World Rugby has announced the venues for Rugby World Cup 2025 as they celebrate two years to go until the tenth edition of the women’s pinnacle global tournament.
It is set to be the biggest event yet, with England's home of Rugby Twickenham locked in as one of eight venues for the tournament, slated to run between August 22-September 27.
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Twickenham holds the record for the biggest crowd for a Women's Rugby match, with 58,498 watching England defeat France to claim the Six Nations title in 2023.
“Following the record-breaking success of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, women’s rugby has built an incredibly strong foundation and as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, RWC 2025 is set to take the game to the next level as the biggest celebration of women’s rugby with fans and players very much at its heart," World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a statement.
“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with all our partners as we strive to deliver a world-class and historic event that will leave a lasting legacy, both in England and around the world as we aim to inspire millions of new players and fans and continue to grow the game we love.”
“Through our continued investment in the women's game, the Red Roses have already inspired a new generation of girls and boys to play rugby," RFU Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer and former Red Rose added.
"Our home World Cup will further accelerate this growth and our continued partnership with World Rugby and the UK Government will support our aim to make that happen.
“In taking Rugby World Cup 2025 to venues the length and breadth of England, we want to give fans who may not have watched rugby before, the chance to be inspired by world class sporting action. It’s access to tournaments like these that can light a spark in people, and we hope it will encourage a new generation of people to give rugby a try for themselves.”
The tournament will travel across the country, with games set to be played in Bristol, Brighton, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York.
The World Cup will expand to 16 teams, with Canada, England, France and New Zealand already qualified after finishing in the top four of Rugby World Cup 2021.
RWC 2025 will be the first Rugby World Cup hosted under the new joint-venture model (Local Operating Committee) between World Rugby and the RFU.
“Rugby World Cup 2025 represents the beginning of an exciting new future for Rugby World Cups as the first event to be held under a new delivery model with World Rugby and the RFU in partnership, working alongside the UK Government and we look forward to working together closely over the next two years," Independent Chair of the Rugby World Cup 2025 Board of Directors Gill Whitehead said.
“The host cities and venues have been selected with accessibility in mind. No matter where you live in England, you should be within reach of a match.
"All the cities selected have demonstrated they share the same passion for the tournament and are committed in joining us on our mission to deliver the biggest and best women’s Rugby World Cup yet.”
