RFU’s Impact ’25 Legacy Programme Aims to Grow Women’s Rugby Ahead of 2025 World Cup

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is gearing up to make the most of England hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2025 with their legacy programme, Impact ’25. This initiative has already secured over £12 million in funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with the goal of boosting the sport in England and the home unions.

One of the key objectives of Impact ’25 is to significantly increase female participation in rugby, with the RFU aiming to have 100,000 female players by 2027. The programme has already made a substantial impact, with more than £3 million invested in 655 clubs nationwide. This funding has supported over 1,200 coaches and match officials, as well as providing grants to nearly 350 clubs to start under-12s activities.

The RFU, in collaboration with the UK Government, Sport England, and UK Sport, is focused on accelerating the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby through Impact ’25. The programme is designed to enhance facilities, provide more opportunities for female players at all levels, and engage the community in the sport.

In a groundbreaking move, the Wales women’s rugby team has partnered with Vodafone to introduce technology that tracks the impact of the menstrual cycle on concussions. This innovative approach aims to help female athletes better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

With the 2025 Women’s World Cup set to kick off in August, excitement is building across the country. The tournament will be played in eight venues, culminating in the final at Twickenham. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney expressed gratitude for the government’s support and emphasized the importance of creating a lasting legacy for women’s rugby in England and the home nations.

As Impact ’25 continues to make strides in advancing women’s rugby, the RFU is optimistic about the future of the sport and looks forward to further progress in the months and years to come.