Excitement builds ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

As the world gears up for the start of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 this week, so does Exeter – with the launch of the official city centre fan zone at Princesshay this Friday 22 August, kicking off with the opening match between England and USA.

Awarded to Princesshay earlier this year, the fan zone is the only one of its kind in the city and will provide a place where fans can come together to enjoy live coverage of every match on a big screen, including those hosted at Sandy Park.

Spectators will be able to choose from bean bags, deck chairs and picnic benches, while refreshments will be available at the onsite Bloom Bar. Nearby, street food stalls and popular Princesshay restaurants will provide plenty of options for hungry rugby fans.

Hannah Overton, Marketing and Commercialisation Manager at Princesshay, said: “We’re so excited to see the tournament begin on Friday. This is a big moment for Princesshay, the city of Exeter and women’s sport. We’re proud to host a space that’s free, accessible and open to everyone to come together and enjoy the atmosphere and excitement.”

Match days will also feature a host of rugby-themed activities for visitors. Full details can be found at princesshay.co.uk/news-whats-on/fanzone .

While fans enjoy the city centre atmosphere, the on-pitch action kicks off in the South West on Saturday 23 August, when France face Italy at Sandy Park in Exeter (kick-off 20:15). The tournament will also see games staged at Bristol’s Ashton Gate, with both venues well connected by rail for supporters travelling in.

Sandy Park is served by Digby & Sowton and Newcourt stations, with half-hourly GWR services running from Exeter St Davids and Exmouth for the opening match. Ashton Gate can be reached via Parson Street station in Bristol.

With thousands of supporters expected, GWR is advising passengers to allow extra time and check live updates before setting off. Stations will be particularly busy before and after games. Fans travelling from further afield should also be aware that CrossCountry services will be reduced from 23–25 August due to industrial action, while South Western Railway has made timetable changes because of speed restrictions on the Exeter route.

Women's Rugby World Cup - South West fixtures

Sandy Park, Exeter

• Sunday 31 August – New Zealand v Japan (14:00), France v Brazil (16:45)

• Saturday 6 September – Canada v Scotland (12:00), Wales v Fiji (14:45)

• Saturday 13 September – Quarter Final 1 (12:30)

• Sunday 14 September – Quarter Final 3 (12:30)

Ashton Gate, Bristol

• Saturday 13 September – Quarter Final 2 (16:00)

• Sunday 14 September – Quarter Final 4 (16:00)

• Friday 19 September – Semi Final 1 (19:00)

• Saturday 20 September – Semi Final 2 (15:30)