Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Stadium of Light to Host Opening Match
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is set to make history, with Sunderland’s iconic Stadium of Light selected to host the tournament’s opening fixture. In what promises to be a landmark event for women’s rugby, the tournament will culminate with the final at Twickenham Stadium, where the England Red Roses hope to go one step further than their heartbreaking defeat in the 2021 final.
In a live interview, former England captain and World Cup winner Sarah Hunter expressed her excitement about the opening match being held in the northeast of England. “It’s so exciting to bring the Rugby World Cup to the Northeast,” Hunter said, highlighting the region’s strong sporting passion. She emphasized the importance of this moment, not just for the local area but for the broader growth of women’s rugby.
The tournament’s arrival in the northeast is a particularly special moment for Hunter, who played her final game in her home region. The legacy of Hunter’s career, combined with the development of women’s rugby, is expected to inspire a new generation of players. As she noted, “There are so many young girls playing rugby in the northeast of England, and bringing a massive event like this can really generate interest and inspire that next generation.”
The excitement for the 2025 tournament goes beyond its opening game. World Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have set ambitious goals to make this the most-attended Women’s Rugby World Cup ever. Reflecting on the sport’s incredible growth, Hunter shared how crowd sizes have dramatically increased over the years. From humble beginnings with a few hundred attendees at her early matches, women’s rugby has seen record-breaking crowds. For instance, nearly 60,000 fans attended the 2023 Six Nations final at Twickenham. With the anticipation building two years ahead of the World Cup, Hunter is confident that attendance records will continue to be shattered.
Drawing from her own experience of playing in four World Cups, including a home tournament in 2010, Hunter underscored the significance of a home advantage. “Being at a home World Cup is incredibly special,” she said. She recalled the progress women’s rugby has made, pointing out how the 2010 final was held at the Stoop, while the 2025 final will take place at Twickenham, the heart of English rugby. She believes that the 82,000-seat stadium will sell out, providing an electric atmosphere for the sport’s pinnacle event.
Although Hunter retired from playing earlier this year, her involvement with the Red Roses is far from over. Now transitioning into a coaching role, she remains dedicated to contributing to the team’s success. “I’ve got a slightly different capacity with England now in a coaching role,” she said, expressing her hopes to still be part of the team’s journey in the upcoming tournament.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be a transformative moment for women’s rugby, and with the Northeast kicking off the tournament, excitement is building for what promises to be a record-breaking and inspirational event.
