Sign in Subscribe
Sports associations

UK Government Commits to Supporting Women's Sport, Rugby Progresses with Record-Breaking World Cup Sales

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting women's sport, with a focus on increasing participation and opportunities in grassroots rugby. Sport England's "This Girl Can" campaign aims to inspire 1.6 million women to be active by 2028, while the Rugby Football Union has received £13,859,000 in funding from Sport England to support men's and women's rugby union. The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, hosted by England, has seen a record-breaking 400,000 tickets sold, with 43,500 women and girls now playing rugby.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government has committed to supporting women's sport, with a focus on increasing participation and opportunities in grassroots rugby.
  • Sport England's "This Girl Can" campaign aims to inspire 1.6 million women to be active by 2028.
  • The Rugby Football Union has received £13,859,000 in funding from Sport England to support men's and women's rugby union for the period 2022-27.
  • The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup has sold a record-breaking 400,000 tickets, with 43,500 women and girls now playing rugby.
  • The legacy programme, Impact 25, aims to improve facilities, reach 850 clubs, and support greater opportunities for women and girls of all ages to get involved in rugby.
  • The Women's Sport Taskforce will be launched at the Rugby World Cup to tackle challenges and barriers facing women and girls in sport.
  • DCMS has provided £17.98 million of investment to support England hosting the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, including £6.77 million legacy funding.

Statistics:

  • 1.6 million women expected to be active as a result of Sport England's "This Girl Can" campaign by 2028.
  • £13,859,000 funded to the Rugby Football Union by Sport England for the period 2022-27.
  • £17.98 million invested by DCMS to support England hosting the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, including £6.77 million legacy funding.
  • 400,000 tickets sold for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.
  • 43,500 women and girls now playing rugby as a result of the tournament.

Sources:

  • Written answer from Stephanie Peacock in the UK Parliament, dated 10 September 2025.

Read more