Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy arrives in Exeter

Leading figures involved in organising the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 met in Exeter for a visit of the tournament trophy to the city.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be the biggest ever global celebration of women’s rugby and sport.

It is expected to play a central role in empowering change, enriching communities, championing gender equity and inspiring a new generation of players.

As the countdown continues to the global tournament arriving in Exeter next year, the city’s main train station was temporarily renamed ExeTRY St David’s.

Bindu Arjoon, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, was among those welcoming the Women’s World Cup trophy to Exeter.

She said: “It was fantastic to see the trophy and meet some of those involved in organising the tournament. There’s less than a year to go now and a lot of work is taking place to ensure that it is a major success and leaves a lasting legacy both here in Exeter and elsewhere around the country.

“There’s no doubt that the Women’s Rugby World Cup will have a major impact for our city, and most importantly it will boost participation in sport and physical activity, particularly for women and girls. I am very much looking forward to this great event coming to Exeter in 2025.”

Also in attendance were Maggie Alphonsi MBE, former England Rugby player and World Cup winner, Shaunagh Brown, former England Rugby player and WRWC finalist in 2021, Sarah Massey, Managing Director of WRWC 2025 and Tony Rowe CBE, Chief Executive of Exeter Chiefs and Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living.

Cllr Wood said: “The Women’s Rugby Cup will leave a great legacy for Exeter and will put the city in the global spotlight. It will encourage more women and girls to get involved in all types of physical activity, leading to a healthier and happier city, which is a key priority for the Council.

“It was great to see the trophy in Exeter today and I can’t wait for the matches at Sandy Park next year. The countdown to this historic event is well and truly on.”

The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 is coming to England in August 2025 and is set to be the biggest yet.

With thrilling matches and unforgettable moments guaranteed across the length and breadth of the country, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be the unmissable event of next year.

Exeter will host the following teams: France, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, and Canada, as well as quarter finals matches at Sandy Park.

More than 130,000 tickets have been sold for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 so far via pre-sale.

• Ticket applications for all matches are open until 19 November – and everyone is welcome to apply. Fans can secure their tickets now through the only official website tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.