With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup roaring on with sold-out stadiums and millions of new fans watching around the globe, it has become the perfect spectacle and promotion for the women’s game.
The opening match, England vs. USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, drew a record-breaking crowd of 42,273, setting a new benchmark for World Cup openers. The final at Twickenham is already officially sold out, with around 80,000–82,000 fans expected — poised to become the most attended women’s rugby match in history.
England vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. Ireland also sold out, transforming their host cities into festival-like celebrations with fanzones, concerts, fireworks, and a strong push for inclusivity across all groups.
This year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup is nothing short of a cultural and sporting phenomenon. From historic attendance figures and sold-out stadiums to a fan-driven, festival-like vibe and world-class performances on the pitch, it’s proof that the women’s game has arrived in spectacular fashion. The blend of passion, record-breaking crowds, and exceptional play has made this tournament truly electric.
And yet, beneath the euphoria and celebration lies a troubling reality, only 3 of the 16 teams are led by women: Jo Yapp with Australia, Lesley McKenzie with Japan, and France’s Gaëlle Mignot, who shares her duties with David Ortiz. That amounts to just 18.75% of head coaches. The numbers tell a story of a sport that has failed to create the conditions in which female coaches can thrive.
