2025 Marks a Watershed Year for English Women's Sport with Major Rugby and Football Triumphs
In 2025, English women's sport achieved landmark success with England winning major trophies in both rugby and football. The Red Roses clinched the Rugby World Cup, while the Lionesses triumphed in the UEFA Women's Euros, collectively marking a pivotal year for women’s sports in England.
The Rugby World Cup final attracted an attendance of 81,885, with the total tournament attendance reaching 441,356. The BBC reported a peak audience of 5.8 million for the final, making it the most-watched women’s rugby union match on UK television and the second-most attended Rugby World Cup final overall. Premiership Women’s Rugby also saw a surge in interest, with attendances rising by 70.5% in the opening six rounds. Over 40,000 tickets have been sold for England’s Twickenham opener against Ireland. Currently, England holds an impressive 33-match winning streak. Grassroots rugby participation grew significantly, increasing from 25,000 to 40,000 women players over five years. The success has attracted New Zealand players to England’s league, including Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, with Ruahei Demant joining Bristol Bears.
In football, Arsenal Women won the UEFA Champions League after defeating Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon. The Women’s Super League (WSL) experienced a rise in average attendance from 28,776 last season to 36,214. The Lionesses’ Euros triumph was celebrated with a massive homecoming, as 65,000 fans gathered outside Buckingham Palace. Wembley Stadium hosted England’s 8-0 victory over China, while 20,252 attended the 2-0 win against Ghana in Southampton. Football participation in England increased by 5% following the tournament, with a 196% surge in searches for female playing opportunities the day after the final. Additionally, the number of female coaches rose by 12% and female referees increased by 29%. The Women’s Super League aims to be the most distinctive, competitive, and entertaining league in the world while maintaining strong local fan connections to minimize travel and nurture player development. Discussion also surrounds the implications of multi-club ownership in women’s football.
In golf, Charley Hull reached a career-high world ranking of fifth, the highest ever achieved by an Englishwoman since rankings began in 2006.
The remarkable achievements in 2025 demonstrate a transformative period for women’s sport in England, with unprecedented attention, participation, and success fueling momentum across rugby, football, and golf.
