Sunderland, United Kingdom – The highly anticipated Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 officially kicks off today, Friday, August 22, as host nation England, affectionately known as the Red Roses, face off against the United States. The opening match, a trending topic across the global sports landscape, is set to electrify a massive crowd at the Stadium of Light, marking the beginning of what is already poised to be the most attended women’s rugby tournament in history.
Anticipation has reached a fever pitch in Sunderland, a city not traditionally known for its rugby fervor, where over 40,000 fans are expected to fill the 49,000-capacity Stadium of Light. This colossal attendance for the curtain-raiser is projected to surpass the crowd of the previous World Cup final in 2022, held in New Zealand, highlighting the monumental growth of women’s rugby.
England’s Dominance and Home Hopes
The Red Roses enter this tenth edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup as the undisputed world number one team and strong tournament favorites. Under the guidance of Head Coach John Mitchell, the squad boasts an formidable record, having suffered only one defeat in their last 58 matches – that being the agonizing 2022 World Cup final against defending champions New Zealand. England’s recent form includes a dominant run of seven consecutive Six Nations titles and six Grand Slams from 2019 to 2024, cementing their status at the pinnacle of the sport. Their opening line-up against the USA remains unchanged from their impressive 40-6 warm-up victory over France, with captain Zoe Aldcroft leading a formidable side. Veteran Emily Scarratt is also set to make history with her fifth World Cup appearance, a testament to her enduring career.
USA Eagles: A Force to be Reckoned With
The United States, currently ranked 10th globally, is no stranger to the World Cup stage. The Eagles famously won the inaugural tournament in 1991, defeating England in the final, and have contested two other finals. Their squad for this tournament, led by Head Coach Sione Fukofuka and captain Kate Zackary, features a blend of experience and new talent, including 11 World Cup debutants. A key player to watch is the Olympic bronze medalist and social media sensation Ilona Maher, whose presence and significant online following have helped elevate the profile of women’s rugby, both in the US and globally. Coach Fukofuka emphasized the team’s focus on executing their game plan to pressure the host nation, acknowledging the immense external expectations on England.
A Tournament of Unprecedented Scale
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is set to run until September 27, with matches taking place across eight iconic English cities. Beyond Sunderland, venues include Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, Northampton, Manchester, York, and the grand finale at Twickenham Stadium in London. The tournament has already smashed ticketing records, with over 375,000 tickets sold across all 32 matches – three times the total sales of the last World Cup in New Zealand and more than ten times the figure for the 2010 edition also hosted in England. Notably, the final at Twickenham, with an 82,000 capacity, has already sold out, ensuring it will be the most attended women’s rugby match in history, surpassing the 66,000 recorded at the Paris 2024 Olympic Sevens.
Beyond the Pitch: Inspiring Growth and Impact
This tournament represents a pivotal moment for the sport, not just as a sporting spectacle but as a catalyst for growth. World Rugby’s “Impact Beyond 2025” program aims to capitalize on the event’s momentum to foster greater participation, enhance career opportunities, and promote gender equity within rugby globally. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) itself has an ambitious target of reaching 100,000 female players by 2027. The influx of international travelers and the widespread broadcast coverage, including free-to-air access on BBC One in the United Kingdom, underscore the significant cultural and economic impact anticipated. As pop-sensation Anne-Marie prepares to headline the opening ceremony, this Women’s Rugby World Cup is more than just a competition; it’s a global celebration and a testament to the surging popularity of women’s sports.
