The Women's Rugby World Cup crushed everything in its path. Like the England XV, a prophet in its own country, the tournament captivated and achieved all its objectives by filling stadiums and attracting millions more spectators to their screens. A success that is not to be taken lightly when we look back. We played on unmarked fields, in long grass, and without any spectators. ", recalls Gill Whitehead, president of the organizing committee, who had competed in the previous World Cup in England in 2010. An era that is certainly over.
Spectators ready to return
Tickets sold like hotcakes: 444.465 tickets were sold, three times more than in the previous edition. The feat was also to have attracted spectators from 133 countries, while only 16 nations are participating in the tournament. The whole world went to England to see New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Ireland, Brazil and Fiji. The final even set a new attendance record for a women's match with 81.885 spectators at the legendary Twickenham Stadium. When the number appeared on the screen, it was a powerful moment, proof of how far we have come in such a short time., Whitehead is moved. For the millions of young girls watching on Saturday or in front of their TVs, the experience will be different and the opportunities much greater. Women's rugby has changed forever. »
A study commissioned by World Rugby reveals that 50% of spectators at this World Cup had never attended a women's rugby match before, but 95% want to return. A major victory. This tournament proved that women and girls can be anything, do anything and belong everywhere – in rugby, in sport and in society. " insists Sarah Massey, general director of the tournament.
“A growth engine”
This success was also reflected on social media – 905 million impressions – and on television: with a peak of 5,8 million viewers, the final achieved the biggest audience of the year in the UK for a rugby match, ahead of the XV de la Rose matches in the Six Nations Tournament. Commercial revenue targets were also exceeded, notably thanks to the 24 partners involved in the adventure and to ticket and hospitality sales.
« Women's rugby is clearly a growth driver " for World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin. " It will allow us to open new markets, attract new investors, and develop our sport globally. Not all federations are at the same stage yet, but the wave is rising fast – and it's sweeping everyone along. » The next World Cups promise to maintain this momentum. Host in 2029, Australia will host the Men's World Cup just before the tournament and has announced its goal of reaching 200.000 participants within four years. The United States will follow in 2033, in the middle of the LA28 – Salt Lake City 2034 cycle.
