Record-Breaking Crowds Mark Accomplished Opening Weekend for Women’s Rugby world Cup
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicked off to a resounding success, attracting record-breaking attendance figures and viewership across the UK. A crowd of 42,723 spectators witnessed England’s victory over the USA in Sunderland on the opening night, setting a new attendance record for a Women’s Rugby World cup match.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, highlighted the significance of the event, stating: “Its been a past summer for women’s sport, and BBC Sport is proud to have been at the heart of it. These record-breaking figures for the opening weekend of the women’s Rugby world Cup show the growing passion and interest of fans across the UK. With all four home nations competing on the world stage, we’re bringing audiences every match, every moment, and the stories behind these inspiring female athletes. And with the tournament just getting started, there’s much more to come.”
Black Fern and BBC Sport pundit Ruby Tui expressed her enthusiasm for the sport’s growth, saying: ”If you could buy shares in women’s rugby - it woudl be your number one investment right now. It’s such a buzz to be here in England to witness this phenomenal growth of our game. World records are being broken every weekend and I’m here for it! How good!”
The tournament, hosted in England, features 16 teams competing for the title. The competition is taking place across three venues: Salford Community Stadium, Franklins Gardens in Northampton, Sandy Park in Exeter, and York Community Stadium.
BBC Sport is the exclusive broadcaster of the Women’s rugby World Cup, providing thorough coverage on BBC iPlayer, the BBC sport website, and app.All matches involving the home nations – England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – along with all knockout stage fixtures, will be broadcast live on BBC One or BBC Two.
| Date | Kick-off | Match | Location | Where to watch |
| 30 Aug | 12pm | Canada v Wales | Salford Community Stadium | BBC Two, iPlayer |
| 30 Aug | 2.45pm | Scotland v Fiji | Salford Community Stadium | BBC two,iPlayer |
| 30 Aug | 5pm | England v Samoa | Franklins Gardens,Northampton | BBC Two,iPlayer |
| 30 Aug | 7.30pm | USA v Australia | York Community Stadium | iPlayer |
| 31 Aug | 12pm | Ireland v Spain | Franklins Gardens, northampton | BBC Two, iPlayer |
| 31 Aug | 2pm | New Zealand v Japan | Sandy Park, Exeter | iPlayer |
| 31 aug | 3.30pm | Italy v South Africa | York community Stadium | iPlayer |
| 31 Aug | 4.45pm | France v Brazil | Sandy Park, Exeter | iPlayer |
Fans can follow the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 on TV, iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website/app, and social media platforms via @BBCSport.
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