Try GOLD - Free

Bok Women aim to inspire a new generation

Cape Times

|

August 21, 2025

FEEL it, it is here!

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

The iconic slogan of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. But now it is the time of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to kick off at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday when hosts England face the USA.

The oval-ball game has traditionally been the domain of big, brutish men. But for the next month, women will take centre stage.

There will be physical contests up front, but also skill and speed on show that will capture audiences’ attention.

And it is this new fan base that excites me. According to a report released by World Rugby, the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 is forecast to attract up to 400 000 attendees and SO million global viewing hours.

The report includes staggering numbers: 49% of fans have joined in the last two years, engagement is up 65% over the past four years, with South African supporters in particular leading the way with a 72% rise, followed by the USA’s 69%.

MORE STORIES FROM Cape Times

Cape Times

Redoubling efforts for climate action and development in 2026

AS WE close the chapter on 2025, we are reminded that this year was written in contrasts.

time to read

3 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Cape Times

Church bells should ring beyond 16 Days

Sometimes it takes one decisive leader to make a difference

time to read

4 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Trump expands and tightens US travel restrictions, citing persistent vetting failures

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has issued a sweeping new proclamation expanding and tightening restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals from dozens of countries, arguing that persistent failures in screening, vetting and information-sharing pose unacceptable risks to national security and public safety.

time to read

3 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Lions aim to spoil unbeaten Stormers’ URC homecoming

WHEN a team like the Stormers are on a roll and winning, they can be there for the taking.

time to read

2 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Nelson Mandela's lawyer Ismail Ayob hailed for commitment to justice

ANTI-APARTHEID lawyer Ismail Ayob’s life reflected quiet courage and steadfast commitment to justice, says the ANC in paying tribute to the renowned lawyer who played a pivotal role in representing Nelson Mandela and other Struggle icons.

time to read

1 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Residents recall attack in Palmyra

RESIDENTS of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra are slowly resuming daily life after a deadly shooting at the weekend left US service members dead and triggered hours of heightened security and fear.

time to read

1 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Cape Times

Bending BEE laws for Starlink is a costly gamble SA can ill afford

SOUTH Africa once again finds itself at a familiar crossroads.

time to read

3 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

How Trump's tariffs pinched South African SMEs ahead of key US court ruling

ALTHOUGH all eyes are now on a ruling in which the US Supreme Court heard arguments over whether to overturn US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, SMEs have already felt severe pain.

time to read

2 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Slain DJ Warras' fight against hijacked buildings 'invited' threats

SLAIN Warrick \"DJ Warras\"

time to read

1 mins

December 18, 2025

Cape Times

Sydney Mourning: Australia’s worst mass shooting

WAILS rang through a packed synagogue yesterday as Sydney's Jewish community laid to rest beloved local rabbi Eli Schlanger, gunned down on Bondi Beach in Australia’s worst mass shooting in decades.

time to read

2 mins

December 18, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size