The Rugby World Cup 2025 (Women’s) marked a turning point in the history of the sport. Beyond record-breaking attendance and broadcast figures, the tournament left a measurable and profound legacy that transformed the women’s rugby ecosystem both in England and globally. This is reflected in the two reports presented by World Rugby, which for the first time provide a unified vision of the tournament’s local and international impact.
The Tournament Impact Report and the Global Impact Beyond 2025 Report detail how the event acted as an economic, social and cultural catalyst. From a £294.7 million return on investment for host cities to a 330% increase in sponsorship revenue, the World Cup not only consolidated its commercial value but also redefined perceptions of women’s rugby and strengthened the foundations for its sustainable growth across 134 member unions and six regional associations.
England 2025: records, investment and a shift in perception
Held across eight English cities, the competition sold 444,465 tickets, tripling the figure from the previous edition and reaching 92% stadium capacity. The final at Twickenham drew 81,885 spectators, setting a new world record for a women’s rugby match. This growth was the result of a deliberate decentralisation strategy, with community activations and local programmes that took the tournament beyond traditional rugby strongholds.
The economic impact reached £294.7 million, with more than 80% generated outside London, strengthening regional economies, the hospitality sector and the international profile of host cities. At the same time, the tournament recorded a Net Promoter Score of +84 and an 82% satisfaction rate among players. The “Where We Belong” campaign promoted powerful messages of inclusion and belonging that resonated particularly with young women: 75% of women aged 13 to 25 said they felt more motivated to actively participate in sport after the event.
Impact Beyond 2025: a stronger global ecosystem
Alongside its domestic success, the Impact Beyond 2025 programme extended the tournament’s influence worldwide. More than 35,500 teenagers began playing rugby thanks to scholarships across 42 unions, including emerging federations in Africa, Asia and Europe. In addition, more than 100 women from 56 countries took part in professional development programmes, while female representation within coaching teams reached a record 32% — more than double the figure in 2021.
The impact was also digital and commercial. The tournament accumulated 147 million global viewing hours — a 336% increase compared to 2021 — and surpassed one billion social media impressions. It generated £201 million in media value for its partners and attracted an expanded portfolio of international brands. In the area of welfare, the most comprehensive mental health support system in the tournament’s history was implemented, alongside an innovative digital protection programme that set new standards for player safety.
