South West stadiums to host Rugby World Cup 2025

Sandy park in Exeter has been named among eight venues across England to host the women’s 2025 Rugby World Cup.

A mix of rugby and football stadiums will stage matches, with 82,000-seater Twickenham earmarked for the final.

Sandy Park has been picked alongside Salford Community Stadium in Manchester and Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton.

Meanwhile, Bristol’s Ashton Gate, Brighton’s Amex Stadium, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and the York Community Stadium are the football grounds.

The tournament will run from 22 August until 27 September 2025.

Canada, England, France and New Zealand have already qualified for Rugby World Cup 2025 after finishing in the top four of RWC 2021, with the remaining positions to be filled via World Rugby’s new women’s international 15s tournament, WXV, and regional competitions in 2024.

“Following the record-breaking success of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, women’s rugby has built an incredibly strong foundation and as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, RWC 2025 is set to take the game to the next level as the biggest celebration of women’s rugby with fans and players very much at its heart,” said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with all our partners as we strive to deliver a world-class and historic event that will leave a lasting legacy, both in England and around the world as we aim to inspire millions of new players and fans and continue to grow the game we love.”

Sue Day, RFU chief operating officer and chief finance officer, added: “Through our continued investment in the women’s game, the Red Roses have already inspired a new generation of girls and boys to play rugby. Our home World Cup will further accelerate this growth and our continued partnership with World Rugby and the UK Government will support our aim to make that happen.”

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