RFU eyes legacy with Women's Rugby World Cup impact

Rugby World Cup president Deborah Griffin says work is already well underway to ensure the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England has a lasting effect.

Speaking at Richmond Rugby Club, Griffin said: “Legacy programmes are always one of the most important parts of hosting a tournament. And we really wanted to make sure that the work was put in to get the most out of the tournament.”

The RFU has been running its Impact 25 legacy programme since 2022, backed by National Lottery funding.

More than £170 million has been invested into grassroots rugby across the UK, including significant support for women’s and girls’ rugby. Griffin highlighted: “We have been working on our legacy programme Impact 25, we have been working on that for three years and have got another year to go.”

The programme focuses on developing more female coaches and referees, alongside improved community facilities.

Griffin noted the early success: “Along with our partners like National Lottery and others investing in the community game, that is where the success of the tournament will really be felt. Anecdotally, we are already hearing there are more girls and boys joining rugby clubs.”

Griffin emphasised the goal of ensuring the World Cup delivers sustainable growth: “It is all about getting more female coaches, more female referees, we have been investing in facilities.”

She added that the tournament’s impact should inspire future generations long after the final whistle.