Rugby World Cup 2025
Sunderland's iconic 49,000-capacity Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland AFC since 1997, is set to host the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. On Friday 22 August, the world's number one ranked team, England's Red Roses, will take the field in what promises to be an era-defining event.
With women's rugby reaching new heights on and off the pitch, this match offers up to 49,000 fans from the North East and beyond a unique opportunity to witness top-tier international rugby. The 2025 tournament marks the first time the Women's Rugby World Cup will be expanded to include 16 teams and will be hosted across eight venues and cities throughout England. This new format ensures the tournament is the most accessible ever, giving fans across the country a chance to engage with and support the stars of the women's game over a five-week schedule.
Welcome to women's Rugby
Sunderland is ready to inspire the next generation of players and fans.
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 is coming, and you can be a part of it!
Don't miss the opening match, ENG vs USA, on 22 August 2025 at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
RWC25 promises compelling competition, unstoppable athletes, and unforgettable moments with prices starting from £10 (adult tickets) and £5 (children tickets) for the opening match.
We want fans to bring their unstoppable energy to the biggest celebration of women's rugby, family, and togetherness of 2025.
Dont miss out - tickets are available now!
Women's Rugby World Cup Fan Village
Sunderland is set to come alive this August with a vibrant programme of events celebrating the countdown to the opening ceremony!
Starting from Thursday 21 August, until Saturday 23 August, a fan village will be located in Keel Square, right in the heart of the city centre.
The build-up to the big game begins on Thursday, 21 August, with the Fan Village open from 4pm to 10pm hosting a lineup of female-led live music.
On match day the Fan Village will open at 9am with food, drink, and rugby-themed activities like pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall. From midday there will be live tribute performances from Rock DJ, Mac Busted, Re-Take That, and Royal Rhapsody.
This will also be the starting point for the community parade to the Stadium of Light at 5:30pm.
The celebrations continue on Saturday, 23 August, as Sunniside Market relocates to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity. With music, entertainment and family-friendly activities there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Powering Rugby forward in the North East
Rugby in Sunderland
The Rugby World Cup 2025 will be a true celebration of women's rugby, set to captivate new audiences and inspire countless women and girls to get involved in the sport.
Community Rugby Clubs
Sunderland might be known for being football mad, but it also has a rich history of rugby. There are three clubs in the city - Sunderland RFC, Houghton RUFC and Washington RFC.
Getting started
As Sunderland gears up to host the opening game of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, it's the perfect opportunity to get involved in a new sport. We're working with local rugby clubs to offer something for everyone, from girls' rugby to walking rugby and fitness sessions. With new rugby posts popping up across the city, there's never been a better time to give rugby a try. Make the most of this exciting opportunity and get involved...
Whatever you're into, you'll find your place in our city that never stands still.
Whatever you're into, you'll find your place in our city that never stands still. list
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Explore Rugby World Cup host cities
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