Rugby World Cup City hospitality businesses welcome £15m boost

THE Women’s Rugby World Cup brought Bristol a “tremendous’ £15million boost.

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England players celebrate victory over France in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-final at Ashton Gate last month, and below, fans enjoying a match in the city centre Fan Zone

(Ryan Pierse - RFU via Getty Images)

The local leisure industry converted interest in the tournament - which England’s Red Roses went on to win - into serious money as two quarter finals and both semis were played at Ashton Gate.

More than 92,000 fans from the UK and overseas flocked to Bristol for the matches, many extending their stay to enjoy the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops, heritage and cultural attractions and the fan zone at Lloyds Amphitheatre.

As well as the fans who travelled to the city, global influencers also came to enjoy the sporting spectacle and shine a light on Bristol, including USA rugby star and social media icon Ilona Maher - who played for Bristol Bears earlier this year - and former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.

Tourism chiefs are now hoping to build on the success and bid for further large sporting events in future.