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The rise of women’s rugby in the UK

Women’s rugby in the UK has experienced a transformative rise in participation over the past decade. This growth is evident across grassroots participation, match attendance, broadcasting figures, sponsorship, and fan engagement. We are, without doubt seeing a generational change in rugby for women and girls. Director, Nina Lloyd explores the groundbreaking ascent of women’s rugby and what is needed to sustain the sport’s momentum.

Through the RFU’s Every Rose strategy, launched in 2021, England Rugby has committed to doubling female participation by 2027, supported by dedicated funding for grassroots clubs and schools. In England alone, the number of registered female players increased from around 25,000 in 2017 to over 40,000 by 2023 - a 60% rise in six years.

Initiatives such as ‘The Impact ‘25’ programme sees over £14.55m of Government funding committed to rugby in England and the home unions up to the end of March 2026, this should be the start of the generational movement by creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rugby.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and its legacy programme will be huge for women’s rugby, and be a catalyst to increase the value of women’s rugby at all levels of the game. Regardless of who lifts the trophy, this year’s tournament will be an era-defining celebration of women’s rugby with unprecedented levels of engagement throughout the country and beyond.

Nina caught up with rugby player Kate Hallett, who shared her insights into how success ‘on the field’ must now translate into additional and enhanced facilities and infrastructure at clubs so that this generational change reaches its full potential:

“Grassroots facilities can make small changes that become big wins. The Impact '25' programme has been hugely beneficial for clubs, in improving toilet & changing rooms facilities and social spaces. At grassroots level, small changes to existing facilities can have a huge impact on participation, for example installing individual shower cubicles into existing communal showers or having a mirror and plug socket in a changing room so you can dry your hair after training or a match. The big question is are clubs facilities fit for purpose and attractive to this uplift in player participation? How are clubs reacting and facilitating this demand? It’s a discussion to be had with various stakeholders.”

We hope the UK Government recognises the record-breaking value of the Red Roses and financially supports this opportunity in women’s sport  - as they did with the Lionesses. Partnerships, sponsorships and funding have played a vital part in shaping women’s rugby as we see it today, and continued investment can allow clubs to plan sustainably for the future.

With the on-field successes being consistently delivered by the Red Roses and all the teams in this year’s record-breaking Rugby World Cup, we are excited to help shape the experience for the next generation of talent.

For more information on our work in Sport and Stadia, please contact Nina Lloyd.

26 September 2025