Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 launch celebrations

Celebrations have taken place across Exeter to commemorate an exciting milestone regarding the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

The 22nd August marked exactly a year until the tournament kicks off, when the biggest stars in women's rugby will come together to share the ultimate stage and battle it out to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

The 16 best teams from across the globe will be competing across England, with Exeter’s Sandy Park gearing up to host multiple matches in the pool phase as well as two momentous quarter-final fixtures.

With ‘one year to go’ celebrations taking place up and down the country, World Rugby released an inspiring promotional film titled ‘This Energy Never Stops’. Named after their campaign, it will run alongside the tournament encouraging fans and players alike to bring their energy to the games.

As part of the celebrations in Exeter, Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living at Exeter City Council, came down to meet the next generation of female rugby stars as a talented young bunch of Exeter Saracens players took part in a training session.

The hope for the tournament is that it will not only be a success in the short term, with packed out stadiums and entertaining matches, but also a long-lasting legacy after the games. With the rapid growth of interest in women’s rugby both for spectators and players, the aim is to keep the ball rolling and inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.

As part of the launch, Exeter's Historic Guildhall was lit up in purple and gold, the tournament's official colours, marking the countdown to kick off in the city.

Bindu Arjoon, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, said: “It’s just a year to go now until this fantastic tournament kicks off and a lot of work is taking place to ensure that it is a major success and leaves a lasting legacy, both here in Exeter and elsewhere around the country.”

“There’s no doubt that the Women’s Rugby World Cup will have a major impact for Exeter, shining a light on the city to a global audience. It will boost participation in sport, particularly for women and girls, and we very much looking forward to this great event getting underway exactly a year from now.”

There is so much more to get excited about in the lead up to the tournament, with match tickets going on sale from September, the full fixture list and group draws to be announced in October, city dressing to go up and decorate Exeter in RWC colours, and much more, so keep your eyes peeled.

Visit the official Women’s RWC 2025 website for the latest news and information.