The rain couldn’t dampen the spirits on the banks of the Thames as England’s Red Roses celebrated their historic Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph in front of thousands of jubilant fans at London’s Battersea Power Station. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, England defeated Canada 33-13 at a packed Twickenham Stadium, capturing their third Women’s Rugby World Cup title and putting an emphatic stamp on a tournament that broke records both on and off the field.
From the opening whistle in Sunderland to the final at Twickenham, the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup was defined by unprecedented crowds, a surge in global interest, and a celebration of women’s rugby that will echo for generations. The record-setting final drew 81,885 fans—the largest audience in women’s rugby history—while over 440,000 tickets were sold throughout the tournament, far surpassing organizers’ expectations and signaling a seismic shift in the sport’s popularity.
England’s victory marked their third world crown, following earlier wins in 1994 and 2014. The Red Roses’ journey to the top was fueled by a remarkable team culture and a relentless drive, as captain Zoe Aldcroft explained during the post-match celebrations. “We have been on a journey for three years,” Aldcroft said, beaming with pride as she addressed the crowd, her teammates draped in medals and sunglasses—some hiding the effects of a night-long celebration. “We have dug deep, had some fun along the way, but I am super proud of all the girls up here today—they are absolutely unbelievable. The big thing is our culture. We are so bonded as a team and we have so many fun experiences. We have enjoyed this time together and it brings us together on the pitch.”
It wasn’t just about the silverware. For Aldcroft and her teammates, the legacy of 2025 is about inspiring future generations. “We spoke about redefining the women’s game. It is not about winning the final, it is inspiring the next generation to pick up a rugby ball and play in their local clubs—that has been massive for us,” she told reporters, echoing the tournament’s broader mission to grow the sport and foster inclusivity.
The Red Roses’ head coach John Mitchell, who has guided the team through a record 33 consecutive victories, was quick to heap praise on his squad. “They are cool and unreal to work with every day,” Mitchell said. “Once they understand what is required, they take it on. I’m looking forward to celebrating this for a little bit longer—the beer fridge is looking pretty good. We will then get to Christmas, let the girls work their way back into the club sides, give them a break basically. Then [we will] have a chat in January to see what everyone's goals are, then we will move forward into the Six Nations.”
The celebrations at Battersea Power Station were a sight to behold, with fans braving the drizzle to wave flags, don cowgirl hats, and enjoy live music. The Fat Brass band kept the energy high, while famous faces like footballer Lucy Bronze and double Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes joined the festivities. England’s Hannah Botterman, sporting her now-iconic red cowgirl hat and clutching two cans of energy drink, summed up the team’s exuberant mood: “I've been banned from knee slides by the physio. They can't say no when we win the World Cup. I thought fudge it, I'm going to do it anyway.”
The 2025 tournament wasn’t just a showcase of rugby excellence—it was a defining moment for women’s sport. The competition opened with a bang, drawing a then-record 42,723 fans, and was the first Women’s Rugby World Cup to feature 16 teams in over two decades. This expansion introduced Brazil as the first South American qualifier and welcomed back Ireland, Spain, and Samoa. The tournament also saw South Africa deliver a major upset by defeating Italy to reach their first quarterfinal, a result that had coaches and pundits alike predicting a bright future for the Springbok women.
On the pitch, the standard of play soared. Average play-in-ball time rose by two minutes compared to 2022, conversion kicking success jumped by 10%, and ruck speed matched the men’s game. The final was a showcase of skill and determination, with England’s Sadia Kabeya earning player of the match honors and Canada’s Sophie de Goede named the tournament’s best player. Memorable moments abounded, from Brazil’s electrifying 60-meter try by Bianca Silva to the heartwarming scenes of Samoa’s penalty kick against England and the post-match dances shared between teams.
Off the field, the tournament set a new benchmark for inclusivity and fan experience. The event was female-led and female-organized, with facilities for breastfeeding mothers, stroller access, and free period products at stadiums. Surveys revealed that a third of ticket buyers were attending their first rugby match, and 90% expressed a desire to return—a testament to the sport’s growing appeal.
Yet, challenges remain. Only three of the 16 teams had a woman as head coach, and online abuse remains a persistent issue, with women’s players facing 30% more abuse than their male counterparts. World Rugby responded by implementing an online protection scheme, and players like Fiji’s Michella’e Stolz and Wales’ Georgia Evans responded to criticism with poise and positivity. “A scoreboard cannot measure the value of this team. Win or lose, your worth does not change. You’re more than a result,” Stolz told her teammates after a tough loss.
The UK government’s investment of 14.5 million pounds in 2022 to upgrade 850 community clubs, schools, and universities proved prescient, as the sport braces for a surge in participation following the tournament’s success. England’s players, mindful of the lessons from past World Cup booms, are determined to ensure that every new girl and boy inspired by their triumph has a place to play.
As the celebrations drew to a close, the message from the Red Roses was clear: this was more than a win—it was a watershed moment for women’s rugby. “Anybody who didn’t realize what a special thing we have in women’s rugby, they absolutely know now,” said competition director Yvonne Nolan.
With the Six Nations on the horizon and a new generation ready to pick up the ball, England’s Red Roses and the global women’s rugby community stand poised for an even brighter future.
