The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in England has redefined the landscape of women's rugby, setting unprecedented records and showcasing the sport's growing popularity. The final match between England and Canada at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium not only sold out its 82,000 seats but also marked the largest crowd in women's rugby history.

Record-Breaking Attendance

From the opening match in August, where England faced the United States, drawing 42,723 spectators, to the final, the tournament consistently broke attendance records. With 440,000 tickets sold, the event tripled the attendance of the previous World Cup, maintaining a 94% capacity across 32 games.

Strategic Planning and Fan Engagement

Organizers implemented competitive pricing and clever scheduling to maximize accessibility and appeal. Tickets started at £10 for adults and £5 for children, and matches were strategically located to ensure 95% of the English population was within two hours of a venue. Weekend scheduling and double-header weekends further boosted attendance, especially for less prominent teams like Brazil.

Media and Social Impact

Content creators were embedded with teams to produce engaging off-pitch content, significantly enhancing fan connections. A viral video of Australia's Caitlyn Halse with her father garnered over 13 million views on TikTok, highlighting the tournament's global reach.

Knockout Stages and Legacy

The knockout stages, hosted in rugby's traditional strongholds like Exeter and Bristol, attracted massive crowds, culminating in a combined total of 49,870 spectators for the semi-finals. The final crowd surpassed previous records, including the 58,498 at the 2023 Six Nations and the 66,000 at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

This tournament not only celebrated the sport but also set a new benchmark for future events, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, fan engagement, and media innovation in sports.