500-day countdown to World Cup kickoff

EXCITEMENT is building by the day as the countdown to Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 hit its latest milestone this week.

- MARK STEVENS

Monday heralded just 500 days until the global tournament kicks-off in Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday, August 22 next year.

Impact ’25 will be delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK Government, Sport England and UK Sport and will see £12.13m committed to the women’s and girls’ grassroots game across the country.

The legacy programme will provide substantial improvements in facilities and greater opportunities for women at all levels of the game in England, with a range of support being offered to clubs across four key pillars: Facility Development, Coaches and Match Officials, Playing and Volunteering, as well as Community and Fan Engagement.

Holders New Zealand, Canada, France and hosts England, have already qualified after finishing in the top four at the last Rugby World Cup, while the remaining 12 places will be filled via WXV and regional competitions this year.

It promises to be the biggest and best spectacle yet and Sally Horrox, chief of women's rugby at World Rugby, cannot wait for the 10th edition of the pinnacle event to get underway.