What Made England 2025 the Biggest Women's Rugby World Cup Ever?

The Women's Rugby World Cup has achieved unprecedented success, driven by the accessibility of the matches and the star players involved. With record attendance and innovative strategies to engage fans, the tournament has proven to be a landmark event for women's rugby.

Last updated: 27 September 2023 (BST)

Key Highlights of the Women's Rugby World Cup

• Record attendance with 82,000 at the final match.
• Total of 440,000 tickets sold, more than three times the previous tournament.
• Competitive pricing with tickets starting at £10 for adults.
• Strategic scheduling of matches on weekends for family-friendly attendance.
• Innovative marketing and content creation to engage fans.

Historic Final at Twickenham

The Women's Rugby World Cup final between England and Canada is set to take place at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, 27 September 2023, with a kick-off scheduled for 16:00 BST. This match is not just a showdown for the championship; it represents a significant milestone in women's sports, as the venue is expected to be sold out, setting a new record for the largest crowd in women's rugby history.

Building on Momentum

This year’s World Cup has been a culmination of strategic planning and community engagement. The tournament kicked off with a record-breaking attendance of 42,723 during England's match against the United States. This surpassed the previous record from the 2022 final, highlighting the growing interest and support for women's rugby.

Record-Breaking Ticket Sales

Throughout the tournament, a total of 440,000 tickets have been sold, significantly more than the 130,000 tickets sold at the last Women's Rugby World Cup in 2022. With 470,000 tickets available across 32 matches, this year's tournament has achieved nearly 94% capacity, indicating a remarkable level of engagement from fans. The success can be attributed to several factors:

• Affordable ticket pricing, starting at £10 for adults and £5 for children.
• Effective scheduling, ensuring that 95% of the English population is within two hours of a venue.
• Family-friendly match timings, with most games held on weekends.

Strategic Match Scheduling

Unlike previous tournaments where some matches took place on weekday evenings, this World Cup has exclusively scheduled matches for weekends, making it easier for families and younger fans to attend. The introduction of double-header weekends has also been a smart move, allowing fans to catch multiple games in one outing. This approach has particularly benefited less popular fixtures, bringing attention to teams like Brazil, who played their matches alongside higher-profile opponents.

Engaging Fans Through Content Creation

In addition to strategic scheduling, the tournament organisers have embraced social media and content creation to connect with fans. By embedding content creators with teams, they have produced compelling off-pitch stories that resonate with audiences. For instance, a heartwarming video featuring Australia's 18-year-old full-back Caitlyn Halse being lifted into the stands by her father garnered over 13 million views on TikTok, showcasing the emotional connections fans have with the sport.

Knockout Stages and Record Crowds

The knockout stages of the tournament saw an influx of fans in rugby’s traditional strongholds, further solidifying the sport’s popularity. The quarter-finals were hosted at Exeter's Sandy Park and Bristol's Ashton Gate, while the semi-finals in Bristol attracted a combined total of 49,870 attendees. These numbers reflect the growing momentum for women's rugby, as fans flock to support their teams during critical matches.

Setting New Attendance Records

Saturday’s final match is anticipated to surpass the previous record of 58,498 spectators for a women's rugby match, which was set during the 2023 Six Nations when England faced France. Additionally, the Women’s Rugby Sevens at the Stade de France during the 2024 Olympics attracted 66,000 fans, indicating a rising trend in attendance for women's rugby events.

The Significance of This World Cup

The success of this Women's Rugby World Cup can be seen as a pivotal moment for the sport, showcasing the increasing visibility and support for women's athletics. The accessibility of matches and the focus on engaging narratives have contributed to a more vibrant rugby community. As the tournament wraps up, it will leave a lasting legacy, not just for the players involved but for the future of women's sports in general.

What Lies Ahead for Women's Rugby?

Looking forward, the question arises: how can the momentum gained from this World Cup be sustained? The strategies employed during this tournament could serve as a blueprint for future events, ensuring that women's rugby continues to thrive and attract new fans. The emphasis on accessibility, community engagement, and innovative marketing will be crucial in maintaining and growing interest in the sport.

FAQs

What are the ticket prices for the Women's Rugby World Cup?

Ticket prices for the Women's Rugby World Cup started at £10 for adults and £5 for children, making it accessible for families and young fans.

How many tickets have been sold for the Women's Rugby World Cup?

A total of 440,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament, significantly surpassing the number sold in the previous World Cup.

When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup final taking place?

The Women’s Rugby World Cup final between England and Canada is set for Saturday, 27 September 2023, with a kick-off at 16:00 BST.

Where is the Women's Rugby World Cup final being held?

The final is being held at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, which has a capacity of 82,000, setting a record for attendance at a women's rugby match.

What marketing strategies were used to promote this World Cup?

Strategies included competitive pricing, strategic scheduling of matches, and engaging content that connected fans to the teams and players, enhancing overall interest in the tournament.

As the Women's Rugby World Cup concludes, the impact of this event on the sport's future remains to be seen. How will this tournament shape the landscape of women's rugby moving forward? #WomensRugby #RugbyWorldCup #RecordAttendance