World Rugby is rolling out “Impact Beyond 2025,” a game-changing initiative that’s all about harnessing the buzz from the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 to drive positive, long-lasting change in the world of women’s rugby.
Think of it not just as a tournament but as a movement set to uplift, empower, and redefine the future of the sport.
At the heart of the plan are three main goals: to boost the sport’s visibility and draw more players, to open up more career paths and promote gender equity, and to enhance skills across the board.
Each goal comes packed with strategic initiatives that are designed to keep the spirit of the 2025 World Cup alive and kicking for years to come.
A key highlight is the Rugby Rising Play program, which is turning heads by drawing more teenage girls into rugby.
It’s more than just learning to pass and tackle; it’s about creating a supportive community that lives and breathes the core values of rugby.
Already, a pilot program has introduced rugby to over 5,300 girls across various regions, sparking a growing interest in the sport.
The initiative is also creating waves in career development, aiming to weave more women into the fabric of the rugby world.
From networking opportunities to a groundbreaking Women’s Player Learning Portal developed with the International Rugby Players Association, the plan is to set up women to thrive both on and off the field.
On the capability front, the initiative is all about strengthening the know-how within World Rugby’s member unions.
This push will reach a high point at the Women’s Rugby Global Summit during RWC 2025, where ideas and expertise will flow freely, inspiring new strategies and collaborations.
Sir Bill Beaumont, Chairman of World Rugby, captured the essence of what’s at stake:
“Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 England will be an era-defining moment for the game.
Not simply because it will be the biggest celebration of women’s rugby ever, but because it will change the game.
“Our ambitious Impact Beyond 2025 programme will harness the incredible momentum of the tournament to guide strong and sustainable growth across all areas of the women’s game, a focus that will grow the game as a whole.
We look forward to implementing the global Impact Beyond 2025 plan in partnership with our membership to create a tangible, targeted legacy.”
Echoing his sentiments, Sally Horrox, World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby, pointed out the timeliness of these efforts: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be an era-defining celebration of rugby, as well as a catalyst for participation, economic and fan growth.
Women and girls represent the most addressable opportunity to spearhead the growth of rugby and make a positive impact across the wider game and wider society.
“The time to act is now, and we are looking forward to working with unions and regions to implement initiatives that will strengthen the game on and off the field.”
Moreover, the collaboration with ChildFund as the Social Impact Partner is set to continue making waves.
The Pass It Back program, funded by RWC 2025 ticket sales and donations, aims to empower young people and promote gender equality through rugby.
Together with the RFU’s Impact ‘25, a robust domestic legacy program bolstered by significant government funding, World Rugby’s plans are set to dramatically boost female participation in the sport, targeting an ambitious goal of 100,000 female players by 2027.
To make a donation, visit www.childfundrugby.org/rwc2025/.