By the time the opening whistle blows at the Stadium of Light on 22 August, the O2 Women’s Rugby juggernaut will already have roared into town — complete with fireworks, flag bearers, and a full-blown fan revolution in tow.
In a move that fuses long-standing loyalty with timely ambition, O2 has officially partnered with World Rugby for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, securing top billing as the presenting partner of the tournament’s blockbuster opening show.
O2 customers are set for a front-row seat to history — literally. Thanks to Priority, the mobile giant’s award-winning loyalty scheme, fans will enjoy exclusive access to tickets for all 32 matches and a host of unforgettable experiences, including the once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk the pitch as a flag bearer.
All of which underscores a single, bold message: O2 Women’s Rugby is not here to make up the numbers — it’s here to lead the charge.
And what a charge it promises to be. Over six weeks, the best players on the planet will collide in stadiums across England, but before any ball is kicked, O2 will deliver an “unmissable” curtain-raiser in Sunderland — a show that’s still under wraps but tipped to be as thrilling as the action that follows. The artist reveal is on its way, but the spectacle is already locked in.
Behind the glitz lies a deeper mission. This partnership marks the latest milestone in O2’s well-documented crusade for gender parity in sport. The brand made headlines in 2021 as the first to pledge equal investment in the men’s and women’s games — a pledge that’s now shaping the landscape of O2 Women’s Rugby in real time.
Gareth Griffiths, Virgin Media O2’s Director of Partnerships and Sponsorship, put it plainly:
“O2 has been side by side with England Rugby since 1995 and we could not be prouder of everything we have achieved together over the past 30 years.
Our Wear the Rose campaign continues to rally the nation in support of the sport and has enabled us to bring the game into the lives of millions more people via Priority from O2.”
He added: “The new partnership with World Rugby will see O2 continue to champion the women’s game every step of the way this summer and help connect fans like never before.”
And connect they will. Through its digital platforms, O2 promises to supercharge the fan experience, ensuring no try, tackle or tear goes unseen.
Expect bold campaigns, interactive content, and that all-important sense of being part of something bigger than the game itself.
Sarah Massey, Managing Director of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, knows what’s at stake:
“O2’s long-standing commitment to English rugby is undeniable, and we’re delighted to have them on board for what will be a record-breaking tournament here in England,” she said.
“With powerful personalities on the pitch and unmissable action in every match, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be more than a tournament — it will be a nationwide celebration of the sport. Together with O2, we’re excited to connect fans to the stories and the energy that will define this historic event.”
This isn’t just a sporting showcase; it’s a seismic shift. As a joint effort between World Rugby and the Rugby Football Union, backed by UK Government funding, the 2025 tournament aims to leave a lasting legacy — not only in terms of packed stadiums but in meaningful opportunities for women and girls in sport.
O2’s work with the Women’s Sport Trust since 2023 has already yielded record-breaking results, from boosting the visibility of the Red Roses to drawing unprecedented crowds to Twickenham.
And now, with fewer than 100 days to go, the countdown has taken on a life of its own. Over 300,000 tickets have been snapped up — more than double the entire attendance of the last World Cup in New Zealand.
O2 Women’s Rugby isn’t waiting for change — it’s making it happen.
Tickets for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup are available now at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.
