The stadiums have been confirmed for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup’s opening and closing matches.
The tournament will take place across England, with the Red Roses amongst the favourites as the number one ranked team in the world.
The Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland Football Club, will host the opening match of the competition on August 22nd 2025. This follows on from England playing in the North East, after opening their 2023 Women’s Six Nations campaign at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park.
This match witnessed an emotional career send off to England’s all-time leading appearence holder Sarah Hunter, who spoke at today’s World Rugby event regarding the announcement.
Speaking at the event, Hunter said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of today’s announcement of the opening and closing venues of Rugby World Cup 2025 and to meet so many talented rugby players from the North East.
“The Red Roses opening game of the tournament at the Stadium of Light will be an amazing experience for the players and fans and having witnessed the electric atmosphere of almost sixty thousand watching the Red Roses at Twickenham earlier this year, I’ve every confidence it will sell out for the final.”
World Rugby also confirmed that Twickenham Stadium will host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, on Saturday September 2
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1. Twickenham (London): Location: London, England
Bio: Twickenham, often referred to as the home of English rugby, stands as an iconic venue with a rich history. Renowned for hosting major rugby events, this historic stadium in southwest London is the perfect setting for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
With a capacity to hold over 80,000 passionate fans, Twickenham promises an electrifying atmosphere that will undoubtedly contribute to the tournament’s excitement and prestige.
2. Stadium of Light (Sunderland): Location: Sunderland, England
Bio: Nestled on the banks of the River Wear, the Stadium of Light is a beacon of sporting passion in the North East. The home of Sunderland A.F.C. transforms into a rugby haven as it proudly hosts the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Boasting a striking modern architecture and a seating capacity of over 49,000, the stadium promises a thrilling experience for fans and players alike.
3. Ashton Gate (Bristol): Location: Bristol, England
Bio: Ashton Gate, a gem in the heart of Bristol, welcomes the global rugby community with open arms for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. This multifaceted stadium, home to Bristol Bears, combines modern amenities with a historic charm.
With a seating capacity exceeding 27,000, Ashton Gate guarantees a vibrant and intimate atmosphere, creating lasting memories for fans and athletes.
4. Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium (Brighton): Location: Brighton, England
Bio: Perched on the southern coast, the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium is set to host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, providing a picturesque backdrop to the action on the field.
With its contemporary design and a seating capacity surpassing 30,000, this stadium offers a unique blend of coastal charm and sporting fervor, promising an unforgettable tournament experience.
5. Franklin’s Gardens (Northampton): Location: Northampton, England
Bio: Franklin’s Gardens, the hallowed ground of Northampton Saints, sets the stage for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with its rich rugby heritage.
This traditional yet modern stadium, accommodating over 15,000 spectators, embodies the passion and dedication of the local rugby community. The intimate setting ensures an up-close and personal encounter with the thrilling rugby action.
6. Sandy Park (Exeter): Location: Exeter, England
Bio: Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs, welcomes the global rugby family for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Situated in the heart of Devon, this state-of-the-art stadium with a seating capacity exceeding 12,000 promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The combination of top-notch facilities and passionate local support guarantees an exceptional tournament experience.
7. Salford Community Stadium (Salford): Location: Salford, England
Bio: Salford Community Stadium, a symbol of community spirit, is set to play a pivotal role in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. With a capacity to host over 12,000 fans, this modern venue serves as the perfect backdrop for showcasing the global talent and excitement of women’s rugby.
The stadium’s welcoming atmosphere and fan-friendly environment make it a standout destination for the tournament.
8. York Community Stadium (York): Location: York, England
Bio: The newly minted York Community Stadium, a jewel in the historic city of York, takes center stage as a host for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. With a capacity exceeding 8,000, this stadium blends modern facilities with a sense of community pride.
As rugby enthusiasts gather in this picturesque setting, York Community Stadium is poised to contribute to the tournament’s success and leave a lasting impression on fans and players alike.
Quiz! Can you name every player from England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup squad?
This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.
Some of these are significantly easier than others.
