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Rugby football

Karen Carney Backs Women's Rugby World Cup as Momentum Builds for Women's Sport

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former Lionesses midfielder Karen Carney has endorsed the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup, drawing parallels with the success of the 2019 European Championship, which saw a significant boost in women's football interest. Carney believes the World Cup will have a similar impact, potentially growing women's rugby and women's sport in general, with the aim of increasing participation and attracting 100,000 new players.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Women's Rugby World Cup will take place in 2025, with the showpiece final at Twickenham Stadium, expected to attract a record crowd for a women's rugby fixture.
  • England's opener will be held at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22, with the Red Roses aiming to increase participation in women's rugby and grow the sport more generally.
  • The tournament will be held across England, providing accessible opportunities for fans to watch the matches, with the aim of growing women's rugby and women's sport.
  • Karen Carney believes the tournament will be a catalyst for change, providing a legacy and increasing participation in women's rugby and sports more broadly.
  • Carney notes that the region of Sunderland has produced no shortage of England football players, and she is excited to see the impact of the World Cup on the next generation of players.

Statistics:

  • The Lionesses have earned 144 caps, with the last one coming in 2019.
  • The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is expected to attract a record crowd for a women's rugby fixture.
  • 42,000 fans attended the Lionesses' match against Scotland at the Stadium of Light last September.
  • The tournament aims to attract 100,000 new players to women's rugby.
  • Women's rugby may not be at the same stage of development as women's football, but the England team has established their position as the dominant side in the sport.

Sources:

  • Byline: By, Paul Martin
  • Karen Carney interview (date not specified)
  • Review into the future of women's football, 2023 (no date or publication information provided)
  • Source 1: England Rugby (no date specified)
  • Source 2: Sky Sports (no date specified)

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