The opening game will be hosted at Sunderland’s Stadium Of Light, and the closing match will be at Twickenham
BY CAMILLE BAVERA, IMAGE BY CANVA
Yesterday it was announced that England will be given the honour of hosting the opening and final games of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. The opening game will be hosted at Sunderland’s Stadium Of Light, and the closing match will be at Twickenham.
The stadium lineup was announced this past summer, but only yesterday did the World Rugby And Football Rugby Union crown England as the opener on 22 August and as the host for the final on 27 September 2025.
Graeme Miller, leader of the Sunderland City Council, expressed his excitement for the tournament being held so far north to the BBC. “The last few years have seen a massive surge of interest in women’s rugby and women’s sport in general, so having the opportunity to cheer on the Red Roses in a World Cup match so close to home is brilliant news for sports fans across the northeast.”
England hopes to set a new world record audience attendance at the international level after their game against France packed over 58,000 fans into the stands earlier this year. The stadium holds up to 82,000 people, and officials are already expecting to see the seats packed.
Sarah Hunter, former player and now managing director of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, sees this opportunity as a gold mine for young female players who are looking for inspiration on the field.
“For us, this tournament is all about visibility and if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. So if you don’t see the event and you don’t see those role models, you don’t believe you can be part of that,” said Hunter. “If we can leave this tournament inspiring others, then we would have done our job.”
This year’s rugby cup will see 16 teams competing, instead of the previous 12, with France, New Zealand, Canada, and two-time winner England already guaranteed entry. The Red Roses are set to open the competition. Scotland and Wales have still to qualify to compete.
Regardless, it’s already generating excitement, and shaping up into a world-class tournament.
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