Red Roses Bring Rugby Fest to England

Strategic Insights -

The Women's Red Roses rugby team will take a victory lap after their thrilling World Cup win by visiting hundreds of grassroots clubs across England for RugbyFest, a nationwide celebration of the sport. The team will meet young players, share their stories, and inspire a new generation to get involved in rugby. RugbyFest aims to encourage new players, supporters, and volunteers to join the sport, with the help of FindRugby.com, which lists local opportunities to get involved. The event is a key part of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) World Cup legacy programme, Impact '25, which has received £14.55m in government funding to support women's and girls' rugby.

Key Takeaways:

  • RugbyFest, a nationwide celebration of rugby, will take place across England from 3-6 October 2025, featuring hundreds of rugby clubs hosting taster sessions, family fun days, and mini festivals.
  • The Red Roses, winners of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, will visit local clubs to meet young players and share their stories, promoting grassroots rugby and inspiring a new generation of players.
  • FindRugby.com will be a central hub for young fans, parents, and future players to discover local opportunities to get involved in rugby.
  • RugbyFest is part of the RFU's World Cup legacy programme, Impact '25, which has received £14.55m in government funding to support women's and girls' rugby in England.
  • The National Lottery is providing £11m of funding to support the RFU's efforts to grow women's and girls' rugby through to 2027.
  • The Red Roses' recent success has inspired a new generation of young girls to take up rugby, with many donning red cowboy hats and following in the footsteps of their heroes.
  • Hundreds of events are already registered for RugbyFest, making it one of the biggest grassroots activations in the sport's history.

Statistics:

  • £14.55m: The amount of government funding committed to women's and girls' rugby in England as part of the RFU's World Cup legacy programme, Impact '25.
  • £11m: The amount of funding provided by The National Lottery to support the RFU's efforts to grow women's and girls' rugby through to 2027.
  • 2025: The year in which RugbyFest will take place, featuring the nationwide celebration of rugby across England.
  • £6b: The amount of funding raised for grassroots sport through The National Lottery in the last 20 years.
  • 2026: The year in which the £14.55m government funding commitment for women's and girls' rugby in England will end.
  • 2027: The year in which The National Lottery's £11m funding commitment for women's and girls' rugby will end.

Sources:

  • Rugby Football Union (RFU)
  • England Rugby
  • The National Lottery
  • Government of the United Kingdom
  • Sport England
  • UK Sport