A record-breaking crowd celebrates the rise of women’s rugby and the broader growth of female sports in the UK. 

Twickenham Stadium made history this week as it hosted the Women’s Rugby World Cup final, drawing over 80,000 fans one of the largest attendances ever recorded for a women’s sporting event in the United Kingdom. Across the course of the tournament, more than 440,000 tickets were sold, reflecting the surging popularity of women’s rugby and a broader enthusiasm for female sports worldwide. 

The sold-out final showcased not just the athleticism of the competitors but also the UK’s commitment to creating an environment where women’s sports can thrive. Fans of all ages filled the stadium, waving flags, cheering loudly, and celebrating every try, tackle, and sprint. The atmosphere was electric, demonstrating that women’s sports can deliver the same excitement, intensity, and spectacle long associated with men’s competitions. 

Organizers have hailed the tournament as a landmark moment, emphasizing years of investment in grassroots programs, athlete development, and media coverage. These efforts have paid off, creating a generation of young women with role models in rugby and other sports. The visibility and success of the 

World Cup are expected to inspire countless girls to take up rugby and pursue their athletic ambitions.

The final featured some of the world’s top female athletes, with teams displaying extraordinary skill, speed, and tactical intelligence. Analysts noted that the quality of play rivaled any men’s game, underscoring that female athletes deserve equal recognition and support. Sports governing bodies are now examining ways to leverage the success of the tournament to build sustainable pathways for women’s sport across the UK and internationally. 

Beyond the pitch, the tournament has had significant social impact. Sponsors, media outlets, and broadcasters have taken notice, increasing investment and coverage for women’s sports. The sold out Twickenham event proves that audiences are hungry for high level female competitions and that women’s sport can be commercially viable while fostering inclusion and diversity. 

Fans and athletes alike celebrated the milestone. Young players attending the final described it as “life changing,” while coaches emphasized that such visibility is crucial for motivating the next generation. Analysts predict that this momentum will have ripple effects across other women’s sports in the UK, from football and cricket to athletics and tennis. 

The success of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup has firmly positioned the UK as a global leader in promoting female sport. The sold out Twickenham final will be remembered not only for the thrilling gameplay but also for its symbolic significance: a celebration of equality, opportunity, and the unstoppable rise of women athletes on the world stage. 

With the tournament concluding on such a high note, attention now turns to ensuring that the legacy endures. Continued investment in training facilities, competitions, and youth development programs is expected to strengthen the UK’s position as a hub for world class female sporting talent.

References:

1. Hughes, G. (2025, September 30). Women’s Rugby World Cup: England’s Red Roses broke records and ruled the world – but what next? Sky Sports. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/rugby/news/12321/13441197/womens-rugby-world-cup-englands-red-roses-broke-records-and-ruled-the-world-but-what-next (Sky Sports)
2. “Women’s Rugby World Cup Final breaks global attendance record.” (2025, September 29). Sport Industry. Retrieved from https://www.sportindustry.biz/news-categories/news/womens-rugby-world-cup-final-breaks-global-attendance-record/ (sportindustry.biz)
3. Ingle, S. (2025, September 27). Women’s rugby crashes into mainstream as England go for glory in World Cup final. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/27/womens-rugby-union-crashes-into-mainstream-england-go-for-glory-world-cup-final-canada-england (The Guardian)
4. “England crowned Women’s Rugby World Cup champions after emphatic win over Canada.” (2025, September 27). Sky News. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/england-crowned-womens-rugby-world-cup-champions-after-emphatic-win-over-canada-13439407 (Sky News)
5. “Rugby World Cup 2025 didn’t just raise the bar, it’s gone stratospheric.” (2025, September 29). Rugby World Cup (official). Retrieved from https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en/news/1017715/rwc-2025-didn-t-just-raise-the-bar-it-s-gone-stratospheric (Women’s and Men’s Rugby World Cup)