it the most attended women’s rugby match in history.
To put that in perspective, the current record for a women’s rugby crowd stands at 58,498, set during England’s Six Nations clash with France in 2023. The Twickenham final will shatter that benchmark and set a new standard for the women’s game.
Rising Broadcast Reach
The impact extends beyond stadiums. England’s semi-final victory over France drew a peak TV audience of 3.1 million viewers on BBC One, highlighting the mainstream appeal of the tournament. Broadcasters and sponsors alike will take note: women’s rugby has proven it can deliver serious numbers both in attendance and on screens.
Standards of Play on Display
On the field, the competition has been equally groundbreaking. England and Canada’s fast ruck speed was pivotal in their semi-final wins, with 45% of rucks completed in under two seconds — faster than the average speed in men’s Test rugby.
Tournament director Yvonne Nolan described the leap as transformative: “Back in 2022, 11% of Canada’s rucks and 21% of England’s were that quick. This is a massive jump in standards, and it’s happening across the tournament.”
Celebrating Excellence
The tournament has also spotlighted individual brilliance. England’s Meg Jones, Canada’s Sophie de Goede, and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller are the nominees for Women’s 15s Player of the Year. The winners, along with awards for coach and referee of the year, will be announced at the final.
A Turning Point for Women’s Rugby
The 2025 edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is more than a tournament — it’s a watershed moment. With sold-out stadiums, record-breaking TV audiences, and performance standards accelerating at pace, the sport has moved into a new era.
The question now is how rugby’s stakeholders — federations, broadcasters, sponsors, and investors — will build on this momentum to ensure women’s rugby isn’t just a spike of attention every four years, but a year-round global product.
For Brands, Businesses and Services, feature in our posts
IMAGE: Getty Images
