Ugo Monye: "This might be the most enjoyable World Cup I’ve worked on"
Monye, who has covered multiple men’s and women’s World Cups, says the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup might be his favourite yet.
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In his role as a pundit and presenter, Ugo Monye has established himself as a leading voice for women’s rugby and gender equality in sport.
Using his platform to champion the women’s game, he consistently highlights the disparities in media coverage, funding, and support compared with men’s rugby.
Last weekend, Monye was in Exeter covering the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, reporting on South Africa vs New Zealand and France vs Ireland, and he was keen to offer his views on all four last eight ties.
"I think we had four unique quarter-finals," he tells TRU. "We’ve not had an upset at this World Cup, but the rugby gods really flirted with the notion of an upset.
“What I love about broadcasting is you do all your prep, you look at history to try and predict what you might see and in both games that I was there to cover with the BBC, it was not entirely what I was expecting.
"For South Africa to be 10-all at half time, I thought 'wow'. Not just the achievement of being 10-all against the world champions, but it just allowed people to engage with the game that much more.
"If it was 30-5 at half-time, it’s very easy just to switch off thinking that the game is done so it just meant more people watched the game for longer which was tremendous."
In the end, New Zealand ran out 46-17 winners and have set up a mouth-watering semi-final against world No. 2 Canada, who thrashed Australia 46-5 in Bristol last weekend.
"Canada came in as the dark horses," Monye continues. "I don’t know in any other sport where the number two side in the world are ever dark horses, but perhaps that unfortunate affiliation with the men’s side - who aren’t a mighty force in rugby - led to that, but they aren't dark horses any more!"
On Sunday, Ireland narrowly fell 18-13 to France, despite a spirited display.
"Ireland, we must remind ourselves, they weren’t here four or five years ago,” Monye says. "To be within a line-out of making it to a semi-final, if that’s not a demonstration of progression, then I don’t know what is. They were sensational. If they scored before half-time, they’d have won the game. Credit to France and their defence."
And France will be England's opponents in Saturday's semi-final after the Red Roses dispatched Scotland 40-8.
"I loved England v Scotland," Monye adds. "It was amazing to see the turnout at Bristol (a sell-out at Ashton Gate). England were ruthless, the back three were fantastic. I thought Holly Aitchison was majestic. The only sadness I have for Scotland is that they have taken a step back with their contract situation”.
All eyes will now turn to this weekend’s semi-finals, but beyond the World Cup spotlight, Monye remains equally committed to developing grassroots rugby, a mission supported by the National Lottery.
“Grassroots is massively important. The National Lottery have been incredible in facilitating it and have been able to provide opportunities for grassroots to really thrive."
Over the past 30 years, The National Lottery has invested more than £6 billion into grassroots clubs and organisations. More than £170 million has been directed to rugby, including vital support for women's and girls’ rugby. Sport England has also committed £11.8 million (2022-2027) directly to women’s and girls’ rugby in England.
"The legacy of this competition, that’s yet to be decided, but of course, you’re hopeful it has a significant impact," Monye says.
"The number one way to convert a fan is by going to a game. The second biggest way is by watching it on TV. Loads of people have gone to rugby and loads of people watch it on TV. What I would say is when the World Cup finishes, tune into the PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby). It’s the best domestic competition on the planet. Tune into it! Boys and girls need to go to their local grassroots rugby club if they want to play as it’s so important."
And the excitement and fervour surrounding the women’s game is set to build once again, beginning with tonight’s blockbuster semi-final between Canada and the Black Ferns.
Despite New Zealand being the reigning world champions, Canada enter with strong momentum, buoyed by a dramatic 27-27 draw against the Black Ferns in the Pacific Four Series earlier this year.
"There’s an incredible amount of jeopardy in Friday night’s game," Monye previews. "The second-best team in the world against the best tournament team that the women’s game has ever seen.
"The Black Ferns have only ever lost twice in the history of World Cups. What a privilege to be there, I’m beyond excited. It’s huge. Anyone that likes sport, that likes rugby, tune in Friday night as you’ll see a huge game of rugby. It’s hard to bet against a team that never loses."
One New Zealand supporter hoping their team’s remarkable World Cup record continues is Black Ferns star Ruby Tui, who has been working alongside Monye for the BBC after missing out on selection for the tournament.
Her energy and enthusiasm on the coverage has not gone unnoticed by Monye.
“She’s been great! She’s been one of the finds of the World Cup. She’s got a big personality and great energy. She’s a superstar, but her detailed analysis is fantastic. Anna Caplice [former Ireland international], talk about energy, wow! Love her. She’s been amazing, and I’ve been lucky with the team I’ve got to work with."
Reflecting on his own career covering six World Cups, three men’s and three women’s, Monye admits this one has been a standout.
“I’ve been fortunate to cover six World Cups now (three men, three women). This might be the most enjoyable World Cup I’ve worked on.
"It’s just been really nice. I don’t want to undersell it, but it has. The demographic is different. There’s a different feel to it. The rugby has been great and engaging. I’ve loved the noise, the energy, it’s been a privilege."
