The World Rugby governing body has published its impact report for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament, revealing that the tentpole event generated £294.7 million ($397.6 million) in economic value for host country England.
Staged across the country, the tournament sold a total of 444,465 tickets, more than any other edition in history (tripling the previous tournament), with the showpiece final at Twickenham Stadium in London drawing 81,885 fans, which was the second-best attended World Cup final ever across both men’s and women’s rugby.
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On the ticketing front, travel and hospitality also played a major part, with buyers from 33 countries acquiring 13,420 packages in total.
In terms of partner value for the event’s broadcasters, in all 147 million global viewing hours were recorded, up 336% on the previous edition.
This included the UK’s public-service broadcaster BBC, which broke records with its coverage of the tournament.
In terms of sponsorship, World Rugby claims that the pre-tournament partnership drive resulted in a 330% increase in sponsorship revenue compared to the previous edition, and that the tournament generated £201 million in media value for commercial partners.
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By GlobalDataWorld Rugby signed on five principal partners for the tournament: Asahi Breweries, the Japanese beverage company; IT company Capgemini; credit card giant Mastercard; insurance firm Gallagher; and car brand Defender.
Of these five, World Rugby reveals that four have “extended their commitment to women’s rugby” following the tournament, with the most prominent example being Gallagher expanding its partnership portfolio to include the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition.
In a statement as part of the impact report, World Rugby executive board chair Brett Robinson said: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 was a phenomenal celebration of our sport. The impact reports show just how transformative it was, for players, for fans, for communities, for the host cities across England, and for our global rugby ecosystem.
“It inspired new audiences, set new benchmarks for excellence, and proved what our game can deliver when we invest boldly in women’s sport. This was a defining moment, and its legacy will shape rugby for generations.”
Sally Horrox, who serves as World Rugby’s chief of women’s rugby, added: “Our Impact Beyond 2025 program demonstrates the true power of a global legacy program. Working with 134 unions and our six regional associations, we have seen tangible progress in participation, leadership, pathways, and player welfare.
"The momentum generated by RWC 2025 is only the beginning, and together with our partners, we are building a stronger, sustainable, and more inclusive future for the women’s game.”
