Rugby Football Union Celebrates Impact ’25: A Transformational Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Legacy Programme

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) marked a significant milestone today as it celebrated the launch of Impact ’25, a groundbreaking legacy program aimed at revolutionizing women’s rugby in England and the home nations. With £12.13 million already committed by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Impact ’25 is set to pave the way for a new era of inclusivity and growth in the sport.

Impact ’25, a partnership between the RFU, UK Government, Sport England, and UK Sport, is poised to bring about substantial improvements in facilities and opportunities for females across all levels of the game. With a focus on four key pillars – Facility Development, Coaches and Match Officials, Playing and Volunteering, and Community and Fan Engagement – the program aims to supercharge the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby.

To date, over £3 million has been invested in 655 clubs nationwide, with initiatives ranging from supporting coaches and match officials’ development to upgrading facilities to be more welcoming and inclusive for female players. Additionally, grants have been provided to kick-start U12s activity, aiming to introduce more girls to the sport.

The launch event at North Bristol RFC saw the gathering of stakeholders from rugby, politics, and women’s sport, including England Rugby Women’s players Amber Reed and Sarah Bern, Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi, and former Lioness Fara Williams. The event featured various activities, including girls’ rugby sessions and refereeing workshops, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering participation and inclusivity.

The ultimate goal of Impact ’25 is to accelerate the growth of women’s rugby, with the RFU aiming to reach 100,000 female players by 2027. With the Red Roses currently ranked as the number one team in the world and participation numbers on the rise, the program comes at a pivotal moment for the sport.

Looking ahead to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, set to kick off in Sunderland on 22 August 2025, Impact ’25 promises to be a game-changer for women’s participation across the sport. With ambitions to break attendance records and inspire a new generation of fans, the tournament and its legacy program are poised to leave a lasting impact on communities nationwide.

Commenting on the launch, Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, expressed gratitude to the Government for its commitment to the program, emphasizing the collaborative effort to create a lasting legacy for women’s rugby. Stuart Andrew, Sports Minister, highlighted the program’s role in promoting greater opportunities for women and girls in sport, aligning with the Government’s broader strategy to increase physical activity across the UK.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place at Sport England, emphasized the transformative power of sport for women and girls, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the RFU’s ambitious targets. Meanwhile, players like Sarah Bern and Amber Reed expressed their excitement for the growth of the sport and encouraged others to get involved.

Looking ahead to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the tournament, underscored the significance of Impact ’25 in creating opportunities for women and girls at a grassroots level, setting the stage for a truly historic moment in rugby.

With Impact ’25 already making waves in the rugby community, the countdown to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is on, promising to be a celebration of women’s rugby like never before. As the program continues to gather momentum, the RFU and its partners are paving the way for a brighter future for the sport, one where inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence reign supreme.