Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 generated almost £300m for UK economy
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup generated an economic impact of nearly £300m according to new reports released following the record-breaking tournament in England.
Financial boost and record crowds
World Rugby has confirmed the event contributed a total of £294.7m to the UK economy.
The tournament concluded with the Red Roses lifting the trophy in front of a historic crowd at Allianz Stadium.
A world-record attendance of 81,885 watched the final, marking the first time the Twickenham venue had sold out for a women’s fixture.
Alongside ticket sales, the competition delivered a massive 330% increase in sponsorship revenue compared to previous editions.
Partners also benefited from media value estimated at £201m throughout the expanded 16-team spectacle.
Building a legacy
Governing body officials insist these financial results must serve as a launchpad rather than a final destination for the sport.
Two separate impact reports have been published to analyse how the showcase has reshaped the landscape of the women’s game globally.
Sally Horrox, World Rugby’s chief of women’s rugby, is currently leading discussions in London to ensure this success continues.
Horrox emphasised the need to use this momentum ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2029 World Cup in Australia.
“We can remember the euphoria of the sold-out Allianz Stadium with more than 81,000 fans, England crowned as champions,” Horrox said.
“It wasn’t just a moment in time, it has given us and continues to give us the opportunity, for us and our unions, to convert that interest into real lifelong engagement.”
New audiences and participation
Ticket sales reached over 444,000 across the tournament, demonstrating a significant appetite for elite female rugby.
Crucially, data indicates that more than 44% of those attendees were watching the sport live for the first time.
The global governing body is now focused on converting this casual interest into active participation.
Fifty-three member unions have pledged to increase playing numbers significantly over the next four-year cycle.
World Rugby has set an ambitious target of rising from 2.2 million to 3.4 million female players worldwide by 2029.